Alii Kai Resort

06/03/2026

Before you head home, skip the generic keychains and look for something truly ancient: Paʻakai (Hawaiian Sea Salt). 🧂🌊

Traditional Hawaiian salt is harvested from pristine ocean waters and often mixed with baked red volcanic clay (alaea), which infuses it with iron oxide and gives it a beautiful terracotta color. It’s been used for centuries to preserve, bless, and season.

You can find authentic, locally harvested Kaua'i sea salts at the Hanalei markets on Saturday mornings. It’s the easiest way to bring the literal flavor of the island back to your own kitchen!

06/02/2026

Keep an eye out for one of Hawaii’s most distinctive native trees during your morning walk! 🌴📐

As you explore the paths around Princeville and the North Shore, you will easily spot the Hala tree (Pandanus tectorius). You can recognize it immediately by its unique walking legs —a cluster of thick prop roots that lift the trunk off the ground to help it stay secure against strong coastal winds.

Unlike invasive species that challenge our local ecosystem, the Hala is a deeply celebrated native plant with a rich history. Early Hawaiians used the long, durable leaves (lauhala) to weave essential items like canoe sails, sleeping mats, baskets, and thatched roofs.

Where to spot them: Several beautiful, mature Hala trees grow right along the coastal bluffs and paths just a short stroll from Ali'i Kai Resort. Take a close look at their pineapple-shaped fruit clusters next time you pass by! 🍍🌿



📷 Courtesy of Forest and Kim Starr

05/28/2026

Saturday morning is for the hunters and gatherers! 🍍🥭

The Hanalei Farmers Market kicks off at 9:30 AM. If you want the insider experience, here is our Saturday strategy:

1 Arrive early: The line starts forming at 9:15 AM.
2 Look for Rambutan or Longan: These exotic fruits look wild but taste amazing!
3 Grab the Bread: The local sourdough and coconut bread sell out in minutes.

Once you’ve gathered your haul, head back to your spacious Ali'i Kai condo to enjoy a fresh, local brunch on your lanai. There’s no better way to start the weekend! ☕🥖

05/26/2026

When the sun goes down in Princeville, the real show begins. ✨🌌

Because we are far from the light pollution of big cities, the night sky at Ali'i Kai Resort is spectacular. If you step out onto your lanai or walk toward the resort’s open green spaces tonight, you can often see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

For centuries, Polynesian voyagers used these very stars to navigate across the Pacific to find Hawaii. Download a stargazing app and see if you can spot Hōkūpaʻa (the North Star) or the Southern Cross. It’s the perfect, quiet way to end another day in paradise.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and salute the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Wishing you a peaceful Memorial Day from our 'ohana to yours.

05/21/2026

If you’re out and about on a Sunday, listen for the sound of the Ukulele. Sunday afternoons in Hanalei or at nearby resorts often feature local musicians playing traditional Slack Key guitar or Ukulele.

At Ali'i Kai, we love the quiet of Sundays. It’s a day to truly embrace Island Time. Take a slow walk through our tropical gardens, listen to the trade winds in the palms, and recharge your batteries.

Where was the most peaceful spot you found on the island this week? Let us know! 👇

05/18/2026

Keep your eyes peeled for our most famous neighbors! 🪿🌴 While staying at Ali'i Kai Resort, you’re likely to encounter the Nēnē, the Hawaiian State Bird. These beautiful geese were once nearly extinct, but thanks to conservation efforts, they are thriving right here in Princeville.

You’ll often see them wandering near the resort or along the Princeville Path. They are unique because they have evolved to have less webbing between their toes, helping them navigate the rugged lava rock instead of swimming!

Friendly Reminder: As much as they might look like they want a snack, please remember it is illegal (and not good for them!) to feed the Nēnē. Let’s keep our wildlife wild. 📸💚

05/15/2026

Saturday night plans? Head to Kilauea! 🎨🎶 If you’re looking for a local vibe, head to the Kilauea Art Night, adjacent to the fish market (usually held on the last Saturday of each month, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM), or a visit to the Kilauea Town shops is a must.

Just a 10-minute drive from Ali'i Kai, Kilauea is the creative heart of the North Shore. Browse local pottery, handmade jewelry, and ocean-inspired art that you won't find in the souvenir shops. It’s the perfect place to find a piece of Kaua'i to take home with you.

Finish the evening with a wood-fired pizza or fresh fish tacos from nearby local eateries. 🍕🌮

05/12/2026

Have you noticed the beautiful water-filled fields as you drive into Hanalei? Those are Loʻi Kalo (taro patches). 🌿💦

Kalo is more than just food in Hawai'i; it is considered the elder brother of the Hawaiian people. The Hanalei Valley produces nearly 80% of the state’s taro, and it has been farmed here for over a thousand years.

Supporting our local farmers is easy. Look for fresh poi, kulolo, or taro chips at the local stands in town. It’s a delicious way to connect with the deep history of the North Shore.

Resort Reminder: Our units feature full kitchens, making it easy to whip up a local-style dinner using fresh ingredients you found in Hanalei!

05/11/2026

Did you know there is a world-class chocolate-tasting and botanical tour just minutes from your front door? 🍫🌿

While many visitors head straight for the beach, the Princeville Botanical Gardens offers a fascinating look at the rare and endangered flora of Hawai'i. Located just a short drive from Ali'i Kai, this family-run garden isn't just about flowers. It’s an interactive experience where you can taste honey made on-site and sample gourmet chocolates crafted from their own cacao trees.

It is a quiet, lush alternative to the busier tourist spots and a perfect way to spend a Monday morning.

Pro Tip: Tours are by reservation only, and they fill up fast, so be sure to book a few days in advance!

Discover more and make your reservations here: https://kauaibotanicalgardens.com/

Book a walking & chocolate tasting tour at Princeville Botanical Gardens in Kauai, a diverse garden hidden away in the jungle valleys with healthy specimens!