Hanalei Bay
Hanalei
A crescent bay on the north shore, about 3 km long, backed by green mountains with waterfalls. The old pier and surf town are the island's most classic scenes.
Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on Kauai's north shore. Behind its roughly 3 km sandy beach rise green mountains, which are covered in waterfalls during the rainy season. The Hanalei Pier, built in 1892, sits in the middle of the bay and is one of the island's landmarks. In summer the sea is calm, making it good for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and surf lessons. In winter, big waves hit the north shore, and it is best to watch expert surfers instead. Hanalei town nearby has surf shops, cafés and shaved-ice stands. The north shore road passes single-lane bridges, so give way to other drivers.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hanalei Valley Lookout
- Lumahaʻi Beach
- ʻAnini Beach
- Tunnels Beach (Mākua)
- Limahuli Garden & Preserve
- Kalalau Trail & Keʻe Beach
- Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Nā Pali Coast