Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [433]
HANALEI BEACH PARK PAVILION
Lifeguarded and boasting sweeping views, this is a great place for a picnic, sunset or lazy day at the beach. Ideally located, its downside is parking, which can be a challenge. Park along Weke Rd if you have to, as it can get crowded.
BLACK POT BEACH PARK (HANALEI PIER)
This is one of the most crowded beaches within the already-popular Hanalei Bay. Of course, its appeal is undeniable. Keep an eye out for particularly stunning views of Namolokama over the bay when Wai′oli Falls has been rejuvenated by a previous night’s rain.
WAI′OLI (PINE TREES) BEACH PARK
A less popular but equally beautiful spot, Pine Trees beach is dominated by locals. The shorebreak is harder here than any other spot on Hanalei Bay and swimming is dangerous, except during the calmest summer surf. There are rest rooms and showers.
WAIKOKOS
Catch right and lefts at Waikokos break (off Map), protected by a reef on the western bend of Hanalei Bay. To get there, park on the side of the main highway and trek a short walk near the 4- and 5-mile markers. Winter surfing is sometimes good off Makahoa Point, the western point of the bay.
Middles
The area known as Middles (Map) is set in the middle of two breaks: between Waikokos and Pine Trees, outside (as in ‘outside the reef’) and to the left. An area on the inside of the reef going north is dubbed ‘Grandpas’ by surfers.
Wai′oli Hui′ia Church & Wai′oli Mission House
Built in 1912, this historic church and accompanying 1936-built house lend some context to the picturesque, verdant green grass with Mt Namolokama as a backdrop. The church’s setting and artifacts give a small glimpse of the days of missionaries on the island.
Activities
DIVING
Ocean Quest Watersports (742-6991, 800-972-3078; www.fathomfive.com; dives 7am, 7:30am & 1pm Mon-Fri, North Shore dives Mar-Oct) is the satellite location of the Fathom Five outfit in Koloa, and is geared for a North Shore dive at Tunnels. It’s PADI certified. Newbies can do introductory dives with a one-hour academic lesson; one-tank/two-tank dives cost around $100/140. The staff will bring the gear to you.
If you’re certified, a one-tank dive costs $79 and a two-tank dive $119 per person at North Shore Divers (828-1223; www.northshoredivers.com; dives 8am Mon-Fri, North Shore dives Mar-Oct; 1st-time divers 1-/2-tank dives $109/169.). For an unforgettable experience, try night diving (summer only) for $99. An open-water certification course is $450. Meet at the beach.
KAYAKING
Though not the largest or most sacred river in the state (the Wailua River holds that honour) the Hanalei River’s 6 miles (roughly) are scenic, calm and safe, and ideal for novice kayakers or stand up paddlers. For kayak rentals, try Pedal & Paddle (826-9069; www.pedalnpaddle.com; Ching Young Village; per day/week single kayaks $15/60, double kayaks $35/140; 9am-6pm). It offers the gamut of sports and camping equipment.
KITESURFING
It looks hard-core, fun and you want to try it. We don’t blame you. To get a taste, try Aloha Surf & Kitesurfing School (635-9293; 3 lessons $195; by appointment only).
SNORKELING CRUISES
For snorkeling, Na Pali Catamaran (826-6853, 866-255-6853; www.napalicatamaran.com; 4hr tours adult/child $135/110; morning & afternoon May-Sep) is great: depending on the waves and the time of year, you might get to venture into some sea caves. Remember though, it pounds and there’s no reprieve from the elements.
Captain Sundown (826-5585; www.captainsundown.com; 6hr tour adult/child 10-12 $162/148) is out of Lihu′e most of the year, so take advantage and use this outlet if you’re here during the summer. A true character, Captain Bob has more than 38 years’ experience and takes a lot of pride in what he does.
STAND UP PADDLE SURFING
For stand up paddle surfing (often called ‘paddle boarding’), try the following:
Andrea Smith (635-0269; 1½hr private lesson $80; 8am-12pm Mon-Fri) For lessons, hitch up with surfer extraordinaire Andrea for a pleasant introduction to this core-flexing