STAY

St Regis Princeville

If you want to splurge this is the place to do it.  Gorgeous pool and beach with the backdrop of the Napali Coast.

Airbnb

Get a condo in Princeville or better yet a house walking distance to Hanalei Bay or near Tunnels Beach.



EAT

HANALEI / KILEAUA

Kileaua Fish Market

Delicious fish wrap but get the sauce on the side – they tend to go a little overboard.  Also call in your order ahead of time because they are on island time and can be slow.

Tahiti Nui Restaurant

The food is ok but you really come here for the strong Mai Tais and the local live music.

Bar Acuda

Very good tapas featuring local and seasonal ingredients like North Shore Honeycomb with Humboldt Fog goat cheese and a crisp Fuji apple.

Hanalei Food Trucks

The best way to eat well and not break the bank.  Nice picnic tables here and a liquor store nearby to BYOB.  Trucking Delicious has traditional place lunches and yummy specials like langoustine poke.

Wishing Well Shave Ice

Delicious shave ice with traditional and unusual flavors.

KAPAA

Street Burger

Local beer, beef, and veggie burgers.

Hanai

Gourmet market with amazing fruits you’ve never heard of but should!  My favorite is soursop which is green and spiky on the outside by the white gooey flesh inside tasted like a combination of mango and strawberries.

DO

Sealodge Beach

If you’re staying in Princeville or nearby this tiny sliver of a beach is worth trekking down to.  Go very early to get parking and beat the crowds.

Kauapea Beach aka Secret Beach

The fancy homeowners above this strip of sand don’t want you to know this beach exists but if is indeed a public beach you are welcome to.  The way they keep you out is make it nearly impossible to find parking so be prepared to walk for a bit and bring lots of water.  You might spot some nudies here.

2868 Kalihiwai Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754

Kalalau Trail

11 mile trail from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along a very steep oceanside trail.  Once you get to Kalalau beach it’s another mile or so to Ho’ole’a Falls.  Start very early and pack bug spray, lunch and lots of water.  Don’t go if it’s been raining the day before as it will be very muddy and slippery.

Tunnels Beach and Ke’e Beach

Both stunner with gorgeous mountain views.  Go on a clear day.

Farmers Markets

Hawaii is expensive so do yourself a favor and stock up on delicious local fruit at the farmers market and have that instead of the expensive breakfasts at your hotel.  The Kealia Farm (3-6pm on Mondays and Fridays) one is amazing with friendly locals.  The Hanalei one (9:30am-12pm on Saturdays) is a bit more touristy but still great.

Kealia Farm

In addition to their great farmers market, you can arrange a tour of their expansive property with giant banyan trees, taro fields, and horses.

Town of Kapa’a

This is where Street Burger and Hanai are. Cute colorful town worth strolling.

Hanalei Bay

Rent paddleboards and get an upclose view of surfers catching the waves past the first break or if you’re brave rent a surf board.  Sometimes the waves are either very big or very small at the closest break but when it’s just right and a clear day be sure to get there early and rent a board.

 Wailua Falls

Nice place for a pic of twin falls on your way to or from the airport.

Waimea Canyon

The Grand Canyon of Hawaii. Amazing bright red earth with waterfalls and great hiking. Worth devoting a full day to it. 

TIPS

-Bring an old dark swimsuit as the warm iron filled water will dye your suit yellow.

- Don’t rent your car from Ilha Verde.  They have the longest lines and you will easily spend an hour waiting to get your car.

- Mark these places on google maps and then download an offline map to have on your phone when you lose service.

How I Got That Shot