Hanalei Beach: Address, Hanalei Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
Hanalei Beach
Hanalei Beach
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
56 within 3 miles
Pink's Creamery
657
0.6 mi$ • Dessert • American • Grill
Jo Jo's
424
0.6 mi$ • Dessert • Hawaiian
Wishing Well Shave Ice
385
0.6 mi$ • Dessert • Hawaiian • Vegetarian Friendly
Bar Acuda
1,867
0.6 mi$$$$ • American • Spanish • Vegetarian Friendly
Hanalei Bread
420
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Chicken In A Barrel BBQ
952
0.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Barbecue
Ama Restaurant
217
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Kalypso Island Bar and Grill
2,751
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Hanalei Taro & Juice Company
272
0.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • Fast Food • Polynesian
Trucking Delicious- NOW Trucking Delicious Cafe
199
0.6 mi$ • Quick Bites • Hawaiian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
46 within 6 miles
Hanalei Pier
595
0.1 miPiers & Boardwalks
Hanalei Bay
553
0.3 miBeaches
Pali Ke Kua Beach (Hideaway s Beach)
563
1.2 miBeaches
Hanalei River
28
0.5 miBodies of Water
Puu Poa Beach
84
0.8 miBeaches
Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art
20
0.6 miArt Galleries
Princeville Botanical Gardens
1,237
Gardens
Queen's Bath
1,596
1.4 miGeologic Formations
Wai`oli Hui`ia Church
183
2.1 miChurches & Cathedrals
Hanalei Valley Lookout
753
2 miLookouts • Scenic Drives
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,848 reviews
Excellent
1,307
Very good
418
Average
97
Poor
19
Terrible
7
surfercharlie
Glendive, MT824 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is one of my favorite beaches in the entire world, so getting another opportunity to visit was fantastic! The beach is very big and can accommodate a lot of people. The scenes of the beach, bay, and surrounding mountains are simply amazing!
A lot happens at this very active beach. Kayak races and other sporting events, fishing, surfing, swimming, and sun bathing. There is also some snorkeling.
The mountains are tall, rugged, and beautiful. When I taught school, I would tell my students this is where Puff the Magic Dragon lives (he hides behind the biggest mountain). The Hawaiians just spell Honah Lee a bit differently. LOL.
We were able to spend a couple of hours here on this visit. It is a popular place to view sunsets, but we missed the sunset this time.
One thing I would like to add is to give kudos to the Hanalei life guards and first responders. Right after we arrived, an individual near where we parked went into some type of medical distress. The lifeguards responded very quickly and the first response unit arrived less than 2 minutes after called. It sure made me feel like this beach is a very safe place.
A lot happens at this very active beach. Kayak races and other sporting events, fishing, surfing, swimming, and sun bathing. There is also some snorkeling.
The mountains are tall, rugged, and beautiful. When I taught school, I would tell my students this is where Puff the Magic Dragon lives (he hides behind the biggest mountain). The Hawaiians just spell Honah Lee a bit differently. LOL.
We were able to spend a couple of hours here on this visit. It is a popular place to view sunsets, but we missed the sunset this time.
One thing I would like to add is to give kudos to the Hanalei life guards and first responders. Right after we arrived, an individual near where we parked went into some type of medical distress. The lifeguards responded very quickly and the first response unit arrived less than 2 minutes after called. It sure made me feel like this beach is a very safe place.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TheBoujCrew
Tempe, AZ430 contributions
May 2021
We had so much fun here, we never took photos lol. Great place for families and parties with plenty of grass and sand spots to sit, with public restrooms and even a sand volleyball court. We did snorkel here, but the waves were pretty rough that it kicked my butt and almost took my bikini off! Depending on where you park, you can also drive by homes that are several millions of dollars!
Written April 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA2,443 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This is one of the finest beaches you’ll ever come across. Perfect 2 mile crescent of sand, with moderate to mild surf conditions. Not good for snorkeling, perfect for boogie boarding and surfing. Just be careful when picking your spots and don’t go boogie boarding out amongst the surfers. We went 2 weeks in a row because we found this beach to be the best on the North Coast - and we like to boogie board. Parking is tight at the Pavilion, though you can usually find a spot along the road on the shoulder. The pier has a larger lot, but that’s where the river comes in and there were reports of bacteria. No shade, so bring an umbrella. Downtown Hanalei is a few blocks away, so once you’ve secured a parking spot, you are good to go. Did not experience any creepy people, or drugs. Very clean beach, great fun. It’s also real wide, so you’ll have a lot of space to yourself.
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
billybob101
Vancouver, Canada551 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Ample parking, good amenities, and yes - the beach and view are amazing. Great for families with little kids. The area by the pier is busier, more relaxed waves for smaller family members.
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marcia C
Brea, CA5 contributions
Jan 2020
I'm sure this is a nice beach, but there are many nice beaches on Kauai. The highway from the west coast of the island goes through much of the same scenery we saw on other parts of the island, and passed several lovely beaches. The last 4 miles took forever because of the one-lane bridge and construction. We turned around before ever reaching the beach because we ran out of time.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Victor B
Tucson, AZ569 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
This is an awesome beach (and bay) on Kauai’s north shore. It’s big, wide soft sand. Nice small pier and some covered areas as well as some grass areas. Parking was not an issue but it was not very crowded today. There was a lifeguard in duty. Beware of rip tides.
VictorB
VictorB
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HoustonRobert
The Woodlands, TX469 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This looks like a lovely and popular beach. Parking is extremely limited, so I guess you will need to arrive VERY EARLY to snag a spot. If you are staying in Hanalei no problem as you can walk or bike. Next visit we will drive up early.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jazzed51
Modesto, CA80 contributions
Dec 2019
Just off the mail highway. It was a Beautiful beach, but our timing was not optimal to swim or snorkel. Snorkel shop was very honest about not renting us equipment as we should not be in any of these waters as it was too dangerous. We enjoyed a bit of a walk and took pictures.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
janice45
Boston, MA135 contributions
Feb 2020
The storm of 2018 really did a number on Hanalei. They have worked hard to recover from the nearly 50 inches of rain they received. The damage to the pier has been repaired but the beach is no longer as beautiful as in the past. The bathroom facilities still need some work but I fear it will never be the same.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dennis d
Algonac, MI765 contributions
Dec 2019
We have been at this beach a number of times over the years but this last Christmas and the 2018 storms have taken its toll. The road and parking lot have been improved but the beach is a bit rustic. It still is a beautiful place to visit.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cristina_11
Kauai, HI6 contributions
My husband and I will be in Kauai until the end of December. We are looking for people to hike with or/ and share a car with as we don’t drive.
If anyone interested please contact me at +17144069862.
We have open schedule
Mahalo!
carl j
Woodland Hills, Ca152 contributions
Sorry I wiwll not be there. if you are staying at a large condo unit or hotel comlex you wil meet peple around the pool and the BBQ who might take you with them.
Virginia D
Towson, MD24 contributions
Is it possible to use the beach access elevator in the St. Regis to get to the beach? visiting North Shore at 80 yrs of age. Want to know more about beach access. Thanks. Ginny
ladydi50CA
Santa Clarita, CA245 contributions
No. That's a different beach. The beach at St Regis is the Puu Poa, which has access from the hotel.
vramirez11
Santiago, Chile99 contributions
Hello, where would you recommend eating that is close to this beach?
ANSKY “The Bat in the Hat”
Anchorage, AK640 contributions
There are several restaurants and places to eat inside the town business area of Hanalei, which is a couple blocks walk from the beach. We packed a lunch and ate under covered pier at East end of Hanalei Bay. There are several restaurants and shops clustered in the Hanalei. I’d recommend walking around in Hanalei and finding a place that suits you.
allymhb
Denver, CO73 contributions
When is the tide highest? Lowest? What time is recommended for surfing?
cherylbrooklyn
74 contributions
The times of the tides are available in the several board rental shops on the Main Street. When we were there mid-September the waves were very gentle. Good for paddle boarding but not surfing.
Steenie11
Carol Stream, IL86 contributions
How Far of a walk is the town from Hanalei Beach?
twinmommaAlberta
Alberta112 contributions
Just a few blocks. 5- 10 min max
HILAR
michigan385 contributions
Is the pier at Hanalei the one seen in South PACIFIC?
sriley1941
Irvine, CA29 contributions
Yes. It is an old pier, but very picturesque.
What are the best restaurants for eating and watching the sunset?
beachmiker
Long Beach, CA86 contributions
I would recommend the St. Regis or the best, Happy Talk Lounge at the Hanna Bay Resort.
Rebecca Becky F
Macon, GA
I am interested in less frequented beaches.
Natalya A
Kauai, HI12 contributions
Hideaways beach
Baby beach in poipu
can we camp on the beach?
Collin V
Santa Clarita, CA12 contributions
I think its only limited days to camp (I believe Friday and Saturday). You can camp at Anini Beach and Haena Beach to the north with a camping permit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hanalei Beach
- Hotels near Hanalei Beach:
- (0.43 mi) Beautiful Home One Block to Beach Hanalei, Kauai
- (0.78 mi) Hanalei Surfboard House
- (0.63 mi) Hanalei Bay Resort
- (0.88 mi) Makai Club Resort
- (0.81 mi) Pu'u Poa #305: 2 Bdrm/2 bath Ocean & Sunset Views. Whale Watching!
- Restaurants near Hanalei Beach:
- (0.57 mi) Pink's Creamery
- (0.57 mi) Jo Jo's
- (0.60 mi) Wishing Well Shave Ice
- (0.62 mi) Ama Restaurant
- (0.60 mi) Bar Acuda