Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i Amenities
(also see Nawiliwili on the south-east coast, below)
| Service | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| moorage | free | No marina – anchoring only. |
| showers | none | There is an outside shower in a small public park on the beach – cold water only |
| water | none | You could fill some jugs at the public park on the beach |
| fuel | none | |
| pump-out | none | nearest is Oahu |
| ice, groceries | Grocery stores in town – 1/2 mile walk | |
| internet | pay internet at internet cafe in town | |
| rental car | Can get in Princeville resort at NE edge of bay | |
| bus | yes | See schedule here |
Description
Hanalei Bay on the north coast of Kauai is a protected anchorage during summer months only. Hanalei Bay is about beauty, not convenience. That said, there is a lovely little town that has all the non-boat items you could want. But plan to go elsewhere for fuel and supplies.
The environs, see above, are spectacular. The famed Na Pali Coast starts just west of the town of Hanalei, which is, almost literally, the end of the road. And yes, Hanalei is the “land of Hanalee” in Puff the Magic Dragon. The white sand beaches are perfect and not crowded. The water is perfect, although there are the occasional sharks.
The anchorage is large – you can anchor in sand almost anywhere in this perfect semicircle of a bay. There is a pier on the eastern shore, a resort hotel and the north-east entrance of the bay, and the town is off the southeast edge of the bay.
Note: you can use the beach and the pool at the Princeville resort – just don’t use the lounge chairs unless you’re a paying guest!
Nawiliwili, Kauai Amenities
| Service | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| moorage | Occasionally available for a few days as many of the commercial / fishing boats will be gone much of the time. | |
| showers | free, hot & cold | Women’s shower is open to the parking lot – privacy quite limited! Men’s shower is a little more private. |
| water | faucet at lavatory building | |
| fuel | ||
| pump-out | ||
| ice, groceries | ||
| internet | ||
| rental car | We were able to get a car delivered to the marina. | |
| bus | yes | See schedule here |
Description
Nawiliwili Harbor is a large protected harbor in the southeast corner of Kauai. It abuts the town of Lihue which also contains the airport. Nawiliwili Marina is a good-sized marina by Hawaiian standards. We were able to get a berth here to facilitate getting me to the airport and our replacement crew on board the next day.
The Coast Guard has a presence at the opening of the marina. This is the only place we were boarded during our trip, and it was merely for training purposes. They were on and off the boat in moments.
You’ll probably need to rent a car to get around, however there is a local bus. Besides the marina, there is a large mooring area southeast of the marina. Once you get into Lihue all the modern conveniences are available, including a Costco. Downtown Lihue is small and busy has some lovely restaurants and a pleasant atmosphere.
