82°
Scattered Rain Showers
44%
62
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
Decent day for photography.
44% rain · 77°F water · 82°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tonight
Isolated rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. East southeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Weather
- 82°F air — ideal beach weather
- 44% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 77°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 5.2ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
54 /100
ok
54 Swim
50 Sunbathe
59 Walk
53 Fish
68 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
82°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
14 to 17 mph
E
Rain
44%
Today
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Partly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
77°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.2 ft
6s · 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
11:53 AM
Sunset
1:18 AM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:23 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 4:29 AM | High | 0.5 ft |
| 10:11 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 6:19 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Partly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers
31%
79
82°
Chance Rain Showers
59%
62
82°
Chance Rain Showers
58%
62
82°
Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
20%
79
82°
Isolated Rain Showers
24%
75
82°
Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
27%
79
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 14 to 17 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 77°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 44% 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.
Major
7:40 PM - 9:40 PM
Minor
3:20 AM - 4:20 AM
Major
8:10 AM - 10:10 AM
Minor
2:10 PM - 3:10 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
7-Day Tide Chart →
Full high/low predictions for the next week at Hanalei Bay.
7-Day Weather →
Extended forecast for Hanalei Bay from the National Weather Service.
Frequently Asked
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