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Hawaii • North Shore KauaiBuoy: 51201

Hanalei Bay

Good

Wave Height

4-6

ft

Swell

~5s

NE

Wind

5mph

Offshore (SSE)

Water

79°

Boardshorts

Rising• High in 2h 8m

Updated: 7/15/2026, 5:33:25 AM • Data: Open-Meteo

Accurate?

Surf Graph

Clean
Fair
Choppy
Flat

Tide Forecast

Today
H2:01pm0.8ft
L7:31pm-0.2ft
Tomorrow
H3:07am2.4ft
L10:07am0.3ft
H2:58pm0.9ft
L8:19pm-0.1ft
Fri, Jul 17
H3:44am2.3ft
L10:38am0.3ft
H3:57pm1.0ft
L9:07pm0.2ft
Sat, Jul 18
H4:18am2.0ft
L11:10am0.3ft

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 79°F. Boardshorts or a rashguard should be comfortable.

What is the surf like at Hanalei Bay today?

Hanalei Bay currently has waves around 4-6ft. 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 10:28 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 5:35 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

Wednesday afternoon looks prime with clean 3-4ft waves, longer 8-second intervals, and light offshore winds grooming the faces. The tide timing works perfectly too, hitting low around 11am then building through the afternoon session.

Updated 6/15/2026, 6:06:30 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.