Hanalei Beach, Kauai: 3 beaches and 1 great time
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This two-mile-long white sand beach on Kauai’s North Shore is the largest bay on the island and is actually home to three different beach parks. It’s popular with locals, visitors, and even Hollywood.
You may recognize the crescent-shaped Hanalei Beach from movies such as The Descendants and South Pacific.
Off the movie screen, this beach made a name for itself as one of the best beaches in Hawaii! Pick your favorite water activities. This is the place to be in the summer. It does not make our list of the best beaches on Kauai in winter because North Shore swells make it dangerous.
Hanalei Beach Overview
Check out the video below to see this beach and the others that made our list of the best on Kauai. Hanalei Beach is the 3rd one we talk about.
The three sections that make up Hanalei Bay each offer something different for beachgoers besides the amenities listed in the following table.
| Hanalei Beach Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Outdoor Showers | Yes |
| Parking | 3 Parking lots + street parking |
| Lifeguards | Yes |
| BBQ Grills | No |
| Picnic Tables | Yes |
| Playground | No |
Black Pot Beach Park
Black Pots is located at the eastern end of the bay, just past Hanalei Pier. This section boasts the best views, especially at sunset. This, combined with jumping from the pier, makes this our favorite bit of the beach to spend the day on. This is where the Hanalei River flows into the bay, and it’s the departure point for kayakers exploring the river.
Wai’oli Beach Park (Pine Trees)
Wai’oli Beach gets its nickname and plenty of shade from the many pine trees on this grassy section just before the sand. You’ll also find a few volleyball nets and plenty of room to spread out. This is a popular surfing location in the wintertime, and typically, the first break surfers examine as they survey conditions.
This beach area is a little more exposed to wind and occasionally offers wind waves for beginner surfers in the summer months. The surf break known as Middles is about 500 yards into the ocean, where a stream runs into the Bay.
Waikoko Beach
To reach this section of the bay, you’ll have to hop back in the car and head to the westernmost point of Hanalei Bay. There is no parking lot, but there are a few sections where you can pull off Kuhio Highway and access the beach. It’s a bit more secluded and known with surfers.
Who is Hanalei Beach Best For?
Hanalei Beach has a little something for everyone. Sunbathers, swimmers, body-boarders, surfers, and kayakers can all find something to do here! There’s even ample shade, picnic tables, and volleyball nets, making it perfect for families and large groups.
Is Hanalei Beach Good for Swimming?
Not only is it suitable for swimming, it’s one of the best beaches on Kauai for swimming! Like all North Shore beaches, it too gets the caveat that this is only true in the summer. It becomes too dangerous to enter the water during the winter, so if your trip falls in the off-season for this beach, check out the best Kauai beaches in the winter or head out whale watching!
Is Hanalei Beach Good for Snorkeling?
It doesn’t make our list of the best snorkeling spots on Kauai, but you can find plenty of fish near the offshore reef and around the pier. If you’re bringing your snorkel gear, consider checking out Tunnels Beach, 6 miles past Hanalei.
How To Get to Hanalei Beach
Hanalei Bay is a 15-minute drive from Princeville, 40 minutes from Kapa’a on the east coast, and an hour and 15 minutes from Poipu on the south shore.
Hanalei Beach Parking
There are several parking lots and free street parking for Hanalei Beach. Starting on the east end is the Black Pot Beach Parking lot (directions). Block Pot has the largest parking lot, one of the reasons it is our favorite Hanalei Beach.
Heading west on Weke Road, you’ll find Hanalei Pavilion Beach Parking Lot (directions). Continuing west, you’ll find small lots at the end of He’e Road and Ama’ama Road, with the last lot down Ana’e Road (directions).
Things to Do at Hanalei Beach
You can enjoy a laundry list of great activities here, including:
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Body Boarding
- Kayaking
- Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (Hanalei River)
- Jumping from Hanalei Pier
- Sunbathing
- Watching the sunset
- Volleyball
But this list isn’t exhaustive! There’s also a great Napali Coast catamaran tour and a rafting tour that leaves from Hanalei Bay seasonally. If you venture away from the beach, head to Limahuli Garden and Preserve, go snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, and check out our list of more things to do in Hanalei!
Hanalei Beach Safety
As with all north shore beaches, winter brings large swells and dangerous currents to the area. If you can’t make it in the summer, check out the best beaches on Kauai in the winter.
The lifeguards will post warning signs regarding ocean conditions. Keep your wits about you whenever you’re near the ocean and pay attention to lifeguard flags. As always when in doubt, don’t go out!
Know Before You Go Snorkel Safety
Swimming and snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean should not be taken lightly. To keep you safe, please know your health limits, swim with a buddy, never turn your back on the ocean, and read and obey posted signs. Check HIOceanSafety.com for ocean conditions at lifeguard beaches.
Places to Eat Near Hanalei Beach
Lucky for you, this beach borders Hanalei Town and all the wonderful restaurants therein! A few notable mentions are Holey Grail Donuts, Bar Acuda, and Hanalei Poke. Some of the best grindz (eats) come from food trucks, so check out our Kauai Food Truck Guide for more.
Visit Hanalei Bay Beach and More
If you want more unforgettable adventures, check out our Activities Database. Here are a few from the selection we think you’ll enjoy:
