Kauai North Shore - Hanalei & Princeville

Island of Kauai

What To See - Hanalei

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The Hanalei Bridge is one of seven one-way bridges that connect Hanalei and Ha`ena State Beach Park (the end of the road). The bridge was originally built in 1912 and underwent a renovation in 2003. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Remember when driving across this or any other oneway bridge that proper road rules apply.

When the Hanalei River reaches six feet or above, the bridge will close. Be aware of this fact during periods of heavy rains, especially if you’re staying in Ha`ena and need to get to town or if you’re planning on spending the day in Ha`ena.

Hanalei Valley

This 917-acre Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1972 to protect endangered Native Hawaiian waterbirds, including the Hawaiian stilt, coot, moorhen, and duck. Over 45 species of birds call the refuge home. You won’t be able to find mammals or reptiles in the refuge, but the Hawaiian hoary bat is rumored to have a presence there. The Hanalei River flows through this area and it is also home to most of Hawai`i’s taro farming. Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public but can be viewed from theHanalei Valley Scenic Overlook.

Hanalei Valley Scenic Overlook Drive is north along Kuhio Highway (Highway 56). The Hanalei Valley Scenic Overlook is across the street from the Princeville Shopping Center. This area offers incredible views of the valley and taro farms below. The different shades of green and the taro patches look like a patchwork quilt from above. You can also catch amazing views of the mountains that back the valley. Bring your binoculars, for you might be able to catch a glimpse of the native birds that live in the Hanalei National
Wildlife Refuge.

Hanalei Pier

Hanalei Pier. In the early 1900s, Hawai`i was one of the largest rice producers in the country, with towns like Hanalei and Wailoi leading the way. The Hanalei Pier was originally built in 1892 and extended in 1912, responding to the need to transport rice grown in nearby Hanalei Valley.
It was one of the main ports on the island until 1933, when Nawiliwili Harbor was established. Since then, it was used primarily as a recreational pier where locals would come to fish. The pier shot to fame in 1957 when it was featured in South Pacific.

The Hanalei River was designated an American Heritage River by President Bill Clinton in 1998.

Waioli Hui`ia Church, Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, 808-826- 6253. This area is a National Register Historic District. In 1921, three granddaughters of Hanalei Missionaries Abner and Lucy Wilcox restored the meeting hall that was originally built between 1837 and 1841. The Waioli Hui`ia Hawaiian Church choir still sings hymns in the Hawaiian language, which is remarkable to hear. Sunday Services are held at 10 am and are a must, even if you’re not terribly religious. It’s the green church on Kuhio Highway next to the soccer fields.

Waioli Mission House, Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, 808- 245-3202. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. Closed on major holidays. Admission is free. Located right behind the Waioli Hui`ia Church, this former missionary home and the surrounding grounds give you a glimpse of what life was like in that era. The home was built in 1837. The
house has been restored and contains furnishings and plants from that era. You can just walk in and you’ll be greeted by a guide who will show you around the property.

Hariguchi Rice Mill, 808-651-3399, 5-5070 Kuhio Hwy Hanalei www.haraguchiricemill.org. Office hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Tours are held only on Saturdays at 8 am. Admission $65. The Haraguchi Rice Mill is the only remaining rice mill in Hawai`i. The mill dates to the 1880s. It is on the W.T. Haraguchi Farm in the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about Hawai`i’s agriculture and cultural history, view endangered native waterbirds, and explore the cultivation and uses of taro. Then have a picnic lunch featuring items prepared with taro grown on the farm. Tours include a sandwich or a smoothie (you can opt for the tasty Polynesian Papaya Kooler). In 1983, the Haraguchi family formed a onprofit organization to restore the mill. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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