Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a crescent-shaped inlet on Kauai's north shore with white sandy beaches nestled between dark basalt cliffs. Steep ridges rise in the background, reaching heights of about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).

The bay served as a key anchorage for Hawaiian fishing and trading communities in ancient times. A royal vessel wrecked nearby in 1824, leaving behind remains that were uncovered during archaeological work decades later.

Native Hawaiian families maintain traditional taro farming practices in the fertile wetlands surrounding the bay, continuing centuries-old agricultural methods.

Water conditions are good for swimming, paddling, and snorkeling during warmer months from May through September, with lifeguards on duty. Winter months can bring rougher waves, so plan your water activities accordingly during that time.

More than 1,200 artifacts from a royal shipwreck were recovered and are now held in museum collections. These finds offer rare insights into Hawaiian royal family life during the early 1800s.

Location: Kauai County

GPS coordinates: 22.21000,-159.50917

Latest update: December 17, 2025 11:17