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Hanalei Bay in 3D
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Drag to spin · Blue P: parking · White line: walk to the sand · Heights doubled; waves are for illustration, not a surf report ·
Closures and alerts
Closures and advisories
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Conditions
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Tide
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Parking and access
Parking
The Hanalei Pavilion lot on Weke Road, about 32 spaces, plus more lots along Weke Road toward Black Pot and Waiʻoli. No fee listed. The County closes the Pavilion lot now and then for maintenance.
Getting to the sand
The lot sits right behind the beach. A short walk to the sand.
Lifeguard
Guarded. The County of Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau staffs a lifeguard tower here.
Where we stay. We stay at Honu Hale Sunrise in Princeville. It’s ours.
See Honu Hale SunriseAbout Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is a crescent of nearly two miles of sand on Kauaʻi's North Shore, backed by green mountains that run with waterfalls after rain. It is the island's most famous bay and one of the most recognizable beaches in Hawaiʻi.
At its east end, beside the Hanalei River mouth at Black Pot Beach Park, stands the historic Hanalei Pier, built in its current form in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. People come to walk the long beach, to paddleboard and kayak from the river mouth, and for surfing, from lessons on the sandbar near the pier to big winter swells on the outer reef breaks. Hanalei town, with its restaurants and shops, sits behind the middle of the bay.
Hanalei Bay (also called Black Pot Beach, Hanalei Pavilion) is a beach on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, on the north-facing coast. A County lifeguard tower covers it. Its surf follows the National Weather Service forecast for North-facing shores, and its tides follow NOAA’s Hanalei Bay station. Facilities: restrooms.
Questions
Is Hanalei Bay open?
The top of this page shows any closure or advisory that the County of Kauaʻi, the State (DLNR) or the Hawaiʻi Department of Health has posted for Hanalei Bay. We check every 3 hours. If our last check is more than a day old, it says “Status unknown” instead of guessing.
Where is Hanalei Bay, and how do you get there?
Hanalei Bay is on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. Its public access point is at GPS 22.20681, -159.49752. Directions in Google Maps. The map on this page shows lots that OpenStreetMap marks as public.
Is there a lifeguard at Hanalei Bay?
Yes. The County of Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau staffs a lifeguard tower at Hanalei Bay. Check in with the lifeguard before you get in the water.
Where do you park for Hanalei Bay?
The Hanalei Pavilion lot on Weke Road, about 32 spaces, plus more lots along Weke Road toward Black Pot and Waiʻoli. No fee listed. The County closes the Pavilion lot now and then for maintenance.
Does Hanalei Bay have bathrooms?
Yes. The County lists comfort stations (public restrooms) there. Showers aren’t on the County’s list. Source: County of Kauaʻi Parks.
Can you swim at Hanalei Bay?
That changes day to day with the surf, and this site doesn't make that call. Check the North-facing surf range above, any alerts, and the lifeguard on duty. Hazard ratings for guarded beaches are at hawaiibeachsafety.com.
Can you snorkel at Hanalei Bay?
People ask this a lot, and the answer changes daily. Snorkeling depends on small surf on the north-facing shore and clear water, and this site doesn't make that call. Check the surf range above, any Health Department brown water advisory (listed at the top of this page when one is posted), and ask the lifeguard on duty.
Report conditions
Just there? Tell us what you found. Reports never change this page by themselves.
Sources
- Closures: County of Kauaʻi, DLNR, Hawaiʻi Department of Health
- Surf, weather and alerts: National Weather Service Honolulu
- Tides: NOAA station 1611683
- Parking lots on the map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sources last checked October 26, 2026.