Follow the highway 560 north and the last town you reach is Hanalei. The town in Lilo and Stitch is based on Hanalei and was also the backdrop for the 1958 movie The South Pacific. Hanalei means ?lay making? in Hawaiian and is one of the most beautiful towns on the planet.

The town is nestled between the Hanalei Valley and the Hanalei Bay. Hanalei is home to the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. The valley, one mile wide and six miles long,? has many breathtaking waterfalls that feed the Hanalei River and flow into the bay. Hanalei has long been protected from development due to the historical Hanalei bridge. The Hanalei Bridge may look rickety but it has been around for many years. It does have a 15-ton weight limit and this is why mass materials and equipment for development can not be driven into Hanalei. The basic rules of this one lane bridge, when driving to Hanalei, is that all cars waiting on one side go across and then all the cars on the other side go. Who ever gets there first will lead their side across.

The highlight of Hanalei is the ancient Taro fields. These flooded taro fields, called kalo lo'i, are an ancient way of life in Hawaii. You can enjoy the fields from a viewing point before you descend down the hill to Hanalei. Tis is across the street from the last gas station on the North Shore. Taro is Native Hawaiian food that is used to make poi and other staple foods in the islands. The taro fields look like a lush patchwork quilt of green colors. Taro grows in marsh like conditions. The waterfalls and extremely heavy rainfall during the winter months, makes for ideal growing conditions. ?

The entire community is built on the bay. The Hanalei Bay is a world famous surf spot. The surf spot is a 5 minute paddle out. The shoreline provides endless soft, white sand and gentle swimming conditions close to the pier. There is a great little surf break next to the pier that is perfect for learning.

There are a variety of shops and places to eat in Hanalei and there is a regular grocery store. Prices are quite a bit more then in Princeville, where most people go to do the majority of their shopping, so you may want to consider buying food ahead of time. You can rent snorkels, kayaks and surfboards to enjoy your time at the beach.

Hanalei is all about your time at the beach. There is a lot to do close by, but the town itself makes for a laid back Hawaiian getaway. Hanalei is a great place to send a well earned vacation.