Hanalei Bay is Kauai's crown jewel—a stunning north shore bay that produces one of Hawaii's longest right-hand point breaks when winter swells wrap into its embrace. Rides of 300 yards are possible when conditions align, making this one of the most rewarding waves in the islands. The 15-minute paddle from shore filters out casual visitors, while the dramatic backdrop of the Na Pali coast and emerald mountains creates an atmosphere matched by few places on Earth. This is Hawaii at its most beautiful and most surfable.
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
8/10
Access: Beach access from Hanalei town. Long paddle to point.
Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter NW swells. Can get very crowded on good days.
Verified by Surfline spot guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions