The beautiful Hanalei River in Kauai, Hawaii, is the second largest river in the entire state and the only heritage river on the island, gently meeting Hanalie Bay and the many fish in the area. It flows north from the Mount Waialeale eastern slope, while using the Pacific Ocean at Hanalei Bay as an estuary. The area around the river also encompasses the highest recorded rainfall areas on the entire planet, plunging from its headwaters at 3500-feet above the sea level.
Located on the flatter portion of the river near Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, many taro farms exist as over 60% of Hawaii's taro is grown here. The Hanalei River is also recognized as providing habitat for numerous amphidromous species, such as the threatened species of Newcomb's highly adaptive snail and an edible snail called the hihiwai. A tranquil place, the Hanalei River can be kayaked to provide a safe and fun way to learn about the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, surrounded by green mountains, clear turquoise waters and 300 pound sea-turtles to come right up to the kayaks to visit. Modern day snorkeling is also enjoyed in the majestic coral reefs, while resting on the golden beaches afterwards to watch the world go by.
The island of Kauai offers the Hanalei Beach as the second best beach in the United States, selected for this honor in the 12th annual publication by Stephen Leatherman's "American's Best Beaches." Criteria that are involved cover items such as the sand quality and the water temperature. Continuous water quality sampling is done to reduce concern about the bacterial pollution that could be present, using a state of analysis enabling community volunteers to obtain the data. Over thirty sites along the Hanalei River and Bay are involved in the quarterly synoptic sampling, along with heavy hau bush -- a hibiscus family — growing along the banks combined with native Hawaiian plants used for the river's re-vegetation.
