Hanalei Pier Kauai
Iconic historic pier on Kauai's North Shore, offering stunning mountain and ocean views, perfect for sunsets and water activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Hanalei Pier Kauai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic historic pier on Kauai's North Shore, offering stunning mountain and ocean views, perfect for sunsets and water activities.
"The pier, the beach, the water, the mountains in the background create the craziest backdrop."
🎯 Jump Off the Pier!
It's a lot of fun to jump off the pier, but be careful climbing the ladder and walking on wet concrete.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Limited shade on the beach; pack an umbrella or tent for extended stays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hanalei Pier
Center of Hanalei Bay
Historic landmark offering panoramic views of the bay, mountains, and ocean. Perfect for strolls and photos.
Hanalei Bay
North Shore, Kauai
A vast, crescent-shaped beach with golden sands and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Sunset Spectacle
Hanalei Pier
Witness some of the most peaceful and spectacular sunsets over the Pacific. A must-see!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the North Shore Vibe
Sun Protection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Jump Off the Pier!
It's a lot of fun to jump off the pier, but be careful climbing the ladder and walking on wet concrete.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Limited shade on the beach; pack an umbrella or tent for extended stays.
📸 Drone Photography
The lighting is often perfect for drone shots, capturing the pier, mountains, and sailboats.
🌊 Calm Waters for Fun
Ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking due to calm, clear waters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Jump Off the Pier!
It's a lot of fun to jump off the pier, but be careful climbing the ladder and walking on wet concrete.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Limited shade on the beach; pack an umbrella or tent for extended stays.
📸 Drone Photography
The lighting is often perfect for drone shots, capturing the pier, mountains, and sailboats.
🌊 Calm Waters for Fun
Ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking due to calm, clear waters.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of parking spots in the lot near the pier.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hanalei Pier and Bay for their breathtaking natural beauty, with the iconic pier, lush mountains, and calm turquoise waters creating a postcard-perfect scene. It's lauded as an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, and especially for witnessing spectacular sunsets. The welcoming vibe and historical charm add to its appeal, making it a must-visit destination for many.
"The pier had great views of Hanalei Bay, the sand backed by green mountains and cascading waterfalls was amazing. The waters around the pier are were calm, it was an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Beautiful sunset."
Amber Steeves
"Hanalei Pier is absolutely stunning in its simplicity! The setting is breathtaking with panoramic views of Hanalei Bay framed by lush mountains. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, watching surfers and paddle boarders, or simply taking in a spectacular sunset. Families and locals gather here to fish, swim, and enjoy the calm waters, giving it a warm, welcoming vibe. The historic pier adds a touch of charm and makes for beautiful photos. Whether you’re looking to relax, jump into the water, or just soak up the scenery, this is one of those must-visit places that captures the true beauty of Kauai."
Craig Driscoll Helmstedter
"Breathtaking view. The pier, the beach, the water, the mountains in the background create the craziest backdrop. Come here for sunset!!
The pier is a lot of fun to walk on and to especially jump off of! Be careful jumping off, climbing the ladder, and walking on the wet concrete pier.
There are bathrooms here. Free parking."
Nathan Nhek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hanalei Pier is located on Kauai's North Shore. Driving is the most common way to get there, and there are parking lots available nearby. Many visitors find having a car helpful for exploring the island.
Yes, there are plenty of parking spots available in a lot near the pier, making it convenient for visitors.
The pier itself is a boardwalk, and the surrounding beach is sandy. While generally accessible, specific accessibility details may vary.
If you are staying in or near Hanalei town, walking to the pier is a pleasant option, offering scenic views along the way.
Having a car is highly recommended for exploring the North Shore and accessing various beaches and viewpoints like Hanalei Pier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hanalei Pier and Hanalei Bay are public attractions and do not require tickets for entry.
Hanalei Pier is generally accessible at all hours, though facilities like restrooms may have specific operating times. It's a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset.
There is no entrance fee for Hanalei Bay or Hanalei Pier. It's a free public space to enjoy.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at Hanalei Pier, with locals and visitors often seen casting their lines.
Yes, there are bathrooms available at Hanalei Pier for public use.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers stunning light for photography. The pier, bay, and mountains create a picturesque scene.
Yes, drone photography is popular here, capturing unique aerial views of the pier, bay, and surrounding landscape.
The combination of the historic pier, the crescent-shaped bay, lush green mountains, and often calm, clear water creates a stunning backdrop.
Generally, casual photography is welcomed. However, be mindful of other visitors and any posted regulations, especially if using professional equipment or drones.
Experiment with shots from the beach looking towards the pier, from the pier looking out to sea, and aerial views to capture the full scope of its beauty.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can swim, paddleboard, kayak, fish, sunbathe, or simply take a leisurely stroll on the pier and enjoy the views.
Yes, Hanalei Bay often has calm, clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, especially compared to some south shore beaches.
Hanalei Bay is known for its surfing, particularly during winter months when larger swells arrive.
Absolutely! It's a great spot for families with calm waters for swimming and a welcoming vibe.
While not guaranteed, it's possible to spot sea turtles in the waters around Kauai, including near Hanalei.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Hanalei town, located near the pier, offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
You might find local food vendors or markets in Hanalei town offering traditional Hawaiian snacks.
Travelers often recommend places like Hanalei Bread Co. for breakfast and sushi restaurants for dinner. Nourish Hanalei is also a popular spot for breakfast with a view.
The beach area offers ample space for picnics. Remember to bring your own food and consider bringing shade.
Typically, there are no food vendors directly on the pier, but you can find options in the nearby town of Hanalei.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and an umbrella for shade, as the beach can get quite hot. 🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers and Content Creators
+1 Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) is particularly spectacular for capturing breathtaking shots. Many creators utilize drones to capture unique aerial perspectives of the entire scene. Be sure to explore different angles, from the beach to the pier itself, to get the most compelling images. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Hanalei Pier
Over the years, it has undergone renovations and restorations, preserving its charm and significance. Today, it stands as a beloved spot for leisurely walks, fishing, and simply soaking in the breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay. The pier's simple yet elegant structure provides a unique vantage point for capturing stunning photographs, especially during sunrise and sunset. +1Many visitors enjoy the experience of walking the length of the pier, taking in the panoramic vistas of the lush, emerald mountains that frame the bay. It's a place where you can watch surfers catch waves, observe local fishermen, or even take a daring leap into the calm waters below.
Hanalei Bay: A Natural Paradise
However, Hanalei Bay also transforms into a surfer's paradise, particularly during the winter months when powerful swells roll in, attracting experienced surfers to its renowned breaks.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Hanalei Pier
The historic pier itself provides a strong foreground element, leading the eye towards the majestic mountains and the vast ocean. +1Many visitors find joy in using drones to capture unique aerial perspectives, showcasing the full sweep of the bay, the pier's architecture, and the dramatic mountain contours.
Beyond the iconic views, look for candid moments: surfers riding waves, families enjoying the beach, or the simple beauty of the water meeting the sand. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and any posted regulations when taking photos or flying drones. The natural beauty here is so profound that even a simple snapshot can capture the essence of paradise. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit