Many consider Hanalei Bay Kauai to be quintessential Hawaii and it is easy to see why. Laid-back Hanalei surf town is a splendid example of a local community that harkens back to times gone by.
We’ve expanded our guide to now include Hanalei Bay places to eat, places to stay, and annual events, in addition to our insider tips.
The verdant, waterfall-laden mountains are epic, as is the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay that you will surely be visiting. What isn’t to love about Hanalei Bay. Spectacular views in every direction await you, from the bay to distant Bali Hai (Makana) and the mountains behind. You’re in for a Hawaii dream here. Hanalei Bay is the largest of its kind on Kauai at nearly two miles long and up to 125 feet wide. It stretches from the Hanalei River, where it meets Princeville on the east to the Waipa Stream on the west.
There are lots to do in sleepy Hanalei, whether in the water or on the beach, eating or shopping or enjoying a Hawaiian beverage. We are regulars there and spend lots of time each summer at Hanalei Bay.
Enjoy our Hanalei Bay recommendations from a Hawaii perspective on what to do here on North Shore Kauai.
Exquisite Hanalei Bay has been named one of the best beaches in America by Dr. Beach. The bay still rocks with its sparkling blue clear water and spectacular mountain backdrop. A Hanalei Beach Park extension near Black Pot Beach recently took place, which includes a new grassy area and much improved and expanded parking. The new bathrooms, however, are still not working, having been temporarily, or perhaps indefinitely, replaced with portable units.
In addition to the beach, Hanalei rocks when it comes to enjoyment for surfers, kayaks in the bay and on the river, and padding in Hanalei Bay or paddle the Hanalei river. Ocean conditions and waves at Hanalei Bay vary tremendously from season to season, with summer being gentle whereas winter can rock epic surf.
1. Hanalei Bay Surf Town Insider Tips
How to avoid crowds.
Drive to the end of the road near the river and park close to the Hanalei pier at Black Pot Beach Park with its iconic view. There is also side street parking if the new parking lot is full. Walk between there and the middle beach where the crowds are far fewer. Look behind you and you may spot the house and hedge featured in The Descendants. As you look down the broad stretch of white sand you’ll see many people congregating close to the pavilion. There’s no need to be one of them. Enjoy your space and put down your towel.
Tip: There is a new grassy area here near the beach which is a good place to picnic and for the kids to have fun when they get tired of the beach. We don’t suggest actually swimming at Black Pot because it borders the Hanalei River and the water is often murky.
Superb photo opportunities are had at the Hanalei pier.
The amazing mountain backdrop makes this location the perfect spot. You’ll also get a chance to see kids (and adults) jump from the pier into the water near the mouth of the Hanalei River. Sunset is most popular for photography at Hanalei Bay and you’ll often see informal beach weddings.
The original pier dates back to 1892 and has always been a favorite for fishing, jumping, swimming, and just hanging out. It was featured in the 1957 film classic South Pacific. The pier was also seen in the movie, Beachhead, in 1954, which starred then 19-year old Tony Curtis. The canopy at the end of the pier was restored in 2012. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Surf can pick up between the pavilion and the second lifeguard station.
Between Hanalei Pavilion and Pine Trees further down, the surf tends to pick up a bit and you need to watch for rip currents. Use caution depending on conditions.
Picnic tables, BBQ’s and restrooms at Waioli Beach Park (known here as Pine Trees) score high with us.
This is close to the lifeguard station and is normally quieter than Black Pot beach near the pier. Even though you don’t have quite the mountain view, it’s still spectacular looking out to the vast ocean.
Hanalei Bay rich and famous.
The late Michael Crichton’s house was located near Pine Trees along Weke Road. Julia Robert’s beachfront home (pictured above courtesy of Zillow) was located mid-way between Pine Trees and Black Pot. That prior property just sold again last year for nearly $30 million.
Kauai Snorkeling at Waikoko Beach.
Located on the highway between mile markers 4 and 5, this area is great for snorkeling when calm. It has a protected reef and is shallow.
2. Where to eat at Hanalei Bay
Bar Acuda. High-end tapas bar near the center of Hanalei town. Outdoor dining in a nice atmosphere. Reservations needed.
Hanalei Bread Company. Organic local baker and coffee shop right in the center of Hanalei Serving fresh bread, pastries, breakfast, lunch, and coffee. They close early.
Hanalei Dolphin. The sushi here is next level but also on the expensive side. But you do get 10 pieces of sushi per specialty roll and it might be some of the freshest fish you’ve had. Worth the price tag. They also have a fish market next door – get some local fresh fish to grill up at home!
Kalypso. A very popular sports bar ad restaurant in Hanalei town. Okay food and a great place to watch your favorite game on TV. Party-like vibe especially at happy hour for drinks and pupus.
Pinks Creamery. Open 11 to 9 daily and serving gourmet ice cream and homemade waffle cones. 17+ flavors, from classic to tropical. Across the street from Kalpyso.
Postcards Cafe. Upscale patio dining on the road just before Hanalei town. Set in a charming vintage Hanalei cottage not far from the Hanalei bridge.
Tahiti Nui. Food, live music and a warm and friendly atmosphere on the main street in Hanalei town. Since 1963, family run and operated. They operate a luau as well. It was featured in the movie The Descendants.
Wishing Well Shave Ice. Always busy and fun shaved ice with real juices and more. Organic choices, acai bowls, and more make this a family favorite.
3. Where to stay at Hanalei Bay.
Airbnb. You’ll find over 300 listings when searching, from Superhosts (vacation rental managers) to local listings starting from about $100/nightly plus fees.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. The former Princeville Resort aka St. Regis is returning this fall as the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. It is a luxury property with a very small beach and iconic views. The website says, “located in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay will bring a world-class wellness resort and flagship sustainable sanctuary to Kauai’s North Shore.”
Hanalei Bay Resort. Actually located in Princeville, and just across the mouth of the Hanalei River with incredible views, this is a condo-hotel with a fantastic ocean bluff location, award-winning pool, and tennis courts.
Hanalei Colony Resort. Beautifully positioned, iconic but aged property is right on a golden sand beach with fantastic views in all directions. Classic Hawaiiana styling. Check reviews as there are issues including mildew you will want to know about.
Hanalei Inn. Super cute in the funkiest way best describes this Hanalei town accommodation which is within a relatively short walk from the beach. Studios with kitchens.
4. Hanalei Bay events and activities.
Activities take place throughout the summer that you won’t want to miss. These were canceled last year due to COVID.
The 40th Annual Haena to Hanalei 8 mile run/walk, half marathon, 5k and 1-mile run, and luau is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2022.
Hanalei Swim Challenge. This iconic summer event is set to return again in summer 2022. The 1,000 and 3,000-meter and kids events are rated in America’s top 100 swims and takes place around July 4. The website has also not yet been updated for 2022.
If you have anything new to share about Hanalei Bay, please add your comments. And if you see us swimming at Hanalei be sure to yell, Beat of Hawaii! We’re regular long-distance swimmers each summer. You won’t be the first to see us there, and we’ll be glad to meet you.
Updated 4/19/22.
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This is a lovely website. Thank you for providing it. My question concerns accommodations.
Can you please advise me about the best place to stay for a family of six, including two very active grandparents, two thirty-something very active parents, and two children: a boy 7yrs. and a girl 9yrs — very active, athletic
We would love a place on the beach or very near the beach, which is “affordable” (mid-price range).
We would come in May or June.
Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Toni.
Thanks for saying that. If you want to reply, providing an island and location where you are thinking of staying, that would help and others will be happy to give you their suggestions. If you don’t know the answer yet, we’d suggest you dig into a guidebook and get a better understanding of what the Hawaiian Islands have to offer. It varies considerably.
Aloha.
Please tell visitors to use the Hanalei shuttle to the end of the road. It is run by the wonderful Hanalei Initiative and puts funds back into that community, keeps traffic manageable and prevents you from getting an expensive parking ticket. There is no room to park in the road. Don’t do it. Shuttle is easy, has a big parking lot and us affordable.
A pleasure to read. So kind and true – keep it up.
Mahalo
🙂
Hello,
I like to know if you could recommend someone who could put together a nice Charcutierie Board for a beach sunset party. Maybe some kind of other horsdoeuvres. My daughter is having a small wedding on the beach on Hanalei Bay June 10th.
thank you
Hi Holly.
Maybe Google for private chefs?
Aloha.
Track down Sabrina with Callahan creative co. She’s on Instagram and makes the most amazing yummies.
June 3, 2022 isn’t a Saturday.
Aloha. We just arrived Kauai last Tuesday and having an amazing time.
Went to the Hanalei markets yesterday (Saturday). Our biggest problem so far is finding beaches without too much walking. One of us is 79 years old… but acts like a kid. Please, can you give us detailed directions to the Hanalei beach and pier? I just can’t seem to find beaches on the north side.
Sincerest Mahalo.
Patti (staying in Princeville)
Hi Patti.
Drive into Hanalei, turn right at Kalypso restaurant, turn right at the dead-end by the water, then go to either the lifeguard first or the pier after that. You can’t get lost. Or use Google Maps or avail yourself of island maps available at grocery stores for free contained in various ad pamphlets. Lastly, just ask anyone.
Aloha.
how about giving opaka paka restaruant, wills shop and hanalei beach colony some love
Opaka has excellent fish and chips (and fish tacos). I like their poke plate, too. Half price beer and wine from 5-6 pm (mmmmm Big Swell). And Ronnie, Colleen and crew do their best, night after night, to deal with the tourists. Back in the BC days, was good place to watch football. As was Kalypso back when they could pack the bar.
Is the Hanalei Cafe still around? Always liked that place. Hope it has survived. Looking forward to getting back soon.
You mean Hanalei Gourmet? Yes, it is still there, in the old school building.
Hanalei is the jewel in the Crown that is Kauai. Morning walks on the beach, light lunch, beach, walk back to your accommodation(house) and nap and then a little shopping, maybe another stroll to catch the sunset from the pier? All good. Doesn’t get any better, IMO.
Question if you can help. Have some family that lives in England coming to visit in Arizona leaving 4 days later for Kauai for a week nonstop from Phoenix. They both have the 2 immunizations plus the booster. Will they need to do the testing as well? I went to our place in Kapaa from my home in Arizona nonstop and I didn’t need the testing since I also have both shots and the booster as well.
If you can help it would be much appreciated.
Hi Moonbaka.
International arrivals that come via another place in the US (not direct international flights) comply with the Hawaii Safe Travels rules. A regular visitor on the website told us last week that when they arrived from England, via the mainland, the Safe Travels website wouldn’t give them the QR code since the vaccinations were from a source Safe Travels didn’t know of. When he arrived in Hawaii, he had no further issues and was cleared. Hope that helps.
Aloha.
Chocolat Hanalei in Hanalei town has amazing farm-to-mouth chocolate grown 4 miles from Hanalei.
The last time we were at Black Pots in November (2021), we were amazed to find the new restrooms open! Who knows if they will remain so, but we’re hoping.
Oh dear…there are so many more restaurants in Hanalei that should be mentioned and applauded! My vote is for The Hanalei Gourmet, hanaleigourmet.com/. Others will chime in, I am sure…but the Gourmet is the best.
Another great place to eat is Postcard Cafe. Always found their food unique and done well.
What’s required for travel to Maui via Honolulu in mid February? We’re vaxed and boosted.
Joe K
If the Hanalei Chocolate Company (a store front about 6 feet wide on the makai side of the main road) is still there (was July 2021) they have hand made, home made chocolates that are the best ever!
Aloha – this is a bit off-topic but I was wondering if the reservation system for Haena State Park provides accurate information. I attempted to book a reservation but the system indicated they were fully booked for the rest of May and all of June.
Mahalo for keeping us all current with Hawaii news/info.
Hi Peter.
We would appear to correct. There are many visitors here right now and next month looks to be jamming. The website says “Day-Use Parking and Entry Reservations at Haena State Park are available for purchase 30-days in advance. So you might want to keep checking back for reservations in the second half of June.
Aloha.
Aloha.
Thanks very much for the hint of Waikoko beach. Made it there today, a bit rough for snorkeling, but truly a gem of a calm beach.
The spirit of the mask mandate is changing rapidly while we’re here. Tourists have really cut back on the mask wearing following the CDC change a few days ago. Love being here again after 2 years. Keep up the good work, BOH. I’ll be reading!
Hi Dean.
Thanks for your Kauai report. Both of us were there yesterday as well, and it was epic. The water clarity was as good as we have ever seen.
Aloha.
Heads up for those traveling to Kauai, Hanalei in general. Yes, getting to Hanalei is a pain with the road closure and once you’re here, you’ll find many businesses out of business. Most disappointing, The water is brown. It is disgusting. Even going all the way to the end of the pier – dark brown water! And we have had no significant rainfall.
Do you know if HWY 560 from Princeville to Hanalei is open to traffic. We’ve heard two different story’s. One that it is open with alternating one way traffic the other that it”s only open in the early morning and late afternoon. We have a parking pass and entry to Ha’ena State park on 4/29 at 12:30 pm and wondering if we’ll be able to go.
Thank you very much.
Rich
Hi Rich.
It is open with one shared lane. See all the hours and details on the State DOT site here: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/2021-hanalei-hill-landslide/.
ALoha.
People should be aware that the road to Hanalei is entirely closed most of the day, Monday-Saturday. It’s currently open only for 45 minutes in the early morning, 1:45-2:30 in the afternoon, and then 5:30-11:00 in the evenings. Be sure to check HDOT.gov before coming up. Lines for the afternoon wait have been running more than an hour.
The posts shown are super old. Why are they included?
Our granddaughter is planning a wedding for June 11,2018 and would like to have it at Hanalei Bay. could you tell me if we need to make reservations and if so, how and if there is a fee. anything we may need to know would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for all your help. Beck
Hi Becky.
Suggest you search for Kauai wedding officiant. You’ll need someone to help you with this. Permitting and other rules definitely apply.
Aloha.
Hello,
My family of 4 (2 8 year olds- 9 at time of trip) are planning a trip in July of 2018. My husband and I have spent time in Oahu and Maui, and look forward to visiting another island. Our children have never been to Hawaii. We are traveling from New Jersey and would love to get a direct flight! I’m drawn to the Big Island, and my husband is partial to checking out Kauai. Perhaps considering what would be best for our children will bring us to a decision. Do you have any suggestions which island, overall would be better for children? We plan to spend about 10 days on one island, and break up the trip half at a resort and half at a rental house/condo. Please share any thoughts on rentals, as there are a lot out there! Thank you so much for any information that you share with us! Your help is appreciated.
Colleen
Hi Colleen.
What you’re asking for isn’t what we do unfortunately. Having said that both are ideal for children, and you seriously can’t go wrong. In fact do plan another trip so that in time you can visit the Big Island and Kauai.
Guidebooks such as the acclaimed Hawaii Revealed series should be of great help.
Aloha.
Hello! Could you tell me what part of Hanalei beach is typically good for surfing in June/July? We are bringing our kids who are older teenagers,18 and 19, who would like to surf. We are looking at renting a vacation home in Hanalei and would like to be closer to the part of the beach used for surfing. I’ve been on quite a few travel blogs and am getting mixed information. Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Julie.
Generally no surfing in summer at Hanalei. If there are un-seasonal waves, they’ll be in the area called Pinetrees, at the opposite end from the pier.
Aloha.
Are the ocean be still on calm mode in the month of September and early part of October in Hanalei? and not stormy? Thanks.
Hi Carolyn.
It changes every season so you can’t say for sure. Rougher conditions return to north shores anytime between September and November usually.
Aloha.
In the “good old days” when I had a decent income, I owned a timeshare in Princeville for 3 weeks each year, 1985-1999, and never traded it because I loved the North Shore so much. My wife and I have only visited once since then, in 2006, due to cost, but anticipate eventually returning. I’ve been on your e-mail list for many years and always enjoy visiting your website, just to feel connected to my favorite place.
I always used to love snorkeling at Tunnels, but somehow never heard of Waikoko Beach. I see from Google Maps satellite view that Waikoko is much smaller, but otherwise how does it compare to Tunnels for casual snorkeling on a calm sea day?
Hi Bruce.
We’ve never been to that beach which is just before Lumahai. If it was that good, likely we’d know about it.
Aloha.
Aloha,
My girl and I are going to travel to Kauai in Mid-December and staying up in Princeville. Is there any boat tours going out of Hanalei Bay to see the beautiful mountains of the Napali Coast? We plan on going south to view other things such as Waimea Canyon, but I think there’s so much to do to include the boat tour.
Also any other good tips such as the above article?
Thank you so much in advance.
REN
Hi Ren.
Suggest you get a hold of the Kauai Revealed guidebook. Boat tours of our Hanalei in winter won’t happen since waves could be huge then on north shore.
Aloha.
What about boat tours in the summer going out of Hanalei? I’ve only heard and been out of them from Port Allen. They never go the full way to Ke’e Beach which I would really love to see by boat let alone sail to Hanalei.
Hi Lee.
Just google for boat tours from Hanalei. We don’t have any experience to recommend a company.
Aloha.
Captain Sundown out of Hanalei…..HIGHLY RECOMMEND the 7hr Na Pali Snorkel Catamaran Cruise; one of the best activities we’ve done on our (5) trips to Kauai.
We are a group of 5 senior couples looking to visit Maui or Kahai early 2017 . Some are active seniors looking to hike, snorkel etc.We are also staying for one week and want to stay at a cost efficient condo. Any suggestions and recommendations regarding island choice for first timers and places to stay would be appreciated.By the way is February considered off season?
Hi Lorraine,
If there are 10 people flying together, then you should qualify for a group rate. So contact multiple airlines that fly between your city and the islands to check that out. For what to do, and where to stay, we suggest the Hawaii Revealed series of print and online guidebooks. There’s one for each island and they are extremely helpful.
Aloha.
If you want condos, Outrigger properties are great to work with. They have had great experience with them for 3 or 4 years now.
Aloha Lorraine: February is high season in Hawaii because many mainlanders are ready for a break from snow and cold. The end of February is also the peak of shake season when Humpbacks are abundant. The slowest time of year for tourism in Hawaii is September, followed by fall and the period between mid April and the second or third week of June when school gets out.
I do not believe that Maui has any condos that can legally sleep 10 since state law allows 2 people per bedroom plus 2 sleeping in the living room. You’ll likely want two condos.
Many people would say that Kauai offers the most natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands, but Maui is more popular and arguably offers a greater variety of activities, such as bicycling down the dormant volcano Haleakala. The locals say “Maui No Ka Oi” which means “Maui is the best”. You really can’t go wrong visiting either island, they are both wonderful and they each deserve at least a week.
We leave for LIH from PHX on Jan 15, 2017 and return on Jan. 30,2017. I have booked the return trip to PHX using all my AA miles. Right now Hawaiian Air is $400.00 per person one way to Kauai. I’m thinking I should book this now? ($800.00 total round trip cost for 2 is not that bad of a deal). I know that American Air fly’s direct, but my wife and I really like Hawaiian Air.
thank you for your kind response……….
Hi Ralph.
Yes low $400’s. Might improve, but it might not. There is a disadvantage price-wise on this route when flying one way. Best round trip price is $676.
Aloha.
This post made me dream of jumping in warm water at the pier, attending festivals, barbecue on the beach…
Interesting about restrooms. I used to frown upon paying $ 1 to use a clean bathroom in Europe tended by a “dame pipi” (attendant) but years later, I realized that there was a need for it because selfish people often refuse to clean after themselves. Though Europe is worse than the US about cleanliness, there is definitively room for improvement.
Hi Nadege.
Concur. Bathroom in France are far better than this.
Aloha.