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

Great day for a beach walk.

8.9ft waves · 78°F water · 88°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Isolated rain showers. Mostly sunny. High near 88, with temperatures falling to around 83 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

Isolated rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. South southeast wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Weather

88°F air — ideal beach weather
20% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
8.9ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

52 /100

36 Swim

64 Sunbathe

75 Walk

27 Fish

75 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

88°F

Isolated Rain Showers

Wind

1 to 6 mph

NNW

Rain

20%

Today

UV Peak

12 Extreme

High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~17m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

87°F

Scattered Rain Showers

Water

Water Temp

78°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

9:20 PM

0.3 ft · in 2.0h

Wave Height

8.9 ft

10s · N 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 Sep 9, 9:03 AM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:23 AM

Sunset

6:47 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

88°

Isolated Rain Showers

20%

Thu Sep 10

87°

Scattered Rain Showers

25%

Fri Sep 11

86°

Scattered Rain Showers

33%

Sat Sep 12

86°

Scattered Rain Showers

35%

Sun Sep 13

86°

Isolated Rain Showers

21%

Mon Sep 14

86°

Isolated Rain Showers

24%

Tue Sep 15

87°

Isolated Rain Showers

24%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 78°F
critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat

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

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Major

10:20 PM - 12:20 AM

Minor

4:40 AM - 5:40 AM

Major

10:40 AM - 12:40 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.