Haena

Haena is a community found on the north shore of Kauai’s Hawaiian island. It is situated between the Pacific Ocean’s sparkling blue waters and the Na Pali Coast’s green cliffs. Haena is known for its natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The name Haena means “bay” or “gulf” in Hawaiian, which is fitting as the community is defined by its natural harbors and coves. Haena Beach Park, also known as Tunnels Beach, is a popular location for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It has crystal-clear waters and a vibrant coral reef with various tropical fish. Ke’e Beach, located at Haena’s end, is a crescent-shaped beach with golden sand and turquoise water, surrounded by verdant cliffs and palm trees.

Haena has a rich cultural and historical heritage. The area is steeped in Hawaiian mythology and legend, with numerous sacred sites and heiau (temples) scattered throughout the landscape. The Limahuli Garden and Preserve, a 17-acre botanical garden and nature reserve, showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Hawaiian Islands and the traditional Polynesian methods of agriculture and land management.

Haena remains a relatively undeveloped and unspoiled corner of Kauai, accessible only by a single narrow road that winds along the coast and through the rainforest. Visitors are encouraged to respect the land and its inhabitants. Haena is a magical and enchanting destination, where the beauty of nature and the richness of culture converge. It is a place that will leave visitors with lasting memories, whether they are seeking adventure, relaxation, or inspiration.

Flights To Haena

Tips For Booking Cheap Flights To Haena

  • Book in advance: Flights tend to be cheaper when booked several months in advance. Try to book your flight at least 2-3 months before your desired travel dates.
  • Be flexible with your travel dates: Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of day, and time of year. Consider traveling during off-peak times or during the shoulder season (May to mid-June or September to mid-December) when flights are typically cheaper.
  • Compare prices from multiple airlines: Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Earlytrips, Ticketsaway, Mycityflights and Google Flights to compare prices from multiple airlines and find the best deal.
  • Consider alternative airports: Lihue Airport (LIH) is the closest airport to Haena, but flights to Honolulu (HNL) may be cheaper. From Honolulu, you can take a connecting flight or a ferry to Kauai.
  • Fly during off-peak hours: Flights during off-peak hours (e.g., early morning or late at night) are often cheaper than flights during peak hours.
  • Consider using travel rewards credit cards: If you travel frequently, consider using a travel rewards credit card to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights or other travel-related expenses.

Places To Visit

Beaches
  1. Ke’e Beach: A picturesque crescent of golden sand and turquoise water, located at the end of the road in Haena.
  2. Tunnels Beach: Also known as Makua Beach, this popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving is located near Haena State Park.
  3. Lumahai Beach: A secluded and scenic beach located between Haena and Princeville, featuring a long stretch of golden sand and clear blue water.
Natural Wonders
  1. Hanakapiai Falls: A stunning 300-foot waterfall located in the heart of the Na Pali Coast, accessible via a challenging 8-mile round-trip hike.
  2. Maniniholo Dry Cave: A natural lava tube located near Haena State Park, offering a unique glimpse into the geology of the area.
  3. Waikapalae Wet Cave: Also known as the Blue Room, this stunning natural cave is located near Haena State Park, and features a clear blue pool of water that reflects the sunlight and creates a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.
Cultural Sites
  1. Limahuli Garden and Preserve: A 17-acre botanical garden and nature preserve that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as traditional Polynesian methods of agriculture and land management.
  2. Kilauea Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse located on a wildlife refuge, offering stunning views of the coastline and the opportunity to see a variety of birds, including the rare Hawaiian monk seal.
Outdoor Activities
  1. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: A rugged and remote park that offers hiking, camping, and kayaking along the stunning Na Pali Coast.
  2. Hanakapiai Falls Trail: A challenging 8-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors through lush rainforests, across streams, and along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs.
  3. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Haena is home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in Hawaii, with crystal-clear waters and a vibrant coral reef teeming with tropical fish.

Best Vacation Spots

  1. Haena Beach Park: This beautiful beach park is a great spot for a relaxing vacation, with a long stretch of golden sand, clear blue water, and lush vegetation. The park offers picnic tables, restrooms, and showers, making it a convenient and comfortable place to stay.
  2. Tunnels Beach: This picturesque beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, with a vibrant coral reef teeming with tropical fish. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, offering a stunning backdrop for a vacation.
  3. Limahuli Garden and Preserve: This 17-acre botanical garden and nature preserve is a great place to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as traditional Polynesian methods of agriculture and land management. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the garden, which features more than 500 plant species, as well as a variety of birds, insects, and other wildlife.
  4. Hanakapiai Falls: This stunning 300-foot waterfall is located in the heart of the Na Pali Coast, and can be accessed via a challenging 8-mile round-trip hike. The hike takes visitors through lush rainforests, across streams, and along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs.
  5. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: This rugged and remote park offers hiking, camping, and kayaking along the stunning Na Pali Coast. Visitors can explore the park’s lush valleys, towering cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, taking in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

Hotels

Top Hotels

  • Hanalei Colony Resort: This 4-star resort is located on a secluded beach on the North Shore of Kauai, offering stunning ocean views and a variety of luxurious amenities. The resort features spacious suites and villas, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.
  • The St. Regis Princeville Resort: This 5-star resort is located on the North Shore of Kauai, overlooking Hanalei Bay. The resort features luxurious guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and several restaurants.
  • The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas: This 4-star resort is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and a variety of luxurious amenities. The resort features spacious villas, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and several restaurants.
  • Princeville Resort: This 5-star resort is located on a cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay, offering stunning ocean views and a variety of luxurious amenities. The resort features spacious guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and several restaurants.
  • Hanalei Bay Resort: This 4-star resort is located on a bluff overlooking Hanalei Bay, offering stunning ocean views and a variety of luxurious amenities. The resort features spacious condos, a swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Budget Friendly Hotels

  • Hanalei Surfboard House: This budget-friendly hotel offers simple, clean rooms with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen. It is one of the most affordable options in Haena, with rooms starting at around $100 per night.
  • The Cliffs at Princeville: This budget-friendly hotel offers spacious condos with full kitchens, dining areas, and private lanais. Prices start at around $120 per night for a one-bedroom condo.
  • Hanalei Colony Resort – Partial Ocean View Rooms: These partial ocean view rooms at Hanalei Colony Resort are a more affordable option for those looking to stay at this 4-star resort. Prices start at around $150 per night for a partial ocean view room with a kitchenette.
  • Princeville Vacation Rentals: This vacation rental company offers a variety of budget-friendly options, from cozy cottages to spacious condos. Prices vary depending on the size and location of the rental, but there are several options available for under $200 per night.
  • Hanalei Bay Resort – Studio Units: These studio units at Hanalei Bay Resort are a more affordable option for those looking to stay at this popular resort. Prices start at around $200 per night for a studio unit with a kitchenette.

Best Time To Visit

  • Weather: Haena has a tropical climate with two main seasons – the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March). The dry season is generally warmer and sunnier, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The wet season is cooler and rainier, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. If you prefer warm, sunny weather, the dry season is the best time to visit.
  • Crowds: Haena can be quite crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. The busiest times of year are typically summer (June to August) and winter (December to February), when families with children are on vacation. If you prefer a quieter, less crowded experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to May or September to November).
  • Activities: Haena offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The best time to engage in these activities depends on the weather and ocean conditions. For example, the winter months are generally the best time for surfing, while the summer months are better for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation prices in Haena can vary depending on the time of year. Prices are generally higher during peak travel seasons and lower during the shoulder seasons. If you’re on a budget, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons when prices are typically lower.
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