85°
Scattered Rain Showers
35%
64
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
Great day for photography.
80°F water · 85°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. East southeast wind 7 to 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tonight
Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East southeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Weather
- 85°F air — ideal beach weather
- 35% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
49 /100
ok
41 Swim
51 Sunbathe
63 Walk
57 Fish
71 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
85°F
Cloudy
Wind
7 to 12 mph
ESE
Rain
35%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.6 ft
8s · NE 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
12:04 PM
Sunset
1:23 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| 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 |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:43 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:18 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 1:06 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:13 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:17 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:43 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:57 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 7:28 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:55 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:05 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:39 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:10 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:28 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:59 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:21 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 9:59 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1611400, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
30%
69
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
29%
70
83°
Scattered Rain Showers
47%
61
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
42%
63
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
34%
67
83°
Scattered Rain Showers
38%
65
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 7 to 12 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 35% 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
8:50 PM - 10:50 PM
Minor
3:50 AM - 4:50 AM
Major
9:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Minor
4:00 PM - 5:00 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