Haena Beach Park: Kauai's North Shore Gateway

Thrilling Activities at Haena Beach Park

Family Activities at Haena Beach Park

Come to Haena Beach Park for a bit of family time. Enjoy the great snorkeling spots with reef views, and watch out for sea turtles! Even if you aren't interested in snorkeling, it's still worth a visit to see the beautiful scenery from the shores. The park also has excellent hiking opportunities, so be sure to bring hiking shoes, as there are trailheads you can explore. This beach is fantastic for romantic beach walks, shell collecting, and beachcombing. You can also swim and surf here, but be aware of strong currents.

Haena Beach Park Activities

Come to Haena Beach for fun and relaxation. The beach offers so much for everyone. 

Enjoy the shade: Coconut trees line the shore, offering shade to visitors and an abundance of coconuts that you can pick and eat. 

Go Camping: There’s a campground just behind the beach for those who want to enjoy the island’s beauty. With a grassy area for pitching tents, camping here includes all the essentials you need and more.

Surfing: Surf’s up! Are you ready to ride the waves? Haena Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the north shore of Kauai for a reason. Be prepared for high surf conditions from November through May, especially during December and January — but if you’re an experienced surfer, these swells are a dream come true. For those seeking adventure, check out winter's tremendous waves and challenge your skills. There are also board and gear rentals available along the beach road as you approach Haena Beach.

Take a stroll down the coast to Ke'e Beach and Tunnels Beach: Let the hustle and bustle of the city dissolve as you stroll down to Ke'e Beach or Tunnels Beach. If you're feeling frisky, you can spend an hour or two doing some snorkeling, but don't be surprised if the current is a little bit brisk.

Sand Activities: If you're looking for an excellent spot to pick up shells or play in the sand, Haena Beach is a perfect choice.

Snorkel: Haena Beach is one of the most popular spots on Kauai for snorkeling. It features crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and numerous marine life. The water is shallow and calm, perfect for novice snorkelers. More than 250 species of fish, sea turtles and eels can be seen. 

Swimming: Haena Beach Park also offers excellent swimming, especially in summer. For your safety, always check with lifeguards for current conditions before entering the water.

Scuba Diving: Haena Beach is also an excellent location for scuba diving. The water is clear and warm, and it's easy to see the rich aquatic life up close as you explore the coral reefs. Several dive shops are located in Haena Village, where you can sign up for tours or rent equipment.

Nearby Attractions and Sights of Haena Beach

Kalalau Trail: Hiking the Kalalau Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaii. The 11-mile trail takes visitors from Haena Beach Park to Kalalau Beach, with several waterfalls, valleys, and beaches. Hiking the Kalalau Trail can be a day hike or an overnight adventure. The trail is considered difficult and not recommended for those who are inexperienced at hiking trails. 
 
Snorkeling: Tunnels Beach offers a great chance to see Kauai's sea life. The beach's name comes from lava tubes that create a series of arches accessible at low tide. You can see all sorts of fish and sea turtles, who love this area. The best part about snorkeling at Tunnels Beach is that you don't have to get into the water to see the turtles. They hang out on the beach. If you don't want to rent snorkeling equipment and are interested in swimming, it's also an excellent beach.

Kayak or Paddleboarding at Hanalei Bay: The calm waters at Hanalei Bay make it a great place to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It's a challenging but rewarding sport that lets you enjoy some exercise while communing with nature. You can even bring your dog along if he or she likes water! You can rent SUP boards from one of the many vendors located in Hanalei.

Makana Mountain: Makana means "gift" in the Hawaiian language. The hike up Makana Mountain isn't for the faint of heart. It's a journey that takes you up over 1,600 feet to a ridge overlooking the Napali Coast. The view from this ridgeline is spectacular — if you can make it there, you'll be rewarded with one of the most stunning vistas in Hawaii. Filmmakers used Makana Mountain (more commonly known as Bali Hai, after the movie South Pacific) in many films and TV shows, including Jurassic Park, Six Days Seven Nights, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Visit Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: The rugged NaPali Coast Wilderness Park sits along the northwest shore of Kauai. The park encompasses 6,175 acres and extends along 15 miles of coastline. It's accessible only by boat or helicopter or by hiking the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trek that begins at Haena Beach Park. The park hosts many archaeological and historic sites, including ancient Hawaiian fishing villages dating to the 1200s. Other features include roaring waterfalls like those at Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau valleys.