Best of Hanalei

This is where I take clients for their "celebration dinner" after closing on their Hanalei property. Jim Moffat created something special here - Mediterranean-inspired small plates using local ingredients in a intimate setting. The cheese and honeycomb plate alone is worth the move to Hanalei. My Puu Poa clients walk here for date nights and never get tired of it.

The social heart of Hanalei. This is where locals gather after work, where visiting celebrities try to blend in, and where my clients quickly become regulars. Louise Marston has kept the authentic local vibe alive for decades. The mai tais are legendary, the pizza surprisingly good, and the stories you'll hear at the bar are priceless. Featured in "The Descendants" but still feels like a local secret.

The newest addition to Hanalei's dining scene and already a local favorite. Those mountain views are absolutely stunning - many say it's the prettiest dinner spot on the island. The Asian-fusion ramen and donburi bowls hit the spot after a day at the beach, and their "OG Mai Tai" might be the best on Kauai. My clients love bringing visiting family here because the setting sells itself.

A Hanalei institution since the 1970s, right on the Hanalei River with outdoor seating under the stars. What makes this special is the attached fish market - you're literally eating fish that was swimming yesterday. The atmosphere is pure old Hawaii, and the sunset views over the river are magical. My clients often walk here from their condos for casual family dinners.

This is where my wife shops and where I send female clients who want that effortless Hanalei style. The curated collection of sustainable fashion perfectly captures the relaxed elegance of island living. Whether you need something for a sunset dinner at Bar Acuda or a casual beach day, the pieces here help you look like you belong in Hanalei, not like you're visiting it.

The heart of Hanalei surf culture since 1976. This isn't just a surf shop - it's where locals gather to check conditions, where beginners get their first boards, and where the community spirit of old Hawaii lives on. I always bring mainland clients here because it represents what they're really buying: not just a condo, but access to an authentic Hawaiian lifestyle that's getting harder to find.

When you're living in paradise, you need swimwear that works for your daily life, not just vacation photos. The staff here knows their stuff and will find the perfect fit for your body and lifestyle. My clients who live here year-round swear by this place - when the ocean is your backyard, quality swimwear becomes an investment, not an impulse buy.

Part general store, part treasure hunt. This is where you'll find those unique items that make a house feel like a Hawaiian home - local art, handmade crafts, and gifts that actually mean something. It showcases the creative community that makes Hanalei special. It's not just about buying a home; it's about becoming part of Hanalei's story.