There are many great beaches in the USA. We’re proud that our Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore was named the best in 2009. With its sparkling blue water and spectacular mountain backdrop, its one of the most beautiful places on Kauai.
Hanalei Bay has four contiguous beaches that cover several miles. How do you select the right beach for you? Here’s our Summer guide for getting the most from your visit.
1. Park near the pier at the end of the road.
Most people congregate in the middle section, and park at Hanalei Pavilion. We drive to the end of the road towards the river and park at the pier.
A lot of locals hang out here at Black Pot Beach. This is also a good place to picnic and for the kids to have fun when they get tired of the beach. I normally don’t swim at Black Pot because it’s borders the Hanalei river and the water is usually murky. If you want to camp overnight, you can do so here Friday and Saturday only (permit required).
2. Park your towel to the left of the pier.
Between the pier and the first lifeguard station it’s usually less crowded. As you look down the stretch of white sand you’ll see many people gathered close to the middle (pavilion). No need to be one of them. Enjoy your space and put down your towel. If you’re a swimmer, this section is our favorite place in summer with its normally flat surf and great visibility. Some afternoons this area gets busier with canoe teams practicing.
3. Surf picks up between the pier and the second lifeguard station.
If you want to swim over a mile like we do, you’ll see the surf pick up between these two points and it can get shallow quickly. We normally keep swimming to the second lifeguard station, get out and shower, and then walk or swim back.
4. Best photo op is definitely at the pier.
I’ve tried taking photos at all four beaches and prefer the view from the pier hands down. It’s the mountain backdrop that makes this location the best. You’ll also get a chance to see kids (and adults) jump from the pier into the water.
5. Picnic tables, BBQ’s and restrooms at Wai’oli Beach (known here as Pine Trees) score high with us.
This is close to the lifeguard station and is normally quieter than Black Pot beach. Even though you don’t have a mountain view, it’s still spectacular looking out to the ocean.
6. Snorkel at Waikoko Beach.
Located on the highway between mile markers 4 and 5, this area is great for snorkeling when clam. It has a protected reef and is shallow. When we go we skip all of the apparatus and just use a snorkel in mouth and goggles over eyes.
7. Brace yourself for the restrooms.
Unfortunately, the best beach in the USA has the worst restrooms you’ll find, especially those at Black Pot. I took a picture but can’t publish it. Yes, it’s really that bad.
Finally,
If you have anything to share about Hanalei Bay Beach, please add your comments to our post. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. If you see us swimming at Hanalei be sure to yell, Beat of Hawaii! We’ll be glad to meet you.
(Photos taken by Beat of Hawaii, June 2009).
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Airlines to get the 
