At the foot of a steep hill below Princeville Resort, an alternate world comes into view. This is HANALEI , a community with roots dating back nearly two centuries and one of the most beautiful surrounds in the world.
More than a third of all taro grown in Hawai‘i comes from the Hanalei area, where it has been grown for at least 700 years. However, it’s also a great place to hit up the shops.
Follow Highway 560 into town, and you’ll be greeted by the green and red tin roofs of vintage storefronts, the entire scene blending with grace into the landscape.
Shopping in Hanalei is a trip better experienced than defined. Shops refl ect the character of their owners — irresistibly creative. There are a number of good eateries, a supermarket, a health food store, a juice bar/fruit stand, a musical instrument shop and a general store. Beyond that, it’s largely clothing and gift shops.
Don’t be fooled by what appears to be an undersized marketplace — there’s not much one can’t find in Hanalei.