Hanalei & Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay, the largest bay on Kauaʻi, is bordered by a white sand beach approximately two miles long and 125 feet wide. The beach is located between Hanalei River to the east and Waipa River to the west. Three rivers, Hanalei, Waiʻoli, and Waipa, cross the beach, mixing some stream-carried sediment into the beach sand at the east and west ends. Most of the beach, however, is clean, white sand. The ocean bottom slopes gently to overhead depths. Several shallow sandbars are located in the center of the beach. Large coral reefs are found only at the ends of the bay, Puʻu Poa Reef to the east and Waikoko Reef to the west. Some smaller patch reefs are found in the center of the bay.