Princeville, North Shore
Group dinners can be held at Bali Hai Villas.
Princeville, Hanalei, and everything out to the end of the road at Haena. Green mountains straight up out of the water and so much foliage it looks like a scene from Jurassic Park. It rains more here than anywhere else on the island, usually in short bursts.
The airport, Costco, Walmart, Safeway, and most of the island's everyday shopping. About an hour from Princeville.
Sunnier and drier than the north, and green sea turtles come up onto the sand at Poipu Beach Park. About 90 minutes from Princeville through the Tree Tunnel.
Sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, with Kokee State Park above it. Two hours from Princeville and 45 minutes from Poipu — works as part of a south shore day. A full day either way.
This is a starting point — a rough shape for the week. We'll figure out what everyone actually wants to do once we're all there. Nothing is locked in except the dinners and the checkout dates.
Michael & Ilona into their studio, Dan & Leanne into their 1-bedroom — both at Ka'eo Kai.
Karla, Gabriel, Naomi and Sam arrive at Bali Hai Villas.
Costco stop on the drive up. Afternoon at Hanalei Bay — settle in, get in the water, walk out to the pier, grab shave ice at JoJo's on the way back.
Option A: Morning at Hanalei Bay, volleyball in the afternoon, food truck run through town after. Option B: Kilauea Lighthouse in the morning — short boardwalk, seabirds, December is whale season — and afternoon at Anini Beach for snorkeling.
Chocolate farm tour at Garden Island Chocolate in Kilauea — starts 9:30am, three hours, twenty kinds of chocolate and tropical fruit tasting. Afternoon at Anini Beach, the best snorkeling on the north shore. Calm and shallow.
Morning at Anini Beach — bring the snorkel gear. Afternoon back at Bali Hai by the pool.
Option A: Okolehao hike in the morning — 4 miles, 1,200ft of climbing, views over the Hanalei valley. Early start. Option B: Tunnels Beach or Haena in the morning, pool in the afternoon. Buy everything you need today — Dec 25 is a closed day.
Michael and Ilona check out in the morning. Quiet day — beach, pool, home. Costco, restaurants, and every farm tour are closed. The grill is on tonight.
Hanalei Farmers Market runs 9 to 12. Michael and Ilona already out this morning.
Group dinners at Bali Hai Villas. There's a large barbecue area by the pool and plenty of outdoor space. We'll rotate dinner captains each night — the captain plans the meal and delegates what everyone brings or helps with.
| Date | Dinner Captain | Menu |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 20 | Dan and Leanne | Dinner captain |
| Dec 21 | Karla and Gabriel | To be set |
| Dec 22 | Raf and Amelia | To be set |
| Dec 23 | Nobody cooks | Takeout pizza |
| Dec 24 | Everyone | Everyone brings a dish |
| Dec 25 | Karla and Gabriel | Leftovers and the grill |
Takeout pizza, Dec 23. Hideaways Pizza Pub on Ka Haku Road in Princeville is closest — open 3:30 to 9:30, online ordering. Hanalei Pizza Shop is cheaper and better reviewed, open 12 to 8, ten minutes further.
Full kitchen with pots, pans, and everything you need to cook. Salt and pepper are the only things stocked — bring your spices and buy oil at Foodland. Washing machine, counter seating, and a patio. Beach towels provided.
Pool area has a good-sized pool, hot tubs, and barbecues. Clubhouse has board games and ping pong. Rental desk has boogie boards and snorkel masks.
Bring disposable plates and cups.
Haena State Park (Ke'e Beach + Kalalau trailhead) needs a reservation released only 30 days out. Not on the plan.
Hawaii has no plastic bags. Bring reusable ones and something insulated for the drive from Costco.
| Market | When | Where | Trip dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanalei Farmers Market | Sat 9–12 | Hale Halawai | Dec 19 & 26 |
| Waipa Farmers Market | Tue 2–5 | West of Hanalei | Dec 22 |
| Anaina Hou Market | Sat 9–12 | Kilauea | Dec 19 & 26 |
Bring a ball, and a net if anyone has room. The public ones aren't reliably up.
Who are you?