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Honky Tonk Surf Towns: Hanalei Bay, Hawaii

May 30, 2008 at 1:00 PM | by | Comments (3)

Hanalei Bay is a two-mile crescent shaped epitome of a surf town on the north shore of Kauai. It features a low-key attitude, great surf during the winter months and that all-important picturesque setting. There are even lifeguards to keep you safe after even the most gnarly wipeout. (Maybe that's why our readers love it so much?)

If you work up an appetite from all the surfing and sun, check out the nearby taro plantations. The starchy Hawaiian vegetable is a staple for islanders, though cooked up as poi, it doesn't always impress visitors.

The Hanalei Wake-Up Cafe has more mainland fare. The walls are covered with pictures of great and not so great surfers, and plastic chairs and an outdoor balcony make this place an ideal hole-in-the-wall breakfast spot. We recommend the Over the Falls French Toast, but get there early as the place closes by 11:30 am.

Finally, check out the Princeville Resort if you need somewhere to stay. Even when surrounded by stunning ocean views, who doesn't love an infinity pool?

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Related Stories:
· Princeville Resort [Official Site]
· Hanalei Wake-Up Cafe [Yelp]
· Honkey Tonk Surf Towns coverages [Jaunted]

[Photo: iShot71]



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Awesome

I was just there for my sister's wedding back in March and it was gorgeous.  Totally laid back without the crazy tourist atmosphere.  Even if you don't do the surfing or even the beach thing, there is still TONS of hiking to do and if photography is your thing, there is enough scenic spots of all types on the island it can keep you busy for days on end.

Highly recommended if you want to experience a more quiet Hawaii.  Oh, and Princeville is about 45 min. away from the airport but it has most of the amenities you want close by without it seeming like a resort and is a nice place to stay.


Additional info

As a heads up, the Princeville Resort is closing after summer for a 9 month renovation, to reopen as St. Regis.

There's also a new hotel, the Westin, which we had a chance to visit.  I posted quite a few photos.

In summer, when the ocean is flat at Hanalei, it is one of the world's best swimming beaches.  

Aloha, Jeff
http://beatofhawaii.com


Hawaii is Paradise!

It doesn't really matter if you stay in a Luxury Hawaii Hotels or a Discount Hawaii Hotels, what matters is the location! But honestly, anywhere in Hawaii is paradise!!!