How do I read the surf forecast for Hanalei Bay?

Our forecast shows wave height in feet, swell period in seconds (longer = more powerful), swell direction, wind speed/direction, and tide times. Look for longer periods (10+ seconds) and offshore winds for the best conditions.

Hawaii • North Shore Kauai • Buoy: 51201

Hanalei Bay

Q: What is the surf like at Hanalei Bay today?

Hanalei Bay currently has waves around 3-5. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

Good

Wave Height

3-5

Swell

~4s

ENE

Wind

6mph

Offshore (SE)

Water

80°

Boardshorts

Falling• Low in 4h 4m

Updated: 8/28/2026, 5:33:14 PM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean

Fair

Choppy

Flat

Tide Forecast

Today

L8:00pm0.3ft

Tomorrow

H2:33am1.8ft

L8:51am0.3ft

H3:07pm1.6ft

L8:46pm0.5ft

Mon, Aug 31

H2:55am1.6ft

L9:14am0.2ft

H3:57pm1.7ft

L9:40pm0.7ft

Tue, Sep 1

H3:15am1.4ft

L9:40am0.2ft

Recent History

No recent history available

About Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay on Kauai's north shore is one of Hawaii's most beautiful and versatile surf spots. The wide, crescent-shaped bay offers multiple breaks—The Bowl delivers hollow peaks in the center, while the Pier area provides mellow waves for beginners. Backed by emerald-green mountains and waterfalls, Hanalei looks like a movie set (it has been one, many times). Winter north swells turn the bay into a powerful, serious surf zone. Summer is calm and gentle, perfect for families.

FAQ

What is the water temperature at Hanalei Bay?

The current water temperature at Hanalei Bay is 80°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Hanalei Bay today?

Hanalei Bay currently has waves around 3-5ft. Conditions change throughout the day, so check back for updated forecasts.

What time is high tide at Hanalei Bay?

Today's high tide at Hanalei Bay is at 10:09 PM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What time is low tide at Hanalei Bay?

Today's low tide at Hanalei Bay is at 4:30 AM ET. Tide times shift daily, so check our forecast for upcoming tide schedules.

What are the best conditions for surfing Hanalei Bay?

Hanalei Bay works best with swells from the N, NW, NNW, NNE and S, SE, SW winds (offshore). The ideal tide is all tides.

Is Hanalei Bay good for beginners?

Yes, Hanalei Bay is suitable for beginners, especially on smaller days. It's always a good idea to check conditions before paddling out and consider taking a lesson if you're new to surfing.

This Week's Outlook

Monday morning is gonna be firing with solid 5-footers on a cleaner cross-offshore wind, and the low tide at 9:14 AM will peel off some perfect shape. If you can't make it then, Tuesday morning's basically the same deal but slightly smaller.

Updated 8/29/2026, 6:08:04 AM

Spot Info

Break TypeBeach Break

BottomSand and Reef

Skill LevelAll Levels

CrowdModerate to Heavy

Best TideAll Tides

Best SwellN, NW, NNW, NNE

Best WindS, SE, SW

ParkingHanalei Beach Park, Black Pot Beach Park, free

Local Tip

The Bowl in the center is the best peak. Can get serious on big north swells. Mountain backdrop is unreal.