Most People Don’t Know About These Strange Ruins Hiding In Hawaii

There is something strangely beautiful about man-made structures being taken back by the land – and Hawaii definitely has its fair share of abandoned places and artifacts. When people move on and industry crumbles, the remains are often abandoned amid the landscape, and this old resort and plantation found on the northern coast of Kauai near Hanalei is a prime example. Here's what to expect when you visit the Club Med Ruins in Kauai:

This place has been left to battle with nature for so long it has become ruins that will almost certainly transport you to a bygone era of Hawaiian history.

Located on a steep ridge above Hanalei Bay, the Hanalei Plantation Resort was built in the 1960s with 50 cottages and 162 rooms. It was later transformed into Club Med, which shut its doors for good in the 1980s.

In its heyday, this was a bustling resort with phenomenal views of the bay below. The resort was so beautiful it was even a filming location for two popular movies: South Pacific and Elvis Presley’s Paradise, Hawaiian Style.

Since being reclaimed by the jungle, the Hanalei Plantation Resort’s decaying cement and rebar foundations are now home to Ironwood and palm trees as well as various birds and animals.

Rumor has it that there are plans to redevelop the land into condos, but we can’t find much information on the project.

Situated on the ridge overlooking the Hanalei River, there is an easy 1-mile round trip trail that leads explorers to the ruins of the Hanalei Plantation Resort. The trail is accessible from either Puu Poa Beach or Hanalei Plantation Road, and is quite fascinating.

Have you visited the Club Med Ruins in Kauai before? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience exploring this abandoned place in Hawaii!

Love learning more about the abandoned places being reclaimed by nature across the Hawaiian Islands? We think you'll love learning about the Coco Palms Resort, as well as the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Station.