Haena Beach Park
North Shore Kauai Beach
Hāʻena Beach Park is a County beach park on Kauaʻi’s North Shore. The Kalalau Trail begins at Hāʻena State Park, which has separate access rules.
Overview of Haena Beach Park
Haena Beach sits on one side of the crescent-shaped Maniniholo Bay on Kauai’s North Shore. As one of the island's crown jewels, the beach boasts a setting of black rocks, white sand, and tropical greenery. Plus, the other side encompasses the renowned Tunnels Beach. The beach offers breathtaking views of Maniniholo Bay and Mount Makana, featured in the movie “South Pacific.”
As one of the most stunning views on Kaua’i, cliffs and tropical flowers surround this beach. Vegetated dunes back Ha'ena Beach. But the two reefs—Makua Reef to the east and Hauwa Reef to the west—do not protect it from open ocean swells, creating wild surf, significant shore breaks, and dangerous rip currents.
Cannon's Reef is off to the left, a popular surfing area. Nearby Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) is where surfer Bethany Hamilton lost her arm during a shark attack in 2003. Since then, she has returned to surfing and become a hero to many local surfers. Additionally, Ha'ena Beach Park offers vistas of Hanalei Bay, Na Pali Coast, and waterfalls in the distance. The nearby Ke'e Beach trailhead within Ha'ena State Park is the access point for the Kalalau Trail.
Directions to Haena Beach Park
Take Highway 56 north of Līhue. In Princeville, Highway 56 will turn into Highway 560. Drive west on 560 until you reach mile marker 9, where you’ll find Maniholo Dry Cave on the left and Hā‘ena Beach Park on the right.
Essential Tips for a Great Visit to Haena Beach Park
Do not enter the ocean while the County’s October 20 no-ocean-activities advisory remains in effect. Even after the County lifts it and confirms park access, check with lifeguards about shore break and currents before entering the water.
Ocean conditions vary. A future County clearance of the shark advisory would not by itself guarantee safe swimming conditions.
Haena Beach Park Facilities
The County facilities directory lists a pavilion, comfort stations, a picnic area, and a lifeguarded beach. The October 20 ocean advisory does not address current facility availability or park land access. Check current County notices before relying on these facilities.
Activities and current access at Haena Beach Park
The County's no-ocean-activities advisory takes priority over ordinary beach descriptions; confirm park land access separately. Do not swim, snorkel, surf, or dive here while the October 20 advisory remains in effect. Check current County notices about park access and ocean activity before planning a visit.
When access is confirmed and ocean restrictions are lifted, ask on-duty lifeguards about the day's conditions before entering the water. Hāʻena Beach Park is a County beach park; Hāʻena State Park and its Kalalau Trail access have separate rules and reservations.
Nearby Attractions and Sights of Haena Beach
Kalalau Trail: The trail begins at Hāʻena State Park, not this County beach park. Check the trail page and current State Park access rules before planning a hike.
Tunnels Beach: This nearby beach is separate from Hāʻena Beach Park. Confirm current road and beach access and ocean conditions before planning a visit; do not rely on Hāʻena Beach Park for parking or facilities while its land access is unconfirmed.
Kayak or Paddleboarding at Hanalei Bay: The calm waters at Hanalei Bay make it a great place to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It's a challenging but rewarding sport that lets you enjoy some exercise while communing with nature. You can even bring your dog along if he or she likes water! You can rent SUP boards from one of the many vendors located in Hanalei.
Makana Mountain: Makana means "gift" in the Hawaiian language. The hike up Makana Mountain isn't for the faint of heart. It's a journey that takes you up over 1,600 feet to a ridge overlooking the Napali Coast. The view from this ridgeline is spectacular — if you can make it there, you'll be rewarded with one of the most stunning vistas in Hawaii. Filmmakers used Makana Mountain (more commonly known as Bali Hai, after the movie South Pacific) in many films and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Six Days Seven Nights, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Visit Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: The rugged NaPali Coast Wilderness Park sits along the northwest shore of Kauai. The park encompasses 6,175 acres and extends along 15 miles of coastline. It's accessible only by boat or helicopter or by hiking the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trek that begins at Hāʻena State Park. The park hosts many archaeological and historic sites, including ancient Hawaiian fishing villages dating to the 1200s. Other features include roaring waterfalls like those at Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau valleys.
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