Captured in countless photographs, the perfectly curved Hanalei Bay is always scenic, but not always swimmable. The wave action here is changeable: flat in summer and pounding in winter, when surfers arrive in droves. The best beaches are at Hanalei (Black Pot) Beach Park and Wai'oli (Pine Trees) Beach Park, which both have rest rooms, showers, drinking water, picnic tables and grills.

Another easy-access public beach is found at the Hanalei Beach Park Pavilion (also with facilities) on Weke Rd near Aku Rd. Conditions are best for surfing and bodyboarding; swimming is less than ideal due to the shorebreak.