83°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
47
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.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
61% rain · 7.5ft waves · 79°F water
Full NWS forecast for Sunday
A chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. East southeast wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- 61% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 7.5ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
27 /100
skip
18 Swim
28 Sunbathe
42 Walk
19 Fish
63 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
9 to 16 mph
ESE
Rain
61%
Sunday
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Chance Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
79°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
10:33 PM
0.4 ft · in 7.3h
Wave Height
7.5 ft
8s · ENE 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
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
12:01 PM
Sunset
1:25 AM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:04 AM | High | 0.6 ft |
| 7:04 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 3:03 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| 10:33 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:08 AM | High | 0.6 ft |
| 7:54 AM | Low | -0.4 ft |
| 3:46 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 11:04 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:06 AM | High | 0.7 ft |
| 8:44 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 4:28 PM | High | 2.6 ft |
| 11:35 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:01 AM | High | 0.8 ft |
| 9:31 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 5:07 PM | High | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:07 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 4:58 AM | High | 0.9 ft |
| 10:19 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 5:44 PM | High | 2.3 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:38 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 5:57 AM | High | 1.0 ft |
| 11:07 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 6:18 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:03 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 11:59 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 6:48 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1611400, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
51
82°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
51
84°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
51
85°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
50
84°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
50
84°
Chance Rain Showers
61%
51
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 9 to 16 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 61% chance of rain
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
10:50 PM - 11:50 PM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
9:40 AM - 10:40 AM
Major
4:20 PM - 6:20 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
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS