Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Beaches

Hanalei Bay

Kauai, United States

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST BEACHES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 59 2026
Hanalei Bay

A long, wide bay of soft, fine sand with calm, shallow water and a sandbar, backed by green mountains where waterfalls run after rain, and a river entering at one end. Visitors drive about a mile from Hanalei town and park in lots across from the pier.

Highlights

  • Soft, fine sand
  • Calm, shallow bay water
  • Pier jumping and sea turtles

Good to know

  • Free parking lots fill by late morning
  • Small toilets and portable toilets on site
  • Busy on weekends; watch for rip currents

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