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Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is nearly 3 miles long and set in one of the most picturesque locations in Hawaii with majestic mountains in the background. When the surfs just right it turns into Disney Land for water enthusiasts. Experienced surfers are offered large waves at a reef on the right hand side of the bay.

It is the largest bay on Kauai and is bordered by a white sand beach 125 feet wide. The beach is located between Hanalei River to the east and Waipa River to the west. Three rivers, Hanalei, Waioli, and Waipa, cross the beach, mixing some stream-carried sediment into the beach sand at the east and west ends. Most of the beach, however, is clean, white sand. The ocean bottom slopes gently to overhead depths. Several shallow sandbars are located in the center of the beach. Large coral reefs are found only at the ends of the bay, Pu’u Poa Reef to the east and Waikoko Reef to the west. Some smaller patch reefs are found in the center of the bay.

Three beach parks are located on Hanalei Bay: Black Pot Beach Park, Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, and Wai’oli Beach Park. Each of them has restrooms, showers, and parking. Several public rights-of-way are also located along the bay. Black Pot Beach Park borders the mouth of the Hanalei River and is also the site of a public boat ramp and a 300-foot-long pier, the former Hanalei Landing.

Closer in, at the pier, the waves lose energy and are perfect for beginners. Variably sized waves are served at the middle sections good for body boarding and intermediate level surfers. Hanalei Bay is never crowded and offers plenty of room to play. Unfortunately the weather and surf don’t always cooperate. Winter storms can bring chaotic ocean conditions, with run-off from rainfall sometimes dirtying the water. Storms and rainfall can also change the beach’s sand by littering it with debris and rocks.

, Beaches

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Black Pot Beach Park Zoom

Black Pot Beach Park

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This beach is one of the only Kauai beaches without a Hawaiian name. This beach used to have a large black pot that was used to cook fish for celebrations. This is how it got it’s name. Black Pot Beach is part of the Hanalei Bay  beaches and is packed with locals every weekend. You will see tents and tarps setup for picnics, fires and BBQs. Further up from the water, there is a large grass lawn area with picnic tables and shade for relaxing. Behind this grass area there are places you can rent surfboards and stand up paddle boards. The mouth of the Hanalei River feeds into the ocean at this beach.

Access to this beach is a breeze as you can drive right up on the beach. Many locals back up their trucks and cars to set up a day camp on the beach.

Sunsets at this beach are a popular evening activity. The beautiful backdrop of the pier and the surrounding mountains make it mystical and wonderful. Watching the sun set over the ocean here, is truly amazing. Back your car or truck right up to the ocean, pull out a few chairs and eat dinner, desert or share a drink here. It’s free, and arguably beats the view from any restaurant in the area. Please make sure to keep the beach clean by picking up your trash.
Kids love this beach and you’ll see them playing in the water here why their parents socialize and BBQ dinner with other locals.

3 beds + 2 baths + sqft. Garages: 0

Pu’u Poa Beach Zoom

Pu’u Poa Beach

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Pu’u Poa Beach is mainly used by guests of the St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Hanalei Bay Resort. Hanalei Bay Resort guests can take the steep and paved path that leads to the beach (or use the resort’s shuttle). Guests of the St. Regis Princeville Resort can take the elevator to the ground level and you are there! If you’re not a guest at either one of the two resorts, you take the almost 200 steps that start near the public parking lot. This public lot is located near the entrance of the St. Regis Princeville Resort on the right. Pu’u Poa Beach is the longest beach near the St. Regis Resort as it extends from the hotel all the way down to the Hanalei River. When the tide is low, a sandbar appears extending from the river to Black Pot Beach.

You will most likely see swarms of snorkelers out and about, however, we haven’t had good luck at this beach. It’s usually very shallow in summer months, and leaves little room for fish or aquatic life to see. If you get further out, you may have better luck, but beware the currents of Hanalei Bay.  Since it’s shallow and near the mouth of the Hanalei River, it can be pretty murky. 

The view from this beach is hard to beat. Looking over the famous Bali Hai point and lush mountains just doesn’t get old. You can also rent paddle boards, and other surf apparatus from the St. Regis staff by the pool.

An offshore reef protects the beach, making it generally safe for swimming. The reef, however, is not enough barrier for the beach from winter swells.

During winter international surfers flock to Pu’u Poa Beach. The ocean water that breaks against the outer edge of the reef close to Hanalei River provides some of the best surf rides on Kauai.

3 beds + 2 baths + sqft. Garages: 0

Waikoko Beach Zoom

Waikoko Beach

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This beach is small and relativity hidden along the highway at the very end of Hanalei Bay, can be the perfect spot in the summer for those looking for a tranquil place to sunbathe. Getting to the beach from the highway is a little tricky because you have to climb down an embankment. There’s a winter time surf break you may find a surf break just off the reefs. Beware as it’s known to be larger and rougher than other nearby surf breaks.

Even though Waikoko Beach is accessible from the highway it’s rarely crowded. One reason for this is that the swimming conditions are very poor. The water is too choppy on most days because of too much wave action, and the nearshore ocean bottom is shallow. However, there is plenty of shade on the beach, so it’s a nice spot for a picnic.
Parking is limited to a few spots along the road, and because it is such a steep climb down to the beach, it’s not easy to cart much along with you as you scramble down.
This beach has a unique shallow lagoon, with rocks. When conditions are good it can be a nice peaceful place for kids to play. It’s rarely crowded due to access and parking.

3 beds + 2 baths + sqft. Garages: 0

Waioli Beach Park Zoom

Waioli Beach Park

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This beach is located at about the middle of the two mile long crescent-shaped bay of Hanalei Bay. Waioli Beach Park is is fronted by a large grass lawn and plenty of shady areas for relaxing in the white sand. The waves are often good for surfing along this stretch of beach and the main surfing area is known as Pine Trees. During winter the waves are only for those who are experienced though beginners can try surfing closer to the Hanalei Pier. Waioli Beach is scenic with mountains in the background and sailboats are anchored offshore during the summer months. 
Another name for part of this beach is Grandpa’s Beach.
Pine Trees Beach
Part of this beach is nick-named Pine Trees and is usually where the best surf condition are. Pine Trees Beach is near the end of the beach, near all the, you guessed it, Pine Trees. The waves at Pine Trees are typically a bit larger than to the east at Pavilions, and are smallest near the pier. 
Pine Trees has it’s own parking, which may be easier to fine and navigate then the public lot. This area usually has plenty of spots and can be found to your right as you drive out of Hanalei Bay. If you get to Waikoko Beach you have gone too far. It’s not a bad place to pull off and enjoy the view. You’ll see the large St. Regis resort opposite the bay. Pine Trees does not have a Lifeguard.
There are a few annual surfing contests held here and there are also two volleyball courts that are frequented by locals. Walking westward along the shore you can visit the secluded Waikoko Beach at low tide. Waikoko has generally very calm water.

The eastern edge of this beach touches Hanalei Beach Park, at the edge of Princeville.  The bay is surrounded by palm trees and a high ascending, densely vegetated ridge.

3 beds + 2 baths + sqft. Garages: 0