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Before you go
Your trip to Hanalei.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Hanalei – Hawaii Destination Kauai (United States): Lihue (Līhuʻe); Hanalei; Waimea about 175 km from Honolulu
How to get there
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Lihue Airport (LIH) Līhuʻe · 50 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Lihue, take Route 56 to Princeville and then Route 560, which descends into the Hanalei Valley over a single‑lane bridge: about 50 km and one hour by car. The island bus reaches the village; to Hāʻena there is a separate reservation bus.
How many days
Two days for the bay, the village and Hāʻena with the trail to Hanakāpīʻai. With three days there’s time to paddle the Hanalei River and visit other north beaches.
When to go
From May to September, when the sea is calm and there is less rain. From November to March there is more rain and big waves arrive, good for watching surf but bad for swimming. After storms the road can close from valley flooding.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Helpful for getting to and around the north coast, but for Hāʻena many visitors prefer the reservation bus, which avoids the competition for parking. Drive on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Hanalei
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Morning
Hāʻena and the Kalalau Trail
Take the bus or use the reserved parking in Hāʻena, hike to Hanakāpīʻai and return for snorkeling at Kēʻē.
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Afternoon
Hanalei Bay
Return to the village, walk along the bay to the pier and stay for sunset.
2 days in Hanalei
Day 1
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All day
Hāʻena
Trail to Hanakāpīʻai and Kēʻē Beach.
Day 2
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All day
Hanalei
Morning paddling on the Hanalei River, beach and pier in the afternoon.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is Hanalei far from Lihue airport?
About 50 km, roughly an hour’s drive along the east and north coast.
How do you get from Hanalei to Hāʻena?
Via Route 560, about 12 km, with narrow bridges. Visitors need a parking reservation or the park bus to enter.
Does it rain a lot in Hanalei?
The north coast receives more rain than the south, especially from November to March. In summer the days tend to be drier.
What is the Hanalei bridge?
A narrow single‑lane bridge over the Hanalei River at the village entrance. Cars wait their turn in groups.