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Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei, Hawaii, 96714

The Basics

Hanalei Bay offers almost every water sport imaginable and it is one of Kauai’s best places to learn how to surf. Opt for a private or small-group beginner surf lesson, or take a guided kayak or snorkeling tour. Most tours of Kauai’s North Shore include a visit to Hanalei Bay, and flightseeing tours of the island offer a bird’s eye view of the bay on the way to the Na Pali Coast.

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Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
US$138.95 per adult
Traveler Favorite
You won’t regret it
Swimming with sea turtles and fish were amazing! The tour guides were great and made the trip better
Rachelle_C, Mar. 2023

Recent reviews from experiences in Kauai

star-5
Try It, You'll Like It!
Dana_D, Jan. 2023
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Our kayaking and snorkeling tour was fabulous! We have kayaked before, but not in the ocean. However, with our guides’ instructions we had no problems with this. We had not snorkeled before and were a bit apprehensive. Again, our guides were very helpful, and as first-timers, we had a great time! We saw beautiful fish and two sea turtles swam with us. We highly recommend Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour!
star-5
Gotta do it
Anthony_R, Feb. 2023
Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii
Started in the rain and ended in the rain. Beautiful in between. Hanalei is a magical place and should not be missed. Kayaking and snorkeling are pretty low impact and can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Our guide Elijah was knowledgeable and personable. He knew all the landmarks, names of all the fauna and explained the language, culture and history. Top quality equipment.
star-5
Great Trip! Our guides were fantastic, we had such a blast!
Chase_M, Jan. 2023
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
We got some heavy rain and it just didn't matter!!! So fun! Our guides took such good care of us and it was wonderful learning about the culture and the area! Mahalo!
star-5
Amazing experience on our trip
Sierra_M, Jan. 2023
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Such a fun, active and educational time! The guides were amazing and gave a lot of information about the history of the area. We saw so many sea turtles and fish while snorkeling. Had a great lunch on the beach and just simply enjoyed.
star-5
It was a rare, calm...
BradPope, Jan. 2023
Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii
It was a rare, calm winter day on the North Shore. The guides were very knowledgeable, and we saw too many turtles to count
star-5
A wonderful way to see Hanalei River and Bay and see sea turtles up close!
Christine_D, Dec. 2022
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
The kayak and snorkel tour with Kayak Hanalei was amazing! A beautiful way to see Hanalei River and Hanalei Bay. I loved that our tour guide was a native and was very knowledgeable about the island, the mountains, and Kauai's history. The snorkeling location was great and we got amazing views of sea turtles and lots of fish. The customer service was excellent and prompt at answering my questions too!
star-5
Fun hunt!
Alexandra_H, Nov. 2022
Hanohano Hanalei Adventurer Scavenger Hunt
Although we had to cut our hunt short, we really enjoyed finding several of the items on the list. I would do this close to when you arrive. It gives you a fun way to learn lots of things you may not have known.
star-5
Great day on the water!!
COLLINS_D, Jan. 2023
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Our guides were fantastic and the views were just beautiful. We had a great day. Would definitely do this tour again.
star-5
The fantastic 5
David_T, Oct. 2022
Hanohano Hanalei Adventurer Scavenger Hunt
All of them!!!! Great way to meet people and see the city. Netting the local people & taking to them was awesome.
star-5
Great tour
Lala_H, Jan. 2023
Hanalei River Paddle and Bay - Snorkel Tour in Kapa'a, Hawaii
Great tour. We had a lot of fun. Instructions were great. Tour guides were fun. Was not the best place to snorkel because the beach was very rocky. Definitely a tour for people with little to no experience with Kayaking.
star-5
Beautiful day in Hanalei
Fathi_K, Oct. 2022
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
We loved this tour! Hanalei bay was so beautiful by kayak and saw so many colorful fish when snorkeling. The guides were great and gave info about the history of the area which was a nice addition. Would recommend to anyone visiting Hanalei
star-5
Great trip
Prabhu_P, Jan. 2023
Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Kayaking from the river into the ocean was exciting. Great guide too. Saw a lot of fish while snorkelling.
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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Lifeguards are on duty at Black Pot Beach and Waioli Beach Park.

  • Each of the three beach parks in Hanalei Bay offer bathrooms and showers.

  • You can rent snorkel gear, surf boards, kayaks, and more in Hanalei town.

  • You can camp at Hanalei Beach Park, but you’ll need a permit.

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How to Get There

Hanalei Bay is located on Kauai’s North Shore, about an hour’s drive from Kauai’s capital city, Lihue. The Kauai Bus provides service to Hanalei from Lihue and neighboring towns such as Princeville and Kilauea. The circular bay stretches from Princeville to Hanalei Town and beyond and can be accessed from the three main beaches: Hanalei Beach Park, Black Pot Beach, and Waioli Beach Park.

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Trip ideas


When to Get There

The best time to visit Hanalei Bay is during Kauai’s dry season, which runs from April through October. The busiest season in Kauai is from November to March. High surf from mid-October through March may create strong currents and pounding waves, so check the surf advisories before entering the water during this time of year.

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Hanalei Bay Surfing

Hanalei Bay has gentle waves from April through October that make it an ideal place to learn how to surf. Moreover, with plenty of sandy-bottomed spots, beginner surfers don’t have to worry about falling on rocks or a shallow reef. Many surf schools in the area cater to beginners and also offer lessons to intermediate and advanced surfers. The winter season is less safe for beginners but provides plenty of big swells for advanced surfers.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Hanalei Bay?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Kauai?
A:
As well as visiting the Hanalei Bay, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: