Things to do in Hanalei, Hawaii (HI): The Best Outdoor Activities

June 30, 2021 Randal Brittian

The beautiful little town of Hanalei could almost have been designed as a holiday island paradise. Its stunning beach, mountain scenery and its mostly fabulous weather conditions mean that you are going to want to spend most of your holiday outdoors. The bay on which Hanalei is located boasts beautiful white sands. Hanalei beach is perfect for lazing around or taking part in traditional beach games, as well as for enjoying a dip in the clean, warm waters. The conditions are often perfect for surfing, with locals and visitors alike keen to engage. When the water in the bay is rough, there remains an area towards the west of the bay which is reasonably sheltered for bathing. The pier at Hanalei is very important to the culture of the town and is used for fishing, as well as social and musical gatherings. The pier was featured in the musical, South Pacific.Hanalei TownThe small town that is Hanalei is famed for its dedication to Kauai’s island history and culture. Its art galleries contain carvings produced by indigent tribes people from local wood, with many souvenirs available for purchase. The Waioli Mission House and Church date back to the early part of the nineteenth century and were established by Christian missionaries to Kauai from the US mainland. Regular music and celebratory events are held, where you will be given the opportunity to taste poi, a locally produced Hawaiian delicacy. The freedom of your holiday rental will also allow you to sample the local island cuisine at the town’s traditional restaurants.
Restaurants in Hanalei

1. Kauai's North Shore Surfing School

Excellent
91%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Kauai's North Shore Surfing School

Kauai's North Shore Surfing School provides group and private surf lessons in sunny Hanalei Bay. We now offer Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) lessons as well. Contact us today to book your lesson!

2. Na Pali Catamaran

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,632 reviews

Na Pali Catamaran

Experience the Majestic NaPali Coast with two 4 hour tour options daily. “Early Bird" 7:30am-11:30am or "Photo Favorite" 12:30pm-4:30pm. Departing from Hanalei Bay, sightseeing and snorkeling the majestic Na Pali Coast is the experience of a lifetime. Established in 1972, Na Pali Catamaran has a perfect safety score. Our 35' Power Catamaran: the only vessel on Na Pali which offers shade and protection, a bathroom, and freedom to get out of your seat and move around - while still being small enough to enter the coast’s famous lava tube sea caves! Kamahele Kai II is powerful, spacious and comfortable. We commonly have opportunities to introduce you to dolphins, sea turtles and seasonal Humpback whales along the way. Please call or book online now. An experience of a lifetime awaits you!

3. Bali Hai Tours

Excellent
96%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 47 reviews

Bali Hai Tours

Explore the Napali Coast up close with us, and see the untouched beauty of Kauai. Book online

4. Kauai Outrigger Adventures/Free Hanalei Surf Lessons

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 24 reviews

Kauai Outrigger Adventures/Free Hanalei Surf Lessons

Surfing, SUP, bodyboard, outrigger canoe and snorkel sessions and guided trips. Seasonal Napali Coast camping trips are available. All ages, experience levels are welcome, family friendly. For the more advanced skill levels ask about our guided surf trips. Ethan Sage is a Master surf coach for all three global surfing organizations: ASI, ISA, & NSSIA

5. Spearfish Kauai

Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 69 reviews

Spearfish Kauai

Here at spearfish Kauai we invite you to get out with us and experience the world of spearfishing. Whether you have the experience or not , we have you covered. We teach you the fundamentals and skills of this unique sport here in Hawaii. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED ~AGE REQUIREMENT - 10 YRS OLD

6. Freedive Kauai

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Freedive Kauai

Providing Kauai with certified freediving courses and offering a diverse range of classes suited for everyone who is looking to get into the sport of breath hold diving. We teach the fundamentals of the sport of freediving which will help you hold your breath longer, dive deeper and safer. Come learn about the sport of breath hold diving and explore new depths.

7. Napali Coast Hanalei Tours

Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,526 reviews

Napali Coast Hanalei Tours

Na Pali Coast Hanalei Tours has been exploring the Na Pali since 1974. Begin your Na Pali Coast adventure from the beautiful and romantic Hanalei Bay. Let us share old Hawaii with you through stories and legends, enriching your overall tour experience. The Na Pali Coast is only 12-15 minutes from Hanalei, making this the fastest way to the fun. Experience the "UFO 2" the limousine of the catamaran fleet - a sleek, fast, stable and dry 32 foot power catamaran. Our unique design allows our power catamaran to be the only company out of hanalei to get in all the caves ( conditions allowing). Explore secluded beaches, ancient Hawaiian sites, tropical reefs, majestic valleys, sea caves and thousand-foot waterfalls. See where movies like South Pacific, Pirates of the Caribbean, We offer 3 tours per day 7 days a week 2 snorkel tours with lunch and snacks and drinks on the north shore of Hanalei ! Our tours are 4 hours for the snorkel tours and 2 hours for the sight see tours.

8. Holo Holo Charters

Excellent
89%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 740 reviews

Holo Holo Charters

Napali Raft AdventureDeparting out of Hanalei Bay, this is the most fun and efficient way to see the Napali coastline.Check in at Tahiti Nui Restaurant in Hanalei town. From there we shuttle you to the water, where you board a dinghy that takes you to your rigid-hull inflatable raft which is anchored just offshore in the famous Hanalei Bay and the adventure begins! The Napali Coast comes into view just minutes after leaving Hanalei Bay. The dramatic cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and white-sand beaches will have you in awe from the start. Your knowledgeable Captain and crew will share the history and legends of this enchanting area, which was once home to hundreds of Hawaiians.Along the way we will be looking for sea life, including dolphins, turtles, whales (in season), seabirds, and even mountain goats can often be spotted high up on the cliffs. Your Captain will anchor at one of several protected shallow reef areas that are teeming with tropical fish. We provide all of your snorkel gear and instruction so you can get the most out of your adventure.After snorkeling we will take some time to relax and enjoy the magnificent coastline. We provide a tasty sandwich lunch, with chips, soft drinks, juices, water, and cookies for dessert. When you have had your fill, we will make our way back to Hanalei Bay.Both Adventurer II & III are super-fast, modern, rigid-hull inflatable rafts. These comfortable vessels should not be confused with a Zodiac-type rubber raft, they’re made with channeled fiberglass hulls that cut through the waves. The efficient design and twin 225hp outboard motors allow for top speeds up to 30 knots.Both of our Napali rafts are fast and comfortable with forward facing padded seats. Dive ladders and fresh water showers offer the perfect platform for snorkeling. These vessels offer stadium-style, cushioned seating and even an enclosed marine toilet. They are designed for comfort as well as speed and safety.

9. Blak Bear Surf

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Blak Bear Surf

Blak Bear Surf is owned and operated by Kaua'i Local Pro Surf Instructor Teva Dexter. We have been offering Surf Coaching and Lessons for over a decade here in Hanalei Bay and offer all levels of surf instruction. From the first time beginner to visiting traveling surfer. We offer an experience for all. For more info check us at blakbearsurf.com.

10. Kauai By Stephanie

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 193 reviews

Kauai By Stephanie

My services are free to you when you book your tours with me. My job is to save you time and money with my local knowledge ensuring you the best overall experience you could possibly have on your vacation. Enjoy my simple, user-friendly site to explore all the best that Kauai has to offer. Choose your favorites from my online store, then give me a call so I can set you up with the best vacation!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.