THINGS TO DO
Discover Princeville
From surf breaks to scenic trails, explore the best things to do during your stay at Hanalei Bay Resort.
Our front desk team is happy to share the best spots to eat, explore, and enjoy in Princeville.
Daily Activities
Want the inside scoop on today’s happenings? Text us at (808) 201-0778 and our front desk team will fill you in!
Monday
8:00am – Ornament Making - Reservations Required $25 Per Person
9:00am – Lei Making & Hula - Reservations Required $25 Per Person
Tuesday
9:45am – Koi Fish Feeding - Main Lobby
12:30pm - 1:30pm – Shave Ice - Main Pool
Wednesday
9:45am – Koi Fish Feeding - Main Lobby
Thursday
8:00am – Yoga - Reservations Required $25 Per Person
9:45am – Koi Fish Feeding - Main Lobby
Friday
9:45am – Koi Fish Feeding - Main Lobby
Saturday
9:00am – 12:00pm - Hanalei Farmer's Market
Sunday
Lawn Games for Family Fun available at Upper Lawn Gazebo
Beaches, Bites & Beyond
Make the most of your Kauai getaway with our hand-picked highlights—whether you’re here to shop seaside boutiques, savor fresh island cuisine, soak up iconic sights, or dive into unforgettable activities. Here’s where to start your adventure.
Eat & Drink
Welina
If you want a 'wow' dining experience, this is it! Incredible views overlooking Hanalei Bay and Mount Makana. Enjoy their Japanese-inspired menu with sushi and craft cocktails. Most nights you can also enjoy live music for a modern, romantic atmosphere. The sunset is seriously one of the best views on the island!
Happy Talk Lounge
Located right onsite at Hanalei Bay Resort, our Happy Talk Lounge is the perfect open-air dining with panoramic mountain and bay views. Enjoy live music nightly in a casual but memorable setting. Great for sunset drinks and relaxed dinners!
Tiki Iniki
Come for the fun tropical tiki restaurant vibes, stay for the Asian-Pacific fusion dishes. This restaurant is more casual but still very memorable. Featuring classic tiki décor and cocktails in a lively atmosphere. This would be a great spot for groups or a fun dinner night.
Saenz Ohana Breakfast
This is probably the BEST true breakfast spot in Princeville. A family-run, small and cozy spot to enjoy Hawaiian-style breakfast plates with huge portions. You won't get a touristy feel at this local spot. Pro tip: go early — they sell out and hours can be limited.
See & Snap
Hanalei Pier
Exploring Hanalei Pier is a must when visiting Kauai’s North Shore. Stretching into the calm waters of Hanalei Bay, the historic pier offers stunning views of emerald mountains, golden sand, and endless ocean horizons.
Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
Dramatic emerald cliffs rising straight from the ocean, this is one of the most jaw-dropping coastlines in the world. The Na Pali Coast State Park is accessible by hiking (Kalalau Trail), boat tours, or helicopter views. Even just seeing the coastline from viewpoints or tours is unforgettable.
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
The Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning oceanfront lookout with a historic lighthouse and panoramic views. Enjoy cliffside scenery overlooking crashing waves with a chance to see seabirds, dolphins, and sometimes whales in action. Easy stop with major photo opportunities!
Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)
One of the most breathtaking beaches on Kauai, Tunnels Beach is known for its dramatic backdrop of the Nā Pali mountains rising straight behind the shoreline. This spot is popular for snorkeling in calm summer conditions. The contrast between turquoise water, lush green cliffs, and golden sand makes this one of the most photogenic places on the island.
Shop & Stroll
Princeville Center
The heart of Princeville’s shopping scene. This walkable shopping hub is lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, and cafés. Guests can browse beachwear, handmade jewelry, local artwork, and unique home décor—all with ocean breezes and island vibes.
Hanalei Center
Hanalei Center is a small cluster of great boutiques. One boutique to check out is Hula Beach Clothing for a local-feeling shop with fun aloha wear. Another boutique to shop is the Yellowfish Trading Co. where you can fin intage surf style and unique pieces.
Bikini Hanalei
This is a small, locally owned boutique specializing in swimwear — but it feels more like a curated beach lifestyle shop than a typical swimsuit store. It’s run by longtime Hanalei locals, and the staff is known for helping you find suits that actually fit your body type well. Many visitors mention the personalized service as a highlight.
The Barn 808
It feels less like a store and more like walking into someone’s super stylish island home. Everything is intentionally chosen, and you’ll notice lots of texture, natural materials, and laid-back luxury pieces. The boutique was founded by musician/surfer Donavon Frankenreiter and his wife Petra, and the shop reflects their travel-inspired lifestyle and love of design.
Play & Explore
Puu Poa Beach Trail
A lovely coastal walk from a parking area on Hanalei Plantation Road that leads to Puu Poa Beach, a quieter crescent of golden sand perfect for beach strolling, swimming (when calm), and views of Hawaii’s north shore.
Whale Watching, Anini Fishing Charters
Small‑boat whale watching, snorkeling, and fishing tours out of Anini Beach north of Princeville. Good for families and groups; being a smaller vessel can mean more flexible stops and opportunities to see these majestic creatures.
Surfing at Cannons at Ha‘ena Beach
Ride one of the most powerful reef breaks in Kauai. Best in solid northwest swells and typically for experienced surfers. Waves here can be strong and fast with reef close to the break.
Princeville Path (Ka Haku Road)
A paved multi‑use trail stretching roughly 2.5 miles through Princeville with lovely ocean views — great for walking, jogging, or cycling.
Farmers Market
Saturdays 9:00 to 12:00
From vibrant produce to handmade treats, discover the best of our local growers and artisans—just minutes from Hanalei Bay Resort. Join us in supporting our community—click here for hours and directions and plan your visit this Saturday!
Events
June 13
Celebrate the spirit of aloha at the Kauaʻi King’s Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa, a vibrant tribute to Hawaiian heritage and tradition. Enjoy a lively parade featuring pāʻū riders, marching bands, and beautifully adorned floats, followed by a festive hoʻolauleʻa with live music, hula performances, local food, and cultural demonstrations. It’s a meaningful and family-friendly way to experience the history and heart of Kauaʻi.
June 20
Soak up the island’s creative energy at the Southside Music & Arts Festival. Held in the charming town of Kōloa, this lively event features local artists, delicious food trucks, and live bands, creating the perfect setting to enjoy great music, explore unique crafts, and experience Kauaʻi’s vibrant community spirit.
July 4
4th of July
Celebrate Independence Day in true island style on Kauai, where festive community events and stunning coastal fireworks light up the night. From beachside gatherings to local celebrations across the island, it’s a lively and memorable way to enjoy the holiday with an aloha twist.
September
The Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival is a week-long cultural celebration held each September that honors Hawaiian traditions, especially hula, mele (song), and language. Organized by the Mālie Foundation, the festival brings together hālau hula, musicians, and cultural practitioners from across Hawaiʻi for workshops, craft fairs, and competitions. The event culminates in vibrant hula performances and showcases of original Hawaiian compositions, offering visitors a meaningful look into Kauai’s living cultural heritage.
Trivia
Named After Royalty
Princeville was named in honor of Prince Albert Kamehameha, the son of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. The area was originally a sugar plantation before transforming into the luxury resort community it is today.
Historic Pier
The Hanalei Pier, built in 1892, is now one of the most photographed spots on Kauai and is a popular place for weddings, sunsets, and even movies—it was featured in the 1958 classic film South Pacific. Locals often call it the perfect spot to watch surfers and paddle-boarders glide across the bay while the mountains tower behind.
Secret Waterfalls
While visitors flock to famous spots like Hanalei or Queen’s Bath, Princeville has hidden waterfalls tucked into its lush valleys that are accessible only by hiking or local knowledge. Some even form small natural pools that locals use for a quiet swim.
Princeville’s Mini Stonehenge
There’s a quirky cluster of standing stones near the cliffs that look a bit like a miniature Stonehenge. Locals say it’s mostly decorative landscaping from early resort development, but it’s become a secret photo spot for adventurous travelers.
Come Back to Kauai
A Note from Our General Manager
At Hanalei Bay Resort, we love seeing familiar faces return to soak up the sun, stroll the pier, and discover something new each visit. Whether you’re coming back for another family vacation or a romantic escape, we’d be honored to welcome you home again.
While you’re here, take a moment to browse the carousel below, featuring our sister resorts. We think you’ll enjoy discovering these unique destinations just as much as you love staying at Hanalei Bay Resort.
Reach out anytime—our team is here to make your next stay even more memorable.
Located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles along the Pacific Coast, Capistrano is your idyllic seaside escape.
Let your worries melt away with a soak in our rooftop hot tub with mesmerizing ocean views, enjoy exclusive discounts at select shops on Orange Avenue, or meet fellow guests at our welcome breakfast on Mondays.
Spend your days exploring scenic trails, teeing off on the championship golf courses, or enjoying family-friendly fun at the activity center. At Canyon Rim at Eagle Crest, adventure and relaxation go hand in hand.
Experience a comfortable and convenient stay just one block from the beach at Channel Island Shores, offering Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, beach gear, hot tubs in select suites, and more for your perfect seaside getaway.
Let your worries melt away with a soak in our hot tub with mesmerizing ocean views, enjoy a walk down to the beach, and more for your perfect seaside escape.
Relax in Indio Escape to the heart of the desert at Indian Palms Vacation Club, where your getaway begins the moment you arrive.
Kick back in cozy, condo-style accommodations located within walking distance to Palisades Tahoe and world-class skiing, hiking, and dining.
Feel your worries melt away with a soak in the hot tub, a walk along the Napa River, or while meeting fellow guests at our wine reception on Wednesdays.
Discover the best of Olympic Valley with its unparalleled beauty, breathtaking mountain views, and a wealth of outdoor adventures at your doorstep.
Located on a beautiful tropical hillside alongside the championship Makai Golf Course in Princeville, Makai Club Resort has everything you need to make it your home away from home on Kauai.
From boating and fishing on the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe, to skiing and snowboarding down the mountain slopes, you get to choose your own year-round adventure in Tahoe Vista.
This Palm Springs desert oasis is surrounded by lush gardens and stunning mountain views and features an array of exceptional amenities, including a tennis court, putting green, fitness center, and two sparkling pools for your total relaxation.
Come experience the tranquility and exclusive ambiance of this beloved Del Mar resort neighboring the village. The property is just a block from the beach, offering breathtaking views of the sun setting over the ocean each night.
Kick back in our ocean-view hot tub, grab some free beach gear for sandy adventures just steps away, or cruise through Oceanside with our complimentary bike rentals.
Let your worries melt away as you take a refreshing dip in our pool or unwind in the soothing waters of our jacuzzi, all while basking in the California sun.