Hanalei Bay

The Basics

Hanalei Bay offers almost every water sport imaginable and it is one of Kauai’s best places to learn how to surf. Opt for a private or small-group beginner surf lesson, or take a guided kayak or snorkeling tour. Most tours of Kauai’s North Shore include a visit to Hanalei Bay, and flightseeing tours of the island offer a bird’s eye view of the bay on the way to the Na Pali Coast.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lifeguards are on duty at Black Pot Beach and Waioli Beach Park.

• Each of the three beach parks in Hanalei Bay offer bathrooms and showers.

• You can rent snorkel gear, surf boards, kayaks, and more in Hanalei town.

• You can camp at Hanalei Beach Park, but you’ll need a permit.

How to Get There

Hanalei Bay is located on Kauai’s North Shore, about an hour’s drive from Kauai’s capital city, Lihue. The Kauai Bus provides service to Hanalei from Lihue and neighboring towns such as Princeville and Kilauea. The circular bay stretches from Princeville to Hanalei Town and beyond and can be accessed from the three main beaches: Hanalei Beach Park, Black Pot Beach, and Waioli Beach Park.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Hanalei Bay is during Kauai’s dry season, which runs from April through October. The busiest season in Kauai is from November to March. High surf from mid-October through March may create strong currents and pounding waves, so check the surf advisories before entering the water during this time of year.

Hanalei Bay Surfing

Hanalei Bay has gentle waves from April through October that make it an ideal place to learn how to surf. Moreover, with plenty of sandy-bottomed spots, beginner surfers don’t have to worry about falling on rocks or a shallow reef. Many surf schools in the area cater to beginners and also offer lessons to intermediate and advanced surfers. The winter season is less safe for beginners but provides plenty of big swells for advanced surfers.

Is Hawaii’s Hanalei Bay open to tourists?

Yes, Hanalei Bay is open to tourists. It’s popular with tourists because of its beautiful views and beaches (especially Hanalei Beach) and its great conditions for surfing, swimming, kayaking, bodyboarding, and other watersports. There’s also good accommodations and plenty of facilities near the beach to make visiting easy.

Why is Hanalei Bay famous?

Hanalei Bay is famous for its great surfing conditions. It’s also known as a Hollywood filming location, although it’s often standing in for other places rather than playing itself. Movies featuring Hanalei Bay include musical South Pacific (1958), Paradise Hawaiian Style (1966) starring Elvis Presley, and The Descendants (2011) starring George Clooney.

Is it safe to swim in Hanalei Bay?

Yes, Hanalei Bay is safe to swim in, but generally only in the summertime, between June and August, when the sea is at its calmest. The rest of the year it’s much too rough for swimming, although Hanalei Bay is popular among surfers. The beaches are usually patrolled by lifeguards.

Is Hawaii’s Hanalei Bay the same as Hanalei Beach?

No, Hawaii’s Hanalei Bay isn’t the same as Hawaii’s Hanalei Beach, although Hanalei Beach is in Hanalei Bay. The 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) crescent-shaped bay has three main beaches: Hanalei Beach, Black Pot Beach, and Waioli Beach, which are all continuations of the same stretch of sand.

Can you walk from Hanalei Bay Resort to the beach?

Yes, you can walk from Hanalei Bay Resort to Puu Poa Beach along a paved road. The resort is located at the northeastern end of Hanalei Bay, whereas most beaches are further south. The main Hanalei Beach/Waioli Beach is about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers), or a 10-minute drive, from Hanalei Bay Resort.

Are there turtles at Hanalei Bay?

Yes, sea turtles live in Hanalei Bay and they often lay their eggs on the beaches of Kauai’s northern coast. The Hawaiian green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, and the leatherback turtle both thrive in the waters there. However, it’s not that common to see them on the beaches.

Ways to explore

Hanalei Bay offers almost every water sport imaginable and is considered one of Kauai’s best places to learn how to surf. Opt for a private or small-group beginner surf lesson, or take a guided kayak or snorkeling tour. Most tours of Kauai’s North Shore include a visit to Hanalei Bay, and plane and helicopter flightseeing tours of the island offer a bird’s-eye view of the bay on the way to the Na Pali Coast. You can also explore the bay on your own by car with a self-guided audio tour that covers the entire North Shore of Kauai.

Accessibility

Some sights on Hanalei Bay, such as Hanalei Pier, are accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

None, and the soft sand and shallow water along the beachfront are ideal for families.

What to pack

Beach gear, sun umbrella or other shade, camera

What to wear

Swimwear, sunscreen

Not allowed

Camping, large boats

Amenities

Each area on the beach has different amenities, which can include lifeguards, restrooms, sports equipment rental, picnic tables, and showers.

Address

Hanalei Bay is located on Kauai’s North Shore, about an hour’s drive from Kauai’s capital city, Lihue. The circular bay is home to three main beaches—Hanalei Beach Park, Black Pot Beach, and Waioli Beach Park—and stretches from Princeville to Hanalei Town and beyond.

Driving

Take Kuhio Highway (Route 560) to Hanalei Town and turn right at Aku Road. Continue to Weke Road, where you’ll turn right for Hanalei Pier and Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park or turn left for Waioli Beach Park.

Public transportation

Take public bus 500 to Hanalei from Lihue, or book a tour that includes transportation to optimize your time.

Best times to visit

Parking is limited at Hanalei Bay, so arrive first thing in the morning to claim a spot before the parking areas fill up, especially on weekends and in summer.

Best days to visit

This popular beach is especially busy on the weekends, so come during the week to avoid peak crowds..

Best months to visit

Summer and fall are best for families and beginner surfers. The large waves and strong currents in winter make swimming and surfing dangerous.

Special events

Hanalei Bay hosts a variety of water sports events each year, while the nearby town of Hanalei holds a weekly farmers market and regular cultural events. Check the official website for an updated calendar.