Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is Kauai's largest bay, a wide north shore crescent with mountain views, long sandy sections, Hanalei Pier and surf that changes by season.

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Hanalei Bay, Kauai

At 2 miles (3.2 km) long, Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on Kauai. Hanalei means “crescent bay” in the Hawaiian language. It is a long half moon of golden sand backed by 4,000-foot-high (1,219 m) green mountains. Look closely and you may be able to spot several waterfalls. The bay is so beautiful that the enamored Japanese author Haruki Murakami wrote a short story about it titled Hanalei Bay.

There are actually four beach parks or sections within Hanalei Bay, starting from Waikoko Beach at the bay's western end to Black Pot Beach at the bay's eastern end (near the pier). Wai'oli Beach Park and Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park are in the middle of the 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 coral. In summer, boats and yachts anchor in 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 mid-October through March creates strong rip currents and a pounding shorebreak. Waves of 20 feet (6 m) and more are not uncommon. For surfers, the biggest waves are at a spot called Pinetrees, which is near the center of the bay.

Key Features

Kauai's largest bay, stretching about two miles along the north shore
Wide crescent shoreline backed by Hanalei's mountain views
Hanalei Pier and Black Pot Beach are major landmarks on the bay
Pavilion and Pine Trees lifeguard towers are staffed daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Winter surf can bring stronger waves and currents
Summer often brings calmer days along parts of the bay
River runoff can make the water brown or murky after heavy rain
Parking can fill up quickly on busy north shore beach days
The wide bay has quieter shoreline areas and more active surf sections depending on the day
After rain, you can often see cascading waterfalls running down the mountains behind the bay.
Hanalei Bay is a broad north shore beach park setting with sand, mountain views and seasonal surf

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Hanalei Bay look different after rain?

After rain, you can often see cascading waterfalls running down the mountains behind the bay, while river runoff may make parts of the water murkier.

Did Hanalei Bay appear in any movies?

Yes. Hanalei Bay appears in movies such as South Pacific, Lilo & Stitch and The Descendants, with other Hanalei-area scenes filmed nearby.

Why is Hanalei Pier such a popular photo spot?

The pier gives visitors a clear view of the bay's long curve of sand, the mountains behind Hanalei and the open north shore water.

What should visitors know about the river mouths?

The river mouths can have stronger current and murkier water after rain. Visitors should give those areas extra space when the bay looks brown or stirred up.

How big is Hanalei Bay?

Hanalei Bay is about two miles wide, so most visitors settle into one section instead of trying to cover the whole shoreline in one visit.