Hanalei

Hanalei is a census-designated place (CDP) and historic coastal village on the north shore of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, in Kauai County. It sits at the mouth of the Hanalei River along the crescent-shaped sands of Hanalei Bay, near the town of Princeville. The surrounding valley is used for taro cultivation and is irrigated by the river, forming the Hanalei Valley inland from the coast. The area lies near the Na Pali Coast, with dramatic cliffs rising to the west and a tropical climate that supports lush vegetation year round.

The area was settled by Native Hawaiians long before Western contact, with taro farming and fishing central to life. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hanalei developed as a local hub for agriculture and trade. The arrival of Europeans and later tourists transformed the local economy, and today Hanalei is known for its scenic beauty as a tourist destination as well as a residential community.

Today, the economy is dominated by tourism and small-scale farming in the valley. The bay and river attract visitors for swimming, kayaking, and surfing on the north shore, while nearby trails and the Na Pali Coast offer hiking and boating opportunities. The community preserves historic and cultural landscapes, including the taro fields and traditional farming practices that remain in the valley. The climate is tropical, with a wet season that brings heavier rain at times but generally mild temperatures year-round.