Hanalei Bay (Summer Months)

Hanalei Bay is a must see when visiting to Kauai and is one of the most popular beaches. Hanalei Bay is a two mile long crescent beach that many visit. Kauai L.O.C.A.L and Visitors come to Hanalei Beaches for many different reasons. Parties, get togethers, events, competitions, exercise, or just to enjoy some relaxation in the sun. Hanalei Bay provides awesome sunset pictures and beach pictures to share with family and friends. Furthermore, Hanalei beach has beautiful mountain views and cascading waterfalls that can be seen from the beach.

Hanalei beach has three beach parks. Black Pot Beach Park, Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, and Wai’oli Beach Park. In addition, Hanalei Beaches provide amenities such as restrooms and showers at the three beach parks. Hanalei beaches have parking areas, however it can sometimes be full due to the amount of visitors. Due to the Flooding in April 2018, it would be best to try another portion of the beach rather than Black Pot beach park. Hanalei Beaches is an escape from the daily hustle and bustle. It is a perfect getaway for LOCALs who do not live particularly in the area.

Picturesque views and the beautiful lush natural landscape are reasons why many visitors come to Hanalei beach. In addition, During the summer months, many sailboats are anchored in the Hanalei bay and is a great place for swimming due to less ocean swell activity. The water is generally 2 ft deep for the first 20-30 feet from shore and gradually gets deeper of about 6-7 ft deep when aligned with the ending of the pier. Hanalei bay is a great place for keiki and family to build sand castles. Moreover, annual sand castle competitions are held at Hanalei bay every year. Stand Up Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Swimming are some of the leisure activities that many participate in. Hanalei Bay is also a great place for learning how to surf or boogie board when there is a little swell and the conditions are not in the advisory levels.

The famous Hanalei pier is located at Hanalei beach. Hanalei Pier is where many LOCAL jump off into the shallow waters (not recommended as some people were seriously injured). These daredevils do backflips, cannonballs and even jump from the roof of the pier to impress friends and visitors of their skill. The historic Hanalei pier was built in 1892. It became famous in 1957 when Oscar Hammerstein II and 20th Century Fox featured the pier in the classic film “South Pacific”. The pier has also been featured on postcards, commercials and in the movie “The Descendants” with actor George Clooney.

During the winter months, many LOCAL and visitors come to Hanalei Bay to watch the surfers charge these large waves. Hanalei Bay is dangerous for swimming during the winter months due to large north and west swells. Andy and Bruce Irons (world champion surfers) grew up in the area and claim Hanalei as their home break. Laird Hamilton and Titus Kinimaka (professional surfers and watermen) have also been known to frequent Hanalei Bay. Although the depth of the water is gradual, It is important to talk to a lifeguard or LOCAL before going into the water with your keiki whether you are visiting during the summer or winter. In addition, please make sure to check weather conditions before swimming as the swelling of the river can cause runoff. The runoff will cause high bacteria levels that can get you and your keiki sick.

Pictures of Hanalei Pier after April 2018 Flooding

After the flooding in April 2018, the road to Black Pot beach has been closed to visitors. Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park and Wai’oli Beach Park are the two areas where restrooms and showers are available. This has raised concerns about parking and getting access to the beach as many cars are reverting to parking on the side of the roads in the residential areas. This seems to be the case near the Wa’oli Beach Park area where the road to the public ends. Please be aware that this is a residential area and be considerate to those families who live in the area. Also, when driving please be advised that there will be a lot of pedestrians and keiki on the roads walking to the beach. So it is important to drive slowly.

If you are planning to visit Hanalei Bay, get their early to get a good parking spot and stake your spot on one of the best beaches in the world.

Beach Safety

Remember to follow the beach safety guidelines, check surf and weather reports for current conditions, and observe posted signage. Keep a constant watch on keiki who are playing in or around the water. Never leave children unattended. Small children should wear safety floatation devices unless they are avid swimmers and are being closely supervised.

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