Kauai County, HI · Hawaiian Islands

Hanalei Bay

A 2-mile crescent on Kauai's North Shore — green mountains rise straight out of the bay, the Hanalei River meets the ocean at the east end, and a long fishing pier sits at the north. Calm reef-protected swimming in summer; big winter surf for the experienced. Postcard-Hawaii in its purest form.

Eats & Drinks 19 Shops 4 Stay 3

Today's Conditions

Decent day for photography.

57% rain · 6.9ft waves · 82°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. East northeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Isolated rain showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Weather

82°F air — ideal beach weather
57% rain — rain likely at some point

Safety

6.9ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

44 /100

38 Sunbathe

47 Walk

31 Fish

66 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

82°F

Light Rain

Wind

14 mph

ENE

Rain

57%

Today

UV Peak

7 High

Peaks 01 PM · burn in ~29m

Tomorrow

82°F

Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Next Low Tide

7:56 PM

-0.1 ft · in 1.4h

Wave Height

6.9 ft

12s · NW swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (HIZ029)

The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

HIZ003 Kauai n/a
HIZ006 Oahu n/a
HIZ017 Maui n/a
HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Nov 7, 8:12 AM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

5:57 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
2:50 AM	High	2.1 ft
9:13 AM	Low	0.6 ft
1:59 PM	High	1.1 ft
7:56 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:23 AM	High	2.2 ft
10:03 AM	Low	0.6 ft
2:26 PM	High	1.0 ft
8:20 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:56 AM	High	2.3 ft
10:51 AM	Low	0.6 ft
2:52 PM	High	0.8 ft
8:45 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:30 AM	High	2.2 ft
11:38 AM	Low	0.6 ft
3:16 PM	High	0.7 ft
9:12 PM	Low	-0.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:05 AM	High	2.2 ft
12:29 PM	Low	0.6 ft
3:39 PM	High	0.7 ft
9:41 PM	Low	0.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:43 AM	High	2.1 ft
1:32 PM	Low	0.6 ft
4:00 PM	High	0.6 ft
10:09 PM	Low	0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
6:25 AM	High	2.0 ft
10:39 PM	Low	0.2 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1611400, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

82°

Chance Rain Showers

57%

Sun Nov 8

82°

Mostly Sunny

14%

Mon Nov 9

82°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

16%

Tue Nov 10

82°

Mostly Sunny

13%

Wed Nov 11

82°

Mostly Sunny

14%

Thu Nov 12

81°

Isolated Rain Showers

23%

Fri Nov 13

81°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

17%

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 mph wind
optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 57% rain chance

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Best Fishing Times Today

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Major

9:50 PM - 11:50 PM

Minor

5:00 AM - 6:00 AM

Major

10:10 AM - 12:10 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Free county lots at Black Pot Beach Park, Hanalei Pier, and Waioli Beach Park.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach park).

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Weke Rd, Hanalei, HI 96714

Amenities

lifeguardsrestroomsshowersfishing pierrestaurants in Hanalei town

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Hanalei Bay today?

Hanalei Bay shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Hanalei Bay dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach park).

Is there an entry fee at Hanalei Bay?

Entry to Hanalei Bay is free.

Are there lifeguards at Hanalei Bay?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Hanalei Bay during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Hanalei Bay?

Amenities at Hanalei Bay include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, fishing pier, restaurants in Hanalei town.

When is the water warmest at Hanalei Bay?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Hanalei Bay located?

Hanalei Bay is in Kauai County, HI, at Weke Rd, Hanalei, HI 96714.