Haena Beach

If you are looking for a beach that offers stunning views, white sand, and turquoise water, visit Haena Beach. Haena Beach is located on the north shore of the island, at the end of Highway 560. It is part of Haena Beach Park, which also includes Tunnels Beach, another popular snorkeling spot.

Haena Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can see the majestic Mount Makana (also known as Bali Hai) rising above the bay, as well as the cliffs and waterfalls of the Na Pali Coast in the distance. You can also explore the Maniniholo Dry Cave across the street, which is a natural wonder formed by ancient lava flows.

This beach is also a good spot for swimming and surfing, but only when the ocean conditions are calm. During the winter months, the surf can be very high and dangerous, with strong currents and shore breaks. You should always check with the lifeguards before entering the water, and never swim alone or in murky water. If you are an experienced surfer, you might enjoy riding the waves at Cannon’s Reef, where local surfer Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack.

Haena Beach Park has several amenities for visitors, such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, and a parking lot. You can also camp at the park with a permit, but be aware that there are no electrical outlets or drinking water available. You should also respect the cultural and natural resources of the area, and avoid disturbing any wildlife or plants.

There is something for everyone at Haena Beach. Whether you want to relax on the sand, swim in the clear water, or surf the big waves, you will find it at Haena Beach. Just remember to be safe and respectful, and enjoy this beautiful beach.

• located on the north shore of Kauai, on one side of the crescent-shaped Maniniholo Bay.
• offers stunning views of Mount Makana (also known as Bali Hai), which was featured in the movie “South Pacific”.
• is backed by vegetated dunes and surrounded by cliffs and tropical flowers.
• has a lifeguard station, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, and a camping area.
• a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, relaxing, watching the sunset, and beach walking.
• not protected by reefs, so it can have wild surf, strong currents, and dangerous shore breaks. Only experienced swimmers should enter the water.
• is also known as Cannon’s Reef, where surfer Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack in 2003. She has since returned to surfing and become an inspiration to many.
• is the access point for hiking the Kalalau Trail, which leads to a secluded valley on the Na Pali Coast.
• across the street from Maniniholo Dry Cave, a large limestone cave that was formed by a stream that eroded the rock over thousands of years.
• is best visited during the summer months when the waves are moderate and the water is clear. During the winter months, the surf can be huge and dangerous.

To get to Haena Beach from Lihue:

• Start on HI-51 N/Kaumualii Hwy toward Lihue
• Turn left onto HI-56 N/Kuhio Hwy and continue for 23.6 miles
• Turn right onto HI-560 W and continue for 7.9 miles
• Turn left onto Alealea Rd and continue for 0.2 miles
• Turn right onto Haena Pl and continue for 0.1 miles
• You have arrived at Haena Beach Park