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Hanalei Bay, Hanalei, HI

Photo: Jawed Karim, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFree

Hanalei Bay

Kuhio Hwy (HI-560) at Hanalei town, Black Pot Beach Park by Hanalei Pier · Hanalei, HI

Why you should go…

Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on Kauai's north shore, with nearly two miles of beach backed by mountains and the town of Hanalei at its midpoint. The Hanalei Pier, first built of wood before 1892 so farmers could ship rice to market, stands near the river mouth at Black Pot Beach, a long-time spot for fishing and picnics. Summer brings calm water for swimming and paddleboarding, while big winter surf makes the bay a surfing favorite.

  • #beach
  • #surfing
  • #pier
  • #kauai north shore
  • #paddleboarding

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.