Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore has always been a magnet for surfers, beachgoers, paddlers, and increasingly, the ultra-wealthy arriving by sea. But now, Hawaii lawmakers have decided enough is enough.
A new bill passed by the state Legislature and headed to the governor’s desk for signature will prohibit any vessel over 75 feet from entering the iconic bay where many boats moor each summer. Thus, the view above that BOH captured last summer will be preserved. This move follows community outcry over luxury yachts anchoring in one of Hawaii’s most culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.
Senate Bill 1511 is more than just symbolic. It will empower the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to enforce the ban and define exact boundaries for the newly protected area. Government vessels are exempt.
Why Hanalei Bay became ground zero.
The law targets Hanalei Bay for valid reasons. It’s not just scenic—it’s also considered sacred. The bay lies between the Hanalei and Waipa Rivers, fronting iconic spots like Black Pot Beach, Hanalei Beach Park, and Waioli Beach Park. Yes, these are famous beach names on a map, but they’re also places where generations of Kauai residents fish, surf, paddle canoe, and gather with friends and family.
In recent years, however, visitors and residents alike began noticing something out of place that we can personally confirm: enormous yachts, often with helicopters or jet skis on board, appearing like floating resorts off the Hanalei coast in summer.
Last year, the 194-foot Shinkai, a sleek, dark-hulled superyacht reportedly linked to a European billionaire, also routinely seen near Ala Moana Beach Park, caused a stir when it loomed over Hanalei Bay for days. We were stunned by its size while swimming at Hanalei.
Equipped with a personal submarine and a Toyota Land Cruiser, the vessel drew headlines and social media buzz as it dropped anchor offshore. To many, that became the final straw.
Residents pushed—and lawmakers listened.
Senate President Ron Kouchi, who represents Kauai and Niihau, said the bill reflects “a commitment to protecting [Hanalei Bay] for future generations.” House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, who also represents Kauai, added that the legislation ” protects residents’ access to fishing, swimming, surfing, and traditional water activities.”
Their statements echo concerns long-expressed by Kauai north-shore communities, which have watched Hanalei become the backdrop for more Instagram influencers, luxury weddings, and now, too, superyacht getaways.
But unlike debates over vacation rentals, this issue didn’t stall in government bureaucracy for a moment. The Legislature appeared to fast-track it, passing final amendments in late April 2025 and sending them to Governor Josh Green for final approval.
The Zuckerberg and Bezos yacht connection.
Some BOH readers have asked whether Launchpad, the 387-foot superyacht reportedly owned by Mark Zuckerberg, has ever moored in Hanalei Bay. The answer? We can’t confirm it. While Launchpad has been seen in Hawaiian waters as recently as spring 2025, there’s no verified evidence it has anchored at Hanalei or anywhere else on Kauai.
What’s clear is that the boat’s presence has drawn attention. The vessel travels alongside a 247-foot support ship named Wingman, creating a combined floating footprint that far exceeds what most harbors—and communities—are used to seeing. With four diesel engines and around-the-clock operations, Launchpad is part of what environmental analysts call high-emission superyachts, a category of travel that rivals hundreds of cars in annual carbon output.
Several years ago, rumors surfaced about a private marina being planned near Zuckerberg’s North Shore estate. His representatives and Hawaii officials publicly denied those reports. Still, the tension between private luxury and public shoreline access continues to ripple, whether or not his yacht ever appears near Hanalei Bay.
Jeff Bezos’ 417-foot sailing yacht, Koru, accompanied by its 246-foot support vessel, Abeona, has been a topic of much discussion among Hawaii residents and visitors, too. Sightings of large yachts are reported near Maui, particularly off Big Beach.
The substantial size of the yacht and the environmental concerns associated with superyachts continue to spark conversations about their impact on Hawaii’s delicate marine ecosystems.
A broader rejection of luxury intrusion in Hawaii?
While the current bill only applies to Hanalei Bay, it does tap into a broader sentiment across Hawaii: a palpable pushback against ultra-luxury tourism. One Beat of Hawaii reader recently commented: “It’s like the more you spend, the less you’re expected to respect the land. That’s not aloha.”
That sentiment aligns with what’s unfolding in places far beyond Kauai. Over-touristed Venice, which BOH readers just visited, has implemented a ten-euro entrance fee for day-trippers. Barcelona plans to eliminate all vacation rental apartments. These are flashpoints of global overtourism, and Hanalei might be Hawaii’s most picturesque version of a similar story.
Will this ban work?
As with many well-intentioned Hawaii laws, enforcement will be key. While DLNR is tasked with defining and enforcing the new rule, its past struggles with budget and staffing continue to raise questions. Our readers have long pointed out enforcement gaps across Hawaii, from illegal trail access to reef damage by tour boats. So, the rule will only be as effective as its visibility.
It’s hard, however, for even the wealthiest traveler to justify anchoring their 200-foot vessel in a bay where they’ve just been outlawed. This isn’t the first time Hawaii has drawn a legal line in the sand, but it may be one of the most visible.
What this means for Hawaii travelers.
For most visitors, this new law won’t change their trip directly. Nothing is being banned, and regular boating, paddling, and fishing will continue as always. But if you’ve ever visited Hanalei Bay and felt it was teetering on the edge of becoming something else entirely—a selfie backdrop for a giant yacht party—you’re not alone. The law signals a change toward balance.
BOH editors are known to swim at Hanalei Bay up to 50 times each summer. There’s something about looking back at those green cliffs from the water and feeling the place breathe. It remains magical. And Hanalei shouldn’t come with a dominating mega-yacht blocking the line of sight.
Reader reactions are already rolling in.
While this bill hasn’t yet become law, as it is pending the governor’s signature, readers are already weighing in. Tanya said she was relieved, noting that “Hanalei was never meant to be a playground for mega-yachts” and that “it’s for all of us, not just the 1%.”
Not everyone agrees. David questioned whether this sets a dangerous precedent: “What’s next—banning sailboats? What if someone wants to charter a catamaran?”
Mark, recalling the disruption from Shinkai last summer, remarked that “the view was awful” and that “the yacht looked like a cruise ship parked in paradise,” adding that he’s glad “it’s going away.”
What’s next for Hanalei Bay?
Governor Green is expected to sign SB 1511, especially given the strong support from legislative leadership. Once signed, DLNR will begin creating enforcement rules and defining Hanalei Bay’s boundaries in practical terms. It’s unclear if this will impact existing permits for vessels currently allowed in the area or how exceptions will be handled in some instances, including emergencies.
This move could set a precedent for other parts of Hawaii grappling with high-end vessel traffic, including other harbors. For now, Hanalei Bay is the test case.
This story will continue to evolve, both in the Legislature and on the water. We welcome your input!
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Your May 10 article regarding super yachts is both informative and interesting. As a former Weke Road resident, my connection is personal. Thanks and keep up the good work.
After 30 years of residence, I probably shouldn’t be surprised at the ridiculousness of people in Hawaii. Any sort of modernization or even coming into the 20th century is frowned upon. Moreover, what in God’s name is “ environmental concerns?” Who determines that and how is that measured? We’re really marching backwards into the 19th century.
Luxury yachts anchored in a bay is not modernization. No one here cares about them or their money. Take it somewhere else!! . Those of us struggling to make ends meet are fed up.
Two words may undo the law in the courts…. Navigatable Waters.
Ban them from the state entirely!
good… keep Hanalei and our north shore pristine….
As a 30 year timeshare owner in Princeville I say Bravo for this needed legislation! Hanalei Bay is not Monte Carlo, nor is any other harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. Bezos, Zuckerberg, and their billionaire pals can play with their ostentatious yachts elsewhere!
Residents must insist that the state enforce this new law, no exceptions whatsoever.
Wealthy Individual/Entity Boundary Pushed Result:
Barack Obama (Waimanalo)
Illegal seawall on erosion-prone beachfront, shoreline setback law
Built with “grandfathered” permits despite legal and public outcry
Mark Zuckerberg (Kaua‘i)
Acquiring kuleana lands through lawsuits
Dropped some suits after backlash, but retained vast estate
Larry Ellison (Lāna‘i)
Owning 98% of the island, seeking control over water and public services
Created jobs, but raised alarms over privatization of island life
Peter Thiel (Maui)
Fast-tracking permits in conservation areas
Development moved forward with limited oversight
Vacation Rental Owners
Illegal TVRs in residential neighborhoods
Enforced sporadically; many persist under the radar
Despite law and public outcry.
Let this moment be a turning point—where stewardship outranks status, and aloha becomes the boundary that wealth cannot cross.
Protect the shores at all cost.
That is a good start. It has also been identified that Kauai is suffering from over tourism. The legislature should also ban wide body aircraft from landing on the island of Kauai. The airport is has hit it’s critical limit. For locals that commute to other islands, the parking at the airport can sometimes be nonexistent.
I also feel that short term rentals should be banned as well. Trying to maximize human bodies per square foot should be a concern to everyone.
We should ban wide bodied individuals as well
Scott
How many tourists do you figure park at the airport?
I’m happy to hear that the legislatures weren’t bought off for this very important issue. It needs to happen all over the islands. It’s a great start but keep going. The wildlife need the help also. These billionaires can afford to dock miles away and take there helicopter to the island. No more accommodation at the expense of the islands.
Nawiliwili is the perfect place for super yachts. The big cruise ships are there.
But these are the people Green wants….so am afraid he will sign the bill because of pressure, but not enforce it. And where do they draw the line?
I’m a frequent visitor to Kauai and usually stay in Princeville, so Hanalei Bay has been a treasured place for my family for years. Last summer, when we saw that massive thing out there, my daughter asked, “Why are cruise ships coming here now?” She wasn’t far off. It completely disrupted the feel of the bay. I applaud the lawmakers for taking action before Hanalei becomes something it was never meant to be.
I’ve lived on Kauai my entire life, and I can’t tell you how surreal it’s been to watch these enormous yachts roll in like they own the place. Hanalei Bay isn’t just a pretty view—it’s tied to history, fishing , and local identity and more. When a monster vessel parks in the middle of it, it doesn’t just block the scenery—it feels like it blocks the spirit. This law won’t fix everything, but it’s a clear sign that enough people finally said, “This is too much.” We’ve given up a lot in the name of tourism—this time, not a good idea.
Good step, but why stop just at Hanalei? Kaneohe, Kailua Bay—those places deserve the same protections.
I swam at the beach out there last summer and remember looking up at that yacht and thinking, this doesn’t belong here given how massive and dominating it is. Glad someone finally agreed and hope it gets enforced.
This is the kind of leadership Hawaii needs. Protecting our coastal waters shouldn’t even be a debate when the alternative is a billionaire’s floating hotel parked off Black Pot.
So I get the intent, but it’s going to take more than the law. Unless enforcement improves, they’ll just anchor a hundred feet outside the boundary and call it a day. This could get interesting.
Not sure how I feel. I’ve seen those yachts at Hanalei and yeah, they’re massive—but they’re also in some ways fascinating. Where’s the line between curiosity and intrusion? Not sure.
I agree whole-heartedly about the imposition mega-yachts and the need to protect special places. Senate Bill 1511 is a good start, but the enforcement??
How do you write a ticket and impound a mega-yacht? What is going to be the enforcement mechanism? With the reportedly high level of personal security and (reportedly) well armed protective personnel aboard such yachts and support vessels, I fully expect them to just thumb their noses at “the rules” just because they can.
I sincerely hope not, but history has proved differently with people of incredible wealth.
The State of Hawaii, like all other U.S. States bordering the ocean, might have very little jurisdiction over activities in waters that are governed by U.S. Federal and international maritime laws. This may end up being another example of well-intentioned but ultimately unenforceable “feel-good” laws, with no legal standing and no legitimate agency to enforce the law.
Hanalei Bay on Kauai in the State of Hawaii. Federal Jurisdiction is voided in this case. The ocean is different. Once boats go beyond the bay, then, any federal regulations
become valid.
Money talks. Welcome Hawaii to the Entitled, Entitlement, of the ultra wealthy and their trusted lawyers. How far does the mansions back yard really extend?