Set beneath the scenic, waterfall-lined mountains of Kauai’s north shore, Hanalei Bay is one of Hawaii’s finest beach areas for families and ocean activity enthusiasts.
A three-mile crescent of golden sand borders the clear, blue waters of Hanalei Bay providing idyllic beach walks with views of the verdant north shore mountains.
Ocean Sports Abound in Hanalei
Hanalei Bay’s relatively well-protected waters make it a popular location for a variety of watersports activities from swimming and kayaking to surfing to stand up paddleboarding. During the summer months Hanalei Bay is typically as calm as a lake, making it perfect for families with young children.
Along Hanalei’s shoreline you may see volleyball players, joggers and people playing catch with a frisbee. Of course a favorite activity at Hanalei is just relaxing on the spacious, uncrowded beaches and falling asleep to the gentle sounds of the surf lapping at the shore.
Surfing and bodyboarding are popular during the winter months when the waves tend to be larger. During winter the ocean conditions can sometimes become rough, even in the protected waters of Hanalei Bay, so it is recommended that you visit Hanalei’s lifeguarded beaches and ask a lifeguard about the day’s conditions and where it is safe to enjoy the water.
Hollywood Loves Hanalei
Dozens of major motion pictures have been filmed on Kauai including numerous movies utilizing the scenic waters of Hanalei Bay such as the renowned South Pacific in 1957, and Wackiest Ship in the Army starring Jack Lemon in 1960.
More recently Hanalei Bay was featured in The Descendants starring George Clooney and earning him an Academy Awards nomination. The film also won an Academy Award in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.
Boutique Shopping and Great Restaurants in Hanalei Town
Bordering Hanalei Bay is charming Hanalei Town where you can enjoy a variety of dining opportunities as well as boutique shopping, art galleries and gift shops. There is also a grocery store in the historic Ching Young Village shopping center.
Watersports equipment rentals are also available at several locations in Hanalei, as well as opportunities for lessons in everything from surfing to stand up paddleboarding and guided kayaking tours up Hanalei River and along the ocean shoreline.
In Hanalei you will find a delightful mix of local residents and visitors from around the world, and there are always lots of smiling and friendly faces. Just up the hill from Hanalei is the pristine Princeville Resort with many amenities including world-class golf courses.
Hanalei Pier Reflects Kaua’s Rich History
On the eastern end of Hanalei Bay is the historic Hanalei Pier, originally built in 1892 to serve inter-island steamers. The ships docked at the pier in olden days to bring supplies to the remote north shore Kauai community.
Today Hanalei Pier is popular with kids and fishermen alike, and the beach areas on the either side of the pier are typically the calmest areas of Hanalei Bay. For this reason the beaches near the pier are popular for families with very young children.
Hanalei Bay – A Jewel on Kaua’s Northern Shore
Many people consider the beaches of Hanalei Bay to be among the best in all of the Hawaiian Islands. Set beneath verdant splendor of the north shore mountains and protected from the open ocean, few spots are as enjoyable for beach lovers as Hanalei!
Hawaiian Beach Rentals Offers Affordable and Luxurious Hanalei Vacation Rentals
Please feel free to browse through our listings of Hanalei vacation rentals as well as other vacation properties on the Garden Island of Kauai and all the main Hawaiian Islands.
You can also give us a call at 800-853-0787 to talk to a local agent and we will help you find the perfect accommodations for your Hawaii vacation.