Hanalei and Hanalei Bay
Hanalei lies on the North Shore, west of Princeville. You reach it over a one-lane bridge where traffic takes turns, so expect a short wait at busy times. The taro fields around the town are private land. Only enter them on a farm visit that is allowed.
The Hāʻena shuttle and the road to the Kalalau Trail both start from this side of the island, which makes Hanalei a practical base for the far north. This is an independent guide, not run by the town, the county or a tour operator.
The bay, the beach and the pier
Hanalei Bay is wide and open, with boats at anchor and the beach running along its shore. The pier was built in 1892 and is tied to the film South Pacific in the state's description. It is a good place to be at sunset.
Before you swim, check the conditions and whether a lifeguard is on duty. The operator of the Hāʻena reservations expects rougher seas and more rain from October to April, and the North Shore is generally wetter than the south. Do not count on a swim at every beach you pass.
Kauai tours and day trips
Boat tours, helicopter flights, kayak trips and more, with live prices and availability.
Rain on Kauai: the North Shore is wetter
Average rainfall for May from the National Weather Service table for May 2026 (the average column, not measurements for that month).
| Station | Region | Average May rain |
|---|---|---|
| Hanalei | North Shore | 6.47 in (164.3 mm) |
| Princeville Airport | North Shore | 5.12 in (130.0 mm) |
| Līhuʻe Airport | Southeast | 2.18 in (55.4 mm) |
| Poʻipū | South Shore | 2.00 in (50.8 mm) |
| Port Allen | – | 1.27 in (32.3 mm) |
This is one month, so do not read it as a yearly figure. It does show why a dry day in Poʻipū says little about Hanalei. See Kauai weather for the monthly values.
Princeville
Princeville is the resort area of the North Shore, named as such in state tourism information. It lies east of Hanalei, about 1 hour from Līhuʻe Airport. That a hotel is in Princeville does not mean it is on a beach, so check the location of each property.
Rain follows the same pattern as in Hanalei, only a little lighter: the Princeville Airport station averages 5.12 in (130.0 mm) in May. For sleeping options on every side of the island, see where to stay.
Getting to Hanalei
From Līhuʻe Airport it is about 1 hour to Princeville, and Hanalei lies just beyond. The roads of the north and the west run from Līhuʻe, with Kūhiō Highway in the north, and several one-lane bridges have drivers take turns. No road continues through the Na Pali Coast, so Hanalei is the end of the line before Hāʻena. Rental car counters are across the street from baggage claim at the airport. See the airport page for the details.
Queen's Bath: a warning
Queen's Bath is a dangerous place. The County of Kauai warned of injuries and drownings and closed the access gate on 25 September 2025 for the following winter. Check the current gate status before you go, and do not treat it as a safe natural pool or a must-see stop.
From Hanalei to Hāʻena
- Shuttle: The Hāʻena shuttle leaves from Waipā Park and Ride near Hanalei, with free all-day parking until dusk. The ride takes about 30 minutes each way. The operator lists adults (16 and older) at $45 and ages 4–15 at $25, with entry and parking included.
- From Princeville: Departures at 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. leave from the Makai Golf Club, where no parking is provided. The operator lists the last pickup at the state park at 5:40 p.m., but its pages give different times, so confirm yours.
- Driving: Parking is listed at $10 per car by the state and $20 per car and time slot by the operator, plus $5 entry per person. See Haena State Park.
- Taxi: The airport authority lists $88.50–118.50 from Princeville to Hāʻena as a rough guide, not a fixed fare.
- Tunnels Beach: The shuttle stop at Hāʻena Beach Park (Mākua) is not the same as the stop at the state park and Kēʻē. Local descriptions of Tunnels mention no lifeguards, limited parking and stronger surf in winter. Do not read that as a swimming clearance.
Comparing north shores? Oahu has its own: Oahu's North Shore. For beaches on Maui see Maui's beaches.
Go further from Hanalei
Pages that fit a North Shore trip.
Hanalei: frequently asked questions
How far is Hanalei from the airport?
Princeville is about 1 hour from Līhuʻe Airport, and Hanalei lies just beyond it. Allow extra time at the one-lane bridge. See the airport page.
Is Hanalei wetter than the south?
In the May averages, yes: 6.47 in (164.3 mm) in Hanalei against 2.00 in (50.8 mm) in Poʻipū. That is one month only.
Can I swim in Hanalei Bay?
Check the conditions and the lifeguard situation on the day. The Hāʻena operator expects rougher seas from October to April.
Is Queen's Bath safe?
No. The county warned of injuries and drownings and closed the gate for the winter that began in 2025. Check the current status and avoid the water in rough surf.
How do I get from Hanalei to Haena?
By the shuttle from Waipā Park and Ride (about 30 minutes each way) or by car with a parking reservation. Visitors from outside Hawaii need a reservation either way.