Residential Hanalei is set in the Namolokama Mountain foothills, around a long fishing inlet, lush valley floor and the smooth arch of Hanalei Bay’s gentle waters. “Hanalei is the kind of place where you actually don’t even need a car,” says Neal Norman of Hawaii Life, recognized in 2023 as the #1 Realtor in Hawaii. “Everything is within a five to 10-minute walk; from food trucks to great coffee shops as well as amazing watersports from kite surfing to snorkeling to fishing. It’s all accessible on foot or bike. And in a world where people are often stuck in traffic, this a place where you might not get in your car for days at a time.”
Hanalei is famous for its beautiful crescent-shaped bay and sandy beaches.
Hanalei offers a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle amidst stunning natural scenery.
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From Black Pot Beach to Hanalei Pier
One of only a few Kauai beaches without a Hawaiian name, Black Pot Beach was long ago the site of a large black pot used to cook fish for celebrations. Residents come here to cast a line, relax under shade trees on open grassland, or wade into the reef-protected waters. They surf or kayak their way down-river to the shore, or meander on foot through robust greenery to the lifeguarded Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park to fish from the peaceful Hanalei Pier and take in the view of mountain slopes. The park offers a large pavilion, showers, restrooms, and barbecue areas.
Hanalei, HI, captures the essence of paradise.
Hanalei is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including lush green mountains beaches
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Condos and mansions in Hanalei
Homes with broad tawny or cream-colored roofs line breezy streets just steps from the water. They’re joined by sizable contemporary homes with balconies and sunny lanais on Hanalei Bay. These go for anywhere from $4.15 million to $9 million, though listings are few and far between. Condos and the rare vacation rental further inland sell for about $750,000, while custom newly built mansions just a short stroll from the ocean or Hanalei Town sell for $23 to $24 million.
Hanalei's real estate market attracts both local buyers and international investors.
Hanalei's real estate market is highly sought after for its picturesque surroundings.
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Visiting Hanalei’s cultural community center
Helicopter tours and fishing charters aside, land-based local events from water-sport gear swaps to live music can be found throughout town. Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei—the town’s cultural community center and education hub—has hosted events for community members of all ages since its conception in 1993. The center’s year-round farmers market fills visitor’s bags with locally grown produce from North Shore farmers, as well as fresh-prepared foods and artisan wares. Hale Hawaii also hosts a team of locals to participate in the Kaua’i branch of The Charity Walk, Hawai’i’s largest single-day fundraising event hosted by a nonprofit organization.
Hanalei's laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it a welcoming destination for tourists.
Hanalei Bay offers excellent opportunities for surfing, paddleboarding, and boating.
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Lunch at Bar Acuda and shopping Hanalei Center
Residents frequent Hanalei Center and the rest of quaint Hanalei Town to find surf gear, local art and jewelry, along with a convenient roster of professional services in Hanalei Town from salons to bike repair shops to dentists. To dig into barbecue at a longstanding family-owned mainstay, locals head to Chicken in a Barrel on Kuhio Highway. Hanalei Bread Company is an open-air, country porch-style eatery that looks out over Hanalei Center’s whimsical collection of shops; it’s also a top pick for coffee and pre-packed picnic lunches. “Bar Acuda is the locals’ favorite restaurant in Hanalei,” Norman says, “for high-end tapas-style food. And their sister restaurant, AMA, serves amazing Asian-inspired noodle dishes. There’s also The Barn 808. It’s a really cool store owned by a famous musician-surfer, Donovan Frankenreiter; and it’s the town’s pick to find interesting, rare and small-producer wares... At Hanalei Strings, you'll find hand-made ukeleles from $100 to $5,000 crafted from solid Koa wood with abalone inlay.” Locals also appreciate the Big Save Market near the lantern-decorated, walkable Ching Young Village Shopping Center.
The Hanalei Community Center hosts cultural events, showcasing the town's vibrant community.
Hanalei Center is home to several stunning dining options.
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Attending schools near Hanalei
Public-school students can start their journey at Hanalei Elementary School for kindergarten through sixth grade; the school earns a B-plus from Niche. They head on to Kapaa Middle School and Kapaa High School, which earn a C-plus and another B-plus, respectively. Incoming classes at Kapaa High pick their own mascots and display them at class competitions and assemblies.
Hanelei Elementary School is the only public school in town.
Kapaa High School fosters a supportive and vibrant learning environment.
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Getting around Kauai from Hanalei
Though Hanalei Town and the beaches are accessible on foot for residents, they take Kuhio Highway to traverse the perimeter of Kauai. The Hawaii Department of Transportation keeps an updated list of lane closures for this main thoroughfare so that residents can plan ahead. Save for helicopter tours at Princeville Airport, the access point for the island is Lihue Airport, about 30 miles from Hanalei Bay. In case of an emergency, Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital is 22 miles around the bend from Hanalei in Kapa’a.
Buying real estate in Hanalei often means investing in a unique, serene lifestyle.
Hanalei offers many high-quality dining options.
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Local efforts to support the Hanalei community
Hale Halawai ‘Ohana O Hanalei is currently implementing a sub-grant program for flood mitigation efforts throughout Hanalei and beyond. The organization’s farmers market also accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to ensure everyone has access to fresh food.
Hanalei Town is dotted with quaint shops and boutiques, offering a unique shopping experience.
Hanalei's Hanalei Beach Park is a popular spot for picnics, beach volleyball, and gatherings.
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Written By
Emma Downes
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Donna Rice,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Hanalei, HI sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Hanalei, HI over the last 12 months is $1,665,807, down 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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