Hanalei
Hanalei is a small bay town on Kauaʻi's North Shore, a slow base for swimming, short hikes and the trailhead to the Nā Pali Coast.
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Hanalei is a small town on the North Shore of Kauaʻi, the fourth-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, in the state of Hawaii. It sits beside Hanalei Bay, a wide sandy bay backed by mountains, and the Hanalei River crosses a valley of taro fields. Locals still grow kalo, the Hawaiian name for taro, in flooded patches on the valley floor. The town is a few blocks of shops, cafés and galleries, and a one-lane bridge carries traffic over the river on the way in.
Hanalei suits a slow beach base, with a few days for swimming, paddling and short hikes at a quieter pace than the resort areas. The sea sets the plan. Summer water is usually calm, while winter surf on the North Shore can be dangerous, so check conditions before you go in. West of town, Hāʻena State Park is the trailhead area for the Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast, and entry to the park needs a reservation. Three nights gives time for the beach, one trail or boat day and a drive to the coast.
Hanalei in five
- Reserve Hāʻena State Park firstNon-residents need an advance park entry or parking reservation for Hāʻena State Park, the gateway to Kēʻē Beach and the Kalalau Trail. Reservations open up to 30 days ahead at gohaena.com.Hāʻena reservations
- Swim by seasonFrom about October to April, large north swells make Hanalei Bay and neighboring beaches hazardous. Summer is calm. Check lifeguard flags and local advice before you enter the water.
- Plan for one-lane bridges and rainKūhiō Highway narrows to one lane at several bridges, and the North Shore is among the wettest parts of the island. Allow extra time and keep a flexible schedule.
- Book Nā Pali boat tours for summerBoat trips along the Nā Pali Coast mostly run in the calmer months, and many depart from the west side rather than Hanalei. Check the departure point before you book.
- Choose Hanalei, Princeville or HāʻenaHanalei suits a walkable town base, Princeville has resorts and condos on the bluff, and Hāʻena is quieter and farther up the road. Rooms are few, so book early.
Things to do in Hanalei
See all attractions in Hanalei
Need to know
- Airport
- Līhuʻe (LIH), about 1 hour by car
- Getting there
- Drive Kūhiō Highway from Līhuʻe, about 35 miles
- Getting around
- Rental car; bikes and walking inside Hanalei town
- Best base
- Hanalei town or Princeville
- Time needed
- 2 to 4 nights
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Best
- Good
- JanuaryRain15 rainy daysHigh24°Low21°Big surf, wetJanuaryRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 98 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Big surf, wet
- FebruaryRain18 rainy daysHigh24°Low20°Big surf, wetFebruaryRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 20°
- Precipitation
- 116 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Big surf, wet
- MarchRain22 rainy daysHigh24°Low21°Big surfMarchRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 163 mm
- Rainy days
- 22
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Big surf
- AprilRain25 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Surf easingAprilRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 161 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Surf easing
- MayRain27 rainy daysHigh25°Low22°Calm sea beginsMayRain
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 140 mm
- Rainy days
- 27
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Calm sea begins
- JuneRain28 rainy daysHigh26°Low23°Calm, snorkelJuneRain
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 152 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Calm, snorkel
- JulyRain28 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Calm, snorkelJulyRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 147 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Calm, snorkel
- AugustRain27 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Calm, busyAugustRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 142 mm
- Rainy days
- 27
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Calm, busy
- SeptemberRain26 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Calm, quieterSeptemberRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 129 mm
- Rainy days
- 26
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Calm, quieter
- OctoberRain25 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Surf returnsOctoberRain
Good
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 137 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Surf returns
- NovemberRain23 rainy daysHigh25°Low23°Big surf, wetNovemberRain
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 115 mm
- Rainy days
- 23
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Big surf, wet
- DecemberRain21 rainy daysHigh24°Low22°Big surf, wetDecemberRain
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 138 mm
- Rainy days
- 21
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Big surf, wet
Average daily high and low in Hanalei, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Hanalei
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 74%
- Wind
- 26 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Hanalei
11:56 AM
Monday, November 2
- Today24°21°100%Monday: Rain. High 24°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue24°22°96%Tuesday: Rain. High 24°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Wed25°22°98%Wednesday: Rain. High 25°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Thu27°22°91%Thursday: Drizzle. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 91%.
- Fri25°22°87%Friday: Rain. High 25°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Sat25°22°80%Saturday: Rain. High 25°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Sun25°22°82%Sunday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 82%.
Updated 11:52 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Waimea Canyon and Kōke'e State Parkabout 1.5 hours by carRed canyon walls and lookouts over the valley, reached by road from the west side of the island.Read the guide
- Poipuabout 1 hour by carBeaches, snorkel spots and sunset cliffs on the south shore. Plan it as a full day.Read the guide
- Lihueabout 1 hour by carThe island's airport and county seat, with the Kauai Museum and shops for supplies.Read the guide
Before you go to Hanalei
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Rules for Hanalei, checked
- Non-residents need a Park Entry Reservation ($5 per person) or a Parking Reservation ($10 per vehicle) for Hāʻena State Park, booked up to 30 days ahead.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
Plan around Hanalei
Parks, cities, entry rules and money for a US trip
Read the guideHawaiiChoosing islands and booking reservation-only sights
Read the guideKauaʻiThe island guide, Waimea Canyon and the south
Read the guideHonoluluThe hub for inter-island flights
Read the guideESTA explainedWho needs it, what it costs and how to apply
Read the guideTravel insurance for the USMedical cover matters more here than in most countries
Read the guideHanalei FAQ
Is Hanalei worth visiting?
Yes, for the bay, the scenery and the road to Hāʻena, if you accept rain and a slow pace. It is not a nightlife or shopping destination, so it suits travelers who want beaches, hikes and quiet evenings.
Can you swim in Hanalei Bay in winter?
Often not safely. Large north swells from about October to April create strong surf and currents. Check lifeguard flags and local advice, and choose a calmer beach if conditions are rough.
Do you need a reservation for Hāʻena State Park?
Yes, for non-residents. You need a Park Entry Reservation ($5 per person) or a Parking Reservation ($10 per vehicle) booked in advance, and reservations open up to 30 days ahead. Check gohaena.com.
How far is Hanalei from Līhuʻe airport?
About 35 miles, roughly an hour by car, depending on traffic and one-lane bridges. Leave extra time in the rain, and fuel up before you drive north.
Should I stay in Hanalei or Princeville?
Hanalei for a walkable town, restaurants and the bay at your door, and Princeville for resorts, golf and bluff views. They are about 10 minutes apart by car.