With a local population of less than 500 people, Hanalei is a very special place seated in a very special chain of islands. The beaches here are amazingly beautiful, enough so that the filmmakers decided to make South Pacific here in the late 1950s. It’s also been the unwitting host to Imperial Russia, and has a much longer history than humans can remember. Today, there are plenty of good reasons for visiting, ranging from the beauty of the beaches to the splendor of the hotels Hanalei offers. It’s also a place that commands a kind of respect for the environment, where the natural beauty invites careful steps, so that it can also be enjoyed by future generations.

In that spirit, then, there are places where one can purchase food and other items that speak to the spirit of the place. One of the more popular spots on the island is Papaya’s Natural Foods . One has to drive to get there, and it’s a rather remarkable series of views, which help to serve as a reminder of the place. It’s difficult to forget one is in Hanalei, however, because the natural vistas never lose their endearing shine.

Here one can enjoy their cafe, which serves natural foods, of course, with vegan as well as gluten-free offerings. Muffins and sandwiches are all made fresh here, as are fish tacos and taro burgers. These are local tastes that appeal to a wide customer base. They also have health and beauty supplies that are made from local products, further developing a deep relationship with the land. They also have a store, the original one, in Kapaa, but opened this so that more people could enjoy what they have to offer. They are also very committed to preserving the area and helping the local community. They are part of a number of initiatives, including Zero Waste Kauai , so that environmental awareness isn’t just an idea, but is put into practice.

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