Hanalei

There are great health foods stores on the north shore and in Kapa’a, but nothing beats a Saturday morning at the farmers’ market in Hanalei. This is where you can get the most incredible fruit maybe in the world—including fruits and vegetables from the only biodynamic farm on the island and one of the best breakfast burritos we’ve ever had. Plan on staying a few hours.

This relatively new arrival from the group behind Hanalei Bread Company and Bar Acuda is focused on ramen and ceviche-style fish preparations, which weirdly fills a hole on the island.

ON & ON specializes in head-to-toe skincare; in a single visit, you can have a botanical facial, spend three tension-easing minutes in a cryo sauna, and get a skin-boosting LED treatment. They also offer curated gift sets for anyone in your crew, from the hair-obsessed to the healthy epicurean.

This brand-new, open-air coffee shop café—from the same people as Bar Acuda—is one of those spots that's perpetually packed, though you can generally always snag a spot (they also do a lot of perfect pre-packed beach picnic fare). While it's not exclusively allergen-free, there are tons of options for the gluten- and dairy-averse, including really good almond milk lattes and delicious rolls and breads. Brunch-time is particularly prime (consider a stop on your way to hike the Napali coast), as they offer very kid-friendly crepes, as well as lots of egg dishes.

Open since 1983, Wishing Well Shave Ice, which operates out of a white food truck on Kuhio Highway, has long been a staple in Hanalei. More recently, though, it’s taken a fresh, organic turn under new owners—Kauai natives, Jesse Merle Jones and Aamion Goodwin—who have done away with artificially flavored syrups and powders, while still making really tasty, refreshing shave ice. This is also an easy spot to pick up a breakfast acai bowl and cup of coffee.

No question, this shack-stand at Ching Young Village Shopping Center in Hanalei serves the best acai bowls on the island. Also in Aloha’s line-up: juices, smoothies, teas, small treats, nuts, and bars. And attached to the juice bar is a produce stand with fresh fruit to-go. Photo: Brave Heart

Chef Jim Moffat opened this Hanalei spot for tapas and fine Mediterranean wines after establishing himself with two restaurants in San Francisco (the jazz club, 42 Degrees, and the bistro, The Slow Club). Thanks to the chef’s close collaboration with island fishermen and local organic farmers, these small plates are brimming with Hawaii-inspired fare made from fresh, regional ingredients—like ono (a kind of mackerel, also known as wahoo), ahi tuna poké, and roasted ali’i mushrooms—which also means the selection changes daily, and ingredients vary by season. Their curated wine list features select Estate-bottled Rhone-style specialties, several of which come from wineries that practice sustainable, organic, or biodynamic farming. As one of the island’s foodiest destinations, it’s likely to be busy—call ahead, or come ready for a bit of a wait.

With its in-depth menu of massage offerings—ranging from Swedish and Shiatsu to traditional Hawaiian “Lomi Lomi”—Hanalei Bay beats any hotel spa massage. They also do acupuncture, a signature “Raindrop Therapy” treatment with essential oils, and tarot and astrological readings.