- Shelter
- NE, SW, S, SE
- Seabed
- sand, rock
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Wide semicircular bay on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii, with a sand and rock bottom and good holding.
- Water
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
A summer anchorage only. Outer reefs shelter the bay, which is open from NE round to SE; when winter swells arrive it becomes untenable. Anchor in sand well clear of the Hanalei River mouth, where holding is poorer. The bay is the largest anchorage in the Hawaiian islands and rarely runs short of room.
Practical
No marina. Fresh water can be obtained ashore. Hanalei town sits behind the beach, reached by tender, with shops and provisions.
Ashore
A two-mile white-sand beach lines the bay, backed by Hanalei town and the Hanalei pier. The Hanalei River and the surrounding wildlife refuge lie at the south-west corner of the bay.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 22.20987, -159.50235 (22°12.59'N 159°30.14'W)
- Country
- United States
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north-east, south-west, south, south-east winds
- Seabed
- sand, rock
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Water, Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 4.2/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Hanalei Bay lies at 22°12.59'N 159°30.14'W, that is 22.20987, -159.50235 in decimal degrees.
Boaters' reviews
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Hanalei Bay sheltered from?
Hanalei Bay is sheltered from north-east, south-west, south, south-east winds.
Can you anchor at Hanalei Bay?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Hanalei Bay.
How do boaters rate Hanalei Bay?
Hanalei Bay is rated 4.2/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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