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Aerial satellite view of Hanalei Bay surf break in North Kauai, Hawaii, United States
North Kauai, Hawaii, United States

Hanalei Bay

22.216, -159.502
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Triple-checkedCross-checked against 3 references
Right · ReefIntermediate → Advanced4–12 ftJan – Dec

A long right-hand point reeling over lava reef on the eastern edge of Kauai's most storied bay, Hanalei delivers up to 300 yards of wave face when the WNW-to-NNE swell is running. Optimal conditions sit between head-high and three-times overhead, with ENE-to-SE trade winds holding the face clean at all tides, though low-to-mid tends to sharpen the sections. Speed is everything once it gets overhead: three distinct take-off zones link through curvaceous barrel sections and racetrack walls before finishing in the inside Bowl. Suited to avid and advanced surfers willing to share space in a competitive, often aggressive lineup. Bottom: lava reef. Season: winter peak, tradeable summer swells. Consistency: high. Avoid paddling out after heavy rain as the bay's multiple rivermouths push murky, potentially dirty water across the lineup.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Intermediate → Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Long walling right-hand reef point with hollow sections.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
NW
NW - NE
Offshore wind
SE
South easterly
Optimum tide
Low to mid tide
Size range
2-20ft
High
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
23° to 27°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for everyday surf
  • Step-up or gun 6ft 8in to 7ft 6in for overhead-plus days
  • Fish for smaller trade swells
Lineup
Heavy locals, respect required
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

This is one of the most crowded lineups on Kauai, rated ultra-crowded on weekends. Locals are protective and competitive. Priority goes earned, not requested. Dawn sessions on weekdays buy breathing room. Expect aggressive drop-ins when it's on and busy. Respect the pecking order and keep it low-key.

Access & Facilities

Paddle out from the Hanalei Pier area or via the keyhole off Puu Poa Beach midway on the point. Car park and restrooms available. The paddle is long but straightforward, the current sweeping across shallow reef is the real energy cost. Hanalei town has food, water, and rentals close by.

Nearby Alternatives

When Hanalei is maxed out or too competitive, Waikoko's wicked lefts fire on a large N swell with W wind on the opposite side of the bay. Pinetrees offers more forgiving walls inside the bay when a good sandbar is set up at the rivermouth. For serious size, tow-in sessions at Kings and Queens run further out on the biggest swells.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Hanalei Bay surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Before you paddle out

Hanalei Bay is a reef break suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Hanalei Bay
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