TOP 10 THINGS TO DO WHILE STAYING AT HONU COVE (oops... our Top 10 ended up with 14!)
1. Snorkel At Your Own Private Beach: When the conditions are right (not TOO much surf), the snorkeling at Pali Ke Kua beach is some of the best on the North Shore. Generally, conditions are right in the summer months. The beach is accessible from the paved beach path the connects to the condo complex. It’s about a 2 minute walk from our condo to the beginning of the path, between buildings 1 and 2 at Pali Ke Kua. Then it’s a short (but steep) walk down to the beach. This beach is really about snorkeling. Nearly every time we snorkel there, we see Green Sea Turtles. No lie. Of course, there is also an amazing variety of the most colorful reef fishes you can imagine.
2. Watch Wildlife From Your Lanai: The view from the lanai at Honu Cove is spectacular for wildlife viewing. See Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) swimming in the cove below. We even provide binoculars so you can see them close up! In winter, watch whales swimming out at sea as they complete their trek from Alaska to Hawaii to raise baby whales in warm Hawaiian waters. See amazing sea birds like the Laysen Albatross, Frigatebird, and the Tropicbird. To see a cross section of the nature you will see, check out our Nature Page.
3. View the Amazing "Bali Hai" Sunset: Grab your beach chairs (provided in unit) and walk a few steps out to the grassy point next to the condo to view one of the world's great sunsets. Join a handful of other condo guests there and share stories about your day while sipping a tasty cocktail (or beverage of your choice). This is the same sunset that people pay $500 a night to see from the 1 Hanalei Resort 1/2 mile down the road. It is truly an amazing sight to see and its just steps away from the condo.
4. Check out the 1 Hanalei Resort: Put on your walking shoes (or take a short drive) and head down to the 1 Hanalei Resort about 1/2 mile down the road. Have dinner at one of their restaurants or just walk around and see the property.
5. Beach Day at Hanalei Bay: Take the short drive down to the beach at Hanalei Bay, set up your beach chairs and umbrella and make a day of it. Pick up some sushi rolls along the way at the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market and bring the beverages of your choice. Swim, sunbathe or just watch the people at this famous and picturesque beach.
6. Visit a Botanical Garden: On the North Shore, there are two to choose from: Na Aina Kai in Kilauea or Limahuli Gardens near the end of the road. Either one is well worth seeing. Both require advanced reservations. They are both great.
7. Buy Fresh Fish at the Hanalei Dolphin Fish Market: Just a short drive from the condo is the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant and Fish Market. Stop in the fish market and see what looks good. Then, buy some fish steaks, brush them with melted butter and grill them on the electric grill out on your lanai. There is no fresher fish in the world.
8. Check Out the Local Farmers Markets: Be like a local and check out one of the 2 weekly Farmers Markets. Buy local fruit and vegetables, local honey or even Goat Cheese made in Kilauea. It doesn't get any fresher than this. Check on-line for latest times and locations.
9. See the Kilauea Lighthouse and Bird Sanctuary: Get reservations for the lighthouse ahead of time and then take a short drive over to Kilauea to see the famous lighthouse and bird sanctuary. The views from lighthouse point are a sight to behold.
10. Go Biking in Kapa'a: Drive the 30 minutes to Kapa'a and rent bicycles (Coconut Coasters is on the left just as you enter town). There is a paved bike path from Kapa'a to Kealia and it is a fun 1/2 day event. Do it in the morning and stop into Kapa'a town for lunch. Nothing gets your appetite up like a good bike ride.
11. Go Shopping in Hanalei: Sure, it's no Rodeo Drive, but Hanalei shopping can be both fun and funky. Get beach gear, home decor, or even locally made ukuleles all in the small town of Hanalei. While you're there, grab some lunch at Hanalei Gourmet or one of the many other lunch spots.
12. Have Dinner at Bar Acuda: You need to splurge on a dinner at Bar Acuda in Hanalei at least one night you're here. Their small plates are all so amazing we can't even decide on a favorite. Order 4 or 5 small plates, a glass of wine and enjoy. Get reservations 30 days in advance on Yelp.
13. Beach Day in Poipu: If it's raining on the North Shore one day, drive an hour around to Poipu Beach on the "dry" side of the island. Spend a day at the beach (we like Kiahuna Beach by the Sheraton the best), bring a change of clothes and then head over to The Beach House restaurant on Lawai Rd at 5:00 for pupus in the bar (or full dinner) and an amazing sunset.
14. Waimea Canyon and Koke'e Take a day and drive all the way around to the other "end of the road" to see the amazing Waimea Canyon and the highlands (4000 feet) of Koke'e (Ko-KAY). The canyon looks surprisingly like a small version of the Grand Canyon and, if you make it to the end of the road before the fog rolls in, you'll see a gorgeous view all the way down to Kalalau Beach.