David LaMotte
Google
If you told me I had to spend the rest of my life in one place where I have stayed anywhere in the world, I would choose Hanalei Surfboard House (HSH) without hesitation. It is a slice of heaven on earth. Let me count the ways: It is one block from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is in an unpretentious surfer town with more residents than tourists, and yet there are a number of top-notch restaurants. There is great hiking nearby, with trails for hikers of all experience levels. And there are beautiful, empty beaches tucked away all along the north shore of Kauai. HSH itself offers private, comfortable bungalows with tastefully quirky furnishings both indoors and outdoors. The owner, Simon Potts, goes out of his way to make his guests feel at home, even to the point of helping us with reservations at popular eating places. This was our second stay at HSH, and the more we get to know it, the more we come to appreciate its hidden treasures, its privacy, and its perfect blend of casualness and comfort.
The above was written after our second stay at HSH, in January 2025. Here's what I wrote after our stay in January 2024:
The Hanalei Surfboard House is a delightful, laidback retreat a block from the beach, and Simon Potts, the owner, is a delightful and gracious host. Our bungalow was roomy, private, and comfortable, and the furnishings were whimsical and fascinating, Hanalei Bay has one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, and the town is relatively small and quiet and feels like there are more locals than tourists, and yet there are several first-rate restaurants. If you are looking for the real Hawaii, off the beaten track, with a perfect beach framed by magical mountains, Hanalei is the place for you, and the Hanalei Surfboard House is the place to stay.
