Just below Princeville, is the town of Hanalei. Accessible only by one-lane bridges, this tiny, scenic community is home to the largest taro fields in the islands. Taro has been grown in this picturesque valley for over 700 years and is used to make the Hawaiian delicacy, poi. More than a third of the poi production in the islands comes from the Hanalei area. The area is a part of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge so you are likely to see many native Hawaiian flora and fauna in this part of the island.

The shoreline of Hanalei bay is crescent shaped and backed by large cliffs where the resort community of Princeville lies. To access Hanalei, take Highway 560. Near mile marker 0 is the Hanalei lookout so be sure to stop and take a look out over the ocean and the taro fields below. As you head into Hanalei, the first thing you will come to is a single-lane, wooden bridge called, appropriately enough, the Hanalei Bridge. While the signs tell you to yield to oncoming traffic, local custom is to allow the side with the highest number of cars to pass before crossing the bridge regardless of who is the “oncoming traffic.” You will pass over several bridges on your trip into Hanalei so take things easy and be sure you have plenty of room to cross each bridge before you enter onto it.

The town has some very unique merchants with a small town, island feel so be sure to spend some time walking around and checking out the local shops and restaurants. At the east end of Weke Road, where the river empties into the ocean, you will find Black Pot Beach Park and the historic Hanalei Pier. The pier dates back to 1892 and originally was the shipping point for shipping rice and other products off of the island. Now it is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Those old enough to remember the 1957 movie, South Pacific, may recognize some of the scenery as this movie was shot here.