Anini Beach and Hanalei Bay on the North Shore are great for long picturesque beach walks.
Hanalei means “crescent bay” in Hawaiian. You can start the 2-mile walk from the East side of the bay, where you can find lots of parking at Black Pot Beach Park across from the Hanalei Pier. There are clean bathrooms, showers, grassy areas and picnic grounds.
Walking on the white sandy beach, you can witness the majestic views of the Hanalei Mountain ridge that ends on the water’s edge with the silhouette that inspired the tale of Puff the magic Dragon
The lush green mountains are covered with countless waterfalls and frequent rainbows while spinner dolphins play across the bay in the summertime. It is hard to choose where to look. At the western end of the bay you can dip in the fresh cool water of the Waipa River before walking back.
If you drive it to the West side, Kekaha Beach is a favorite local surf and fishing spot. Great spot to walk on the long sandy stretch, collect seashells, sea glass and watch the sunset.
Poipu Beach Park is not long, and the sand can get steep -but the people watching and natural beauty make up for any shortcomings.
Driving west to the end of the road, you will find Polihale State Park, which has the longest sandy beach on the island. The weather is dry, with only 11 inches of rain per year (compared to the average 140 inches of rainfall on the North Shore). Be prepared to bring some shade and plenty of sunblock. There are no lifeguards at the park, but there are nice clean bathrooms, outdoor shower facilities and multiple campgrounds.
A sacred Heiau (place of worship) sits at the edge of the last of the cliffs where the Na Pali coast ends and the sand begins. It is the place where ancient Hawaiians believed the souls that left this plane jumped back into the ocean.
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