Top 10 Places To Surf And Stay Near Hanalei Bay, Hawaii - Updated 2024

Kiran
Kiran  
Updated
| 5 min read

Do you wish to surf at one of the most instagrammable locations in Hawaii? Then Hanalei Bay in Kauai can be your perfect holiday destination. The large size of the bay lends it an ethereal charm making it an ideal spot for novice surfers.

Staying close to Hanalei Bay is appealing due to its proximity to the village and the beach parks, such as Black Pot Beach Park and Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. Depending on the weather, you can sunbathe at the beach or learn to surf. Experienced surfers will find waves with bigger swells in winter. You can also enjoy many places to visit, from farmer’s markets to restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.

Staying in accommodations near the bay would be perfect for your much-needed getaway! So, check out this list of the top places to surf and stay near Hanalei Bay, Hawaii.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to surfing spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.

1. Cozy stay at Hale Lu Ya (from USD 526)

Situated close to the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay on the picture-perfect island of Kauai is this fully furnished home with traditional décor. The house is within walking distance from the beach and the village. A perfect vacation here can include immersing yourself in surfing, snorkeling, and swimming during the day since the rental is near the bay. You can also wander around the rustic town of Hanalei during the night.

The best part about choosing this accommodation is its distance from all the prominent tourist spots in the area, rendering the use of vehicles unnecessary.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
92 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 3 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house had everything we needed including a fully stocked kitchen great towels washer/dryer and more
the outdoor shower and back deck were great and everything you need for the beach was provided
very comfortable house for a couple or small family
Cleanliness:
house is clean and comfortable with a well appointed kitchen
everything well organized clean and clear instructions
the house was really clean and well set up - it had everything we could possibly need
clean convenient and one of the most comfortable beds i've slept in in awhile
Host:
clark was awesome to deal with and incredibly responsive
very good interaction with the host and local manager (who "saved" us when locked ourselves out)
the host obviously does a great job keeping the place well appointed and updated
Location:
great location a few blocks from beach
great location easy walk to town and beach
five minute walk to a beautiful beach
it's super central an easy walk to the shops and the beach
above all the location of this house was awesome
Read more reviews

2. Homey rental with wooden furnishings at Paulele (from USD 1195)

This traditional home opposite Hanalei Bay is within walking distance of the beach, parks, and the town of Hanalei. The house is also close to Hanalei Bay Pavilion, an excellent option for surfing with ideal water conditions. Irrespective of your expertise in surfing, Hanalei Bay will leave you with the satisfaction of engaging in a fun activity.

With facilities such as the outdoor hot water shower and enough beach gear such as towels and kid’s boogie boards, staying here lets you have it all. From playing board and yard games to dining with an ocean view, the house offers plenty of options to stay occupied during your stay.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
25 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Beds 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
outstanding location (views and access to beach/town/etc) great rooms/amenities and plenty of space to spread out for the family
the kitchen has top of the line cookware every appliance one could want including an excellent outdoor barbeque
Host:
very responsive hosts when we did have questions
our host anne was perfect
anne a fantastic host
tyler was very communicative helpful and quick to respond to questions both before and during our stay
anne is especially attentive and even checked in during the week to make sure our stay was perfect
Location:
tyler's house is in the perfect location for hanalei bay
a truly wonderful house in a spectacular location just across from the beach and a short walk to town
the paulele lies in a great location accessible to hanalei bay and to town
wonderful house and location just off the beach
easy walk to the beach and town
Read more reviews

3. Fully equipped abode at Kuuipo Hale (from USD 1000)

This plantation-type home is for you if you are looking for a place that feels like home within close range of sandy beaches and the picturesque town. Complete with a propane barbecue grill and surf shack furnishings, the quintessentially Hawaiian charm of the place will keep bringing you back to Kuuipo Hale.

Since it is a short walk to Hanalei Bay, you can arrive at the beach earlier than others to secure the best spot. You can also use the beach essentials such as beach chairs, the cooler, and umbrellas while staying here. This rental also offers board rentals and surf lessons. After a long day at the beach, the outdoor shower will be enough to wash away the exhaustion before you start with the plans for the night.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
84 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 4 Beds 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
but back to kuuipo: the ac in great room and primary bedroom works great
we had warm days and a couple rainy nights and the room temperature was always pleasant
lisa has a washer dryer beach towels boogie boards and a hot outdoor shower you’ll love it
master bed may be the most comfortable bed i've ever slept on
we especially enjoyed the well-stocked kitchen the bikes and boogie boards and the outdoor shower
Cleanliness:
this house is so cute very clean and i would say more spacious than the pictures
the light and cleanliness of this cottage will relax you right away
Host:
the host is very responsive
lisa a fantastic host in every way
lisa was a great host
hosts have done a tremendous job outfitting this cozy clean beautiful "surf shack" style home
the place is awesome lisa is super helpful and hanalei is fabulous
Location:
this super cute house is in a great location in hanalei
easy walk to beach and easy walk to town
the location is so fantastic just a short walk to the beach access
wonderful rental in a perfect location
wonderful stay in the most perfect location
Read more reviews

4. The Bay Bungalow (from USD 1250)

This beachfront bungalow, complete with modern amenities, is a walking distance of Hanalei Bay and the town. Apart from providing free parking and WiFi, the house has all essentials readily available.

Watching the surf break from the deck is enough temptation for even a novice surfer to take a board and paddle out into the shallow waters of Hanalei Bay. The house has basic amenities for regular beach visits, and the two outdoor showers make the experience up a notch.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
153 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 2 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
great amenities well-stocked kitchen totally wired
loved the out door shower and view of the water
the outdoor space is great for morning coffee reading and showering off after an ocean swim
the a/c is an extra bonus during the hot and tropical days/evenings
the two bedrooms were comfortable and nicely furnished
Cleanliness:
thoughtful touches full kitchen with nice dishes & utensils good organic/natural soaps super clean
the place itself was sparkling clean and had nice touches like a welcome basket and great bath products
our stay was wonderful the house was clean comfortable and so cute
fantastic clean/modern decor with the mod cons
the house was so spacious and immaculately clean and even closer to the beach than we expected
Host:
david was super responsive
they were very helpful and accommodating
and that the host was reliable communicative and helpful
david is a fantastic host for a fantastic property
dave and amy were wonderful hosts
Location:
fabulous location and beautiful accommodations
the location was perfect - steps from hanalei bay close to the restaurants and shops
6 mikes away so it's an easy drive or walk
fantastic house in prime hanalei bay location
amazing location would absolutely stay there again
Read more reviews

5. Well-lit beachside guest house (from USD 480)

Located close to Hanalei Bay is this fully equipped and well-lit guest house. The house has a barbecue area for impromptu grilling plans, a lanai to observe the scenic views from a distance, and an outdoor shower.

The house provides beach essentials upon request, including surfboards and stand-up paddleboards for water sports enthusiasts. Those who wish to roam the city can borrow bikes if they do not prefer walking.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
145 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 2 Beds 3 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 3

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i loved waking up surrounded by greenery and also sleeping in a nice luxurious bed with air conditioning
the unit is beautiful with great appliances a large deck and a very comfortable bed
great a/c but after we got acclimated opened all the windows and enjoyed the tropical breezes
the space itself was perfect for my wife and myself - comfortable and spacious
also the bed was extremely comfortable so we had great nights of rest
Cleanliness:
the rental was clean and relaxing to stay in
one of my favorite airbnb stays incredibly clean spacious and super comfortable bed with nice linens
the home was clean modern and the perfect spot for our vacation
perfect location on a gorgeous beach uncomplicated handling house with everything you need clean and tastefully decorated
our stay at paul and amy's was amazing the home is exactly as advertised clean and beautiful
Host:
paul & amy were fantastic hosts
paul and amy are great hosts and very easy to communicate with
paul was really helpful and very responsive
paul was a fantastic host and made sure we had everything we needed
paul was incredibly responsive if we needed anything
Location:
amazing location 5 minute walk from hanalei bay or from the main strip of great places to eat
location is perfect - so close to beaches and town
the location of the property was ideal a short walk to both the beach and the town itself
the location was fantastic - just a quick walk to hanalei bay or local restaurants
the location is terrific both near the beach and an easy walk to town
Read more reviews

6. Plantation-style home with views of Na Pali (from USD 832)

This plantation-style home is in the middle of Hanalei, close to the white sandy beach. It has modern amenities, including a gourmet kitchen at your disposal. The aesthetic is picture-perfect, from the fancy bathtub to the vaulted ceilings. Moreover, it includes spectacular views of the Na Pali coastline from the lanai.

A short walk on the grassy sidewalk will take you to the beach, where you can watch the surfers and learn to surf or snorkel to your heart’s content. While experienced surfers can find the bay less challenging, beginners will enjoy the wave breaks here.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
96 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Beds 5 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 5

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
perfect wifi and air conditioning
beautiful views from the lanai and living room
very comfortable for our family of 4 with ac in bedrooms
the wifi worked well as well as the tv
we used the kitchen daily and enjoyed the view out the front door/windows of the stream
Cleanliness:
very clean and accessible
the house is fresh clean and bright
fairly clean layout and rooms were spacious and inviting
the house is super clean and modern but homey and comfortable at the same time
the home was spotless and simple which was great for children
Host:
lauren is a great host
host was very responsive and accommodating
lauren was a fantastic host
lauren was an incredibly responsive and helpful host
she was super-quick responding to our questions and incredibly helpful with suggestions for making our trip easier
Location:
the location was wonderful
lovely location on the river
super close to the hanalei town center can walk there easily
what a great location and perfectly appointed home
beautiful home and great location
Read more reviews

7. Hanalei Getaway (from USD 665)

This newly remodeled house with spectacular mountain and waterfall views is a paradise with enough space and amenities to fit everyone’s needs. A perfect day here need not always be at the beach since you have options of lazing around in the lanais and planning family dinners using the outdoor gas grill.

With Hanalei Bay at a short distance, you can plan your days around beach activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing with all beach gear, including surfboards, paddleboards, and life jackets, provided free of charge at the accommodation. The rental also offers beach essentials such as surfboards, snorkeling gear, and beach toys for the kids.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
119 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 5 Beds 12 Guests 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 12

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable home with all amenities needed
the living and kitchen área also providing a great gathering space for groups/families
great kitchen with all the proper utensils we cooked in every night
i highly recommend the space to anyone wanting an authentic and comfortable kauai experience :)
Cleanliness:
incredible spot the home was absolutely beautiful with high-end finishes and very clean
Host:
leila and mike were very helpful and responsive to our questions
leila and mike offered us a concierge who gave us very helpful information prior to our trip
excellent place - super helpful hosts
hosts are lovely and the space is perfect
leila and mike are fantastic and responsive hosts
Location:
excellent location and beautiful home
great place and even better location
this wonderful house is in a great location
the location is walkable to the beach and everything you need in the super cute downtown
such a fabulous house with a great location
Read more reviews

8. Hanalei Bay Honeymoon Rental (from USD 385)

Located close to Hanalei Bay, this romantic getaway makes for complete bliss. From the covered lanai with a dining setup and a gas grill to the partially enclosed outdoor shower for two, the ambiance is as romantic as it gets. The place is a 10-minute walk from the town, where you can shop for souvenirs and explore the cuisine and culture of Hawaii.

Since the beach is at a short distance, you can learn surfing and paddling during the summer months or surf away during winter, with the wave breaks being better for surfing during winter. The shallow waters of Hanalei Bay make it ideal for beginners though you will have to plan your day early if you wish to secure the best beach spots for yourself.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
182 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
waking up to the views from bed was amazing
the bed was comfortable the knives were sharp the washer/dryer worked well and the linens/space was clean
we slept soundly in the very comfortable bed and awakened to bird songs
the space itself is clean and comfortable and devaki has provided all the beach necessities (chairs bags etc
the bed was so comfortable and the temperature was perfect with plenty of ventilation
Cleanliness:
super clean and comfortable
property was very clean on arrival
the place was very clean and well maintained
great clean property with parking and a gorgeous private yard
devaki is a wonderful host the place was very clean and exactly as advertised
Host:
devaki was accessible and helpful throughout
devaki was a fantastic host
devaki was a great host
devaki is a friendly and accommodating host
devaki is a terrific host
Location:
the apartment’s location is fantastic
amazing location walk right to the beach
great location near beach and facilities
great location and very comfortable place
location to hanalei bay and downtown was perfect for this beach bungalow
Read more reviews

9. Hanalei Garden Surf Cottage (from USD 335)

This quaint little cottage, with single wall construction, has its Hawaiian charm in keeping you in touch with nature. While here, the surf stays with you; irrespective of whether you are at the beach paddling and swimming for fun or taking your afternoon nap.

Hanalei Bay is only a block away from this rustic cottage, with Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park and Waioli Beach Park at a short walkable distance. You can also borrow the body boards and beach chairs provided with the accommodation and spend your days experiencing the laid-back lifestyle in Hawaii.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
235 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wifi and access to a washer and dryer were particularly appreciated
although there isn’t air conditioning we found it very comfortable during the night with the fans
a beautiful spot and cozy cottage perfect for the two of us
this is the best great cottage great location with such great vibes and such a comfortable feel
the space is very cozy in a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by tropical beauty
Cleanliness:
it is super clean and offered plenty of towels which were soft
calm quiet clean and serene
i like funky but clean places
it was simple clean and comfortable
spotlessly clean for a rustic beach shack and well appointed
Host:
our host was very communicative and helpful whenever we needed anything or had questions
micco was a wonderful and friendly host
he is a great host very easy to communicate with
micco was immediately and warmly responsive to questions we had
but most of all - great host he made it all easy
Location:
the location is perfect
the location is really great
excellent place within a few minutes' walking distance of the beach
loved the location and spot as a whole
the location is perfect just a short walk to the beach town and farmers market
Read more reviews

10. Luxurious house with beach access (from USD 936)

Set at a convenient distance from both the beach and town, this luxurious house can make the perfect family getaway fun. There is a private hot tub and other amenities, such as free WiFi and parking. The lanais have tropical views and are the finest spots to relax after a long winding day.

The nearby beach has it all, with summers being the perfect time to learn surfing and swim around Hanalei Bay and winters bringing in better wave breaks for experienced surfers. You can hire instructors from the area to hone your skills or just paddle and snorkel in the waters to your heart’s content.

Stayed at this property?
Hanalei, Hawaii, United States
54 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
ENTIRE HOME 6 Beds 10 Guests 5 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 10

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there's no a/c but there are fans in every room that keep it comfortable
the house is comfortable and had all the required amenities
Cleanliness:
the house was amazing clean well stocked and very well kept
Host:
clark is a great host too
clark is a kind and professional manager
clarke was a great host and was extremely responsive
kudos to the owners clark and his crew for creating and maintaining such a great property
clark the host is extremely fair and responsive
Location:
the location was great too
easy walk to both
great house in a great location
the location is ideal as it's walking distance to the beach and shops as well
the location is amazing thanks for having us
Read more reviews

Surf the wave near Hanalei Bay

Learn to surf or hone your surfing skills at the picturesque Hanalei Bay at all times around the year while staying at traditional homes close to the beach. Choose a home that fits your aesthetic from one of the top places to surf and stay near Hanalei Bay, Hawaii.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Best known for her wanderlust and deep love for the arts, Kiran is an Assistant Professor of English in Kerala. She has a voracious appetite for literature and loves sketching people in her free...Read more

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