Exploring Hanalei Beach: A 2.5-Mile Coastal Adventure

From page 37 in the 2026 Kauai Trailblazer:

“Hike: Hanalei Beach (2.5 mi.)

The Hanalei Beach walk begins at Black Pot Beach, the center of life for surfers, kayakers, and beach lovers. Look for the black cauldron among the ironwoods by the river. Hanalei Pier, a set for a number of Hollywood movies, extends from the park. Its covered dock house, rehabbed, is a cozy spot to sit on a rainy day, watch the sunset or get close to surfers. Local kids jump and fishermen try their luck. To the right of the pier is where surfers park for the long paddle out to the offshore breaks and where the Hanalei River enters the bay, a contemplative spot.

Continuing around the bay, you’ll see shore-break surfers and joggers and pass a number of beachfront homes set among palms and gardens. After about .5 mile on packed sand you come to the Hanalei City Pavilion, the main station for the Hanalei watermen (lifeguards). From the pavilion, it’s about .75-mile to Waioli Beach Park, which ends at Waioli Stream. You pass picnic tables, lawn and ironwoods of Pine Trees Beach along the way.”