Hanalei Bay Beach at a Glance
At two miles long, Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on
Kauai. Located between Pu‘upoa and Makahoa Points,
Hanalei Bay Beach is consistently considered one of the
best beaches in Hawaii. Hanalei means “lei-shaped bay”
in Hawaiian and nothing fits the bay’s shape more
perfectly than this description.
Hanalei Bay Beach is located at the base of cliffs.
These cliffs reflect into the glass-like water of the
bay. Surrounding the bay are 1,000- to 4,000-foot-high
mountains covered with mist. Behind it, waterfalls
provide a breathtaking backdrop. The Hanalei River
borders the bay on the east and the Waipa River on the
west. The bay is so beautiful that the enamored Japanese
author Haruki Murakami wrote a short story about it
called “Hanalei Bay.”
Coral reefs grow at both ends of the bay – Pu‘u Poa Reef
at the left end and Waikoko Reef at the right end -
while the middle part is scattered with shallow sandbars
and tiny patches of corals. In the summer, boats and
yachts anchor at Hanalei Landing, a pier located in the
middle of the bay.
Though Hanalei Bay is generally good for a wide range of
activities, from swimming to kayaking to windsurfing to
yachting, it is subject to high surf and strong currents
in the winter months. High surf from September through
May creates strong rip currents and pounding shorebreaks.
Swimmers should go to the northernmost part of the bay
where the water remains calm throughout the year.
Hanalei Bay Beach is well-known for its beauty, yet it
never gets too crowded. At 125 feet wide and 2 miles
long, the white-sande beach is spacious enough for
everyone.
Hanalei Bay Beach in Bullet Points
- The bay is shaped like a flower lei
- Largest bay on Kauai
- Excellent for a wide variety of activities
- Has a backdrop of cliffs and waterfalls
- Pier is used for summer anchorage of boats
- Coral reefs are a major attraction
Hanalei Bay Beach Facilities (top)
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Pier
- Boat ramp
- Parking
Hanalei Bay Beach Water Activities
- Swimming
- Yachting
- Snorkeling
- Windsurfing
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Bodyboarding
- Canoe paddling
- Boating
Hanalei Bay Beach Driving Directions / Location
From Princeville, drive down Highway 56. Take a right on
Aku. Continue driving until you reach Weke Road. Take a
right at the junction to reach Hanalei Bay Beach Park.
Address: Hanalei, Kauai, HI 96714
Hanalei Bay Beach Map (top)
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Hanalei Bay Beach Weather (top)
Now
79°F
Windchill:
79°F
Mostly Cloudy
|
Location: Hanalei, HI, US
Wind: 14 mph E
Humidity: 74%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.07 in falling
Sunrise: 6:44 am
Sunset: 5:57 pm
|
Sat
Hi: 87°F
Low: 61°F
Scattered Showers
|
Sun
Hi: 88°F
Low: 63°F
Scattered Showers
|
Hanalei Bay Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Hanalei Bay Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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