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 December 20, 2024.
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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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
clark was awesome to deal with and incredibly responsivevery 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 updatedLocation:
great location a few blocks from beachgreat location easy walk to town and beachfive minute walk to a beautiful beachit's super central an easy walk to the shops and the beachabove all the location of this house was awesomeCleanliness:
house is clean and comfortable with a well appointed kitcheneverything well organized clean and clear instructionsthe house was really clean and well set up - it had everything we could possibly needclean convenient and one of the most comfortable beds i've slept in in awhileRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the house had everything we needed including a fully stocked kitchen great towels washer/dryer and morethe outdoor shower and back deck were great and everything you need for the beach was providedvery comfortable house for a couple or small family
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
very responsive hosts when we did have questionsour host anne was perfectanne a fantastic hosttyler was very communicative helpful and quick to respond to questions both before and during our stayanne is especially attentive and even checked in during the week to make sure our stay was perfectLocation:
tyler's house is in the perfect location for hanalei baya truly wonderful house in a spectacular location just across from the beach and a short walk to townthe paulele lies in a great location accessible to hanalei bay and to townwonderful house and location just off the beacheasy walk to the beach and townRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
outstanding location (views and access to beach/town/etc) great rooms/amenities and plenty of space to spread out for the familythe kitchen has top of the line cookware every appliance one could want including an excellent outdoor barbeque
3. Fully equipped abode at Kuuipo Hale (from USD 1100)
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host is very responsivelisa a fantastic host in every waylisa was a great hosthosts have done a tremendous job outfitting this cozy clean beautiful "surf shack" style homethe place is awesome lisa is super helpful and hanalei is fabulousLocation:
this super cute house is in a great location in hanaleieasy walk to beach and easy walk to townthe location is so fantastic just a short walk to the beach accesswonderful rental in a perfect locationwonderful stay in the most perfect locationCleanliness:
this house is so cute very clean and i would say more spacious than the picturesthe light and cleanliness of this cottage will relax you right awayRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
but back to kuuipo: the ac in great room and primary bedroom works greatwe had warm days and a couple rainy nights and the room temperature was always pleasantlisa has a washer dryer beach towels boogie boards and a hot outdoor shower you’ll love itmaster bed may be the most comfortable bed i've ever slept onwe especially enjoyed the well-stocked kitchen the bikes and boogie boards and the outdoor shower
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
david was super responsivethey were very helpful and accommodatingand that the host was reliable communicative and helpfuldavid is a fantastic host for a fantastic propertydave and amy were wonderful hostsLocation:
fabulous location and beautiful accommodationsthe location was perfect - steps from hanalei bay close to the restaurants and shops6 mikes away so it's an easy drive or walkfantastic house in prime hanalei bay locationamazing location would absolutely stay there againCleanliness:
thoughtful touches full kitchen with nice dishes & utensils good organic/natural soaps super cleanthe place itself was sparkling clean and had nice touches like a welcome basket and great bath productsour stay was wonderful the house was clean comfortable and so cutefantastic clean/modern decor with the mod consthe house was so spacious and immaculately clean and even closer to the beach than we expectedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
great amenities well-stocked kitchen totally wiredloved the out door shower and view of the waterthe outdoor space is great for morning coffee reading and showering off after an ocean swimthe a/c is an extra bonus during the hot and tropical days/eveningsthe two bedrooms were comfortable and nicely furnished
5. Well-lit beachside guest house (from USD 350)
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
paul & amy were fantastic hostspaul and amy are great hosts and very easy to communicate withpaul was really helpful and very responsivepaul was a fantastic host and made sure we had everything we neededpaul was incredibly responsive if we needed anythingLocation:
amazing location 5 minute walk from hanalei bay or from the main strip of great places to eatlocation is perfect - so close to beaches and townthe location of the property was ideal a short walk to both the beach and the town itselfthe location was fantastic - just a quick walk to hanalei bay or local restaurantsthe location is terrific both near the beach and an easy walk to townCleanliness:
the rental was clean and relaxing to stay inone of my favorite airbnb stays incredibly clean spacious and super comfortable bed with nice linensthe home was clean modern and the perfect spot for our vacationperfect location on a gorgeous beach uncomplicated handling house with everything you need clean and tastefully decoratedour stay at paul and amy's was amazing the home is exactly as advertised clean and beautifulRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
i loved waking up surrounded by greenery and also sleeping in a nice luxurious bed with air conditioningthe unit is beautiful with great appliances a large deck and a very comfortable bedgreat a/c but after we got acclimated opened all the windows and enjoyed the tropical breezesthe space itself was perfect for my wife and myself - comfortable and spaciousalso the bed was extremely comfortable so we had great nights of rest
6. Plantation-style home with views of Na Pali
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.
Hanalei, Hawaii, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Host:
lauren is a great hosthost was very responsive and accommodatinglauren was a fantastic hostlauren was an incredibly responsive and helpful hostshe was super-quick responding to our questions and incredibly helpful with suggestions for making our trip easierLocation:
the location was wonderfullovely location on the riversuper close to the hanalei town center can walk there easilywhat a great location and perfectly appointed homebeautiful home and great locationCleanliness:
very clean and accessiblethe house is fresh clean and brightfairly clean layout and rooms were spacious and invitingthe house is super clean and modern but homey and comfortable at the same timethe home was spotless and simple which was great for childrenRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
perfect wifi and air conditioningbeautiful views from the lanai and living roomvery comfortable for our family of 4 with ac in bedroomsthe wifi worked well as well as the tvwe used the kitchen daily and enjoyed the view out the front door/windows of the stream
7. Hanalei Getaway (from USD 799)
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
leila and mike were very helpful and responsive to our questionsleila and mike offered us a concierge who gave us very helpful information prior to our tripexcellent place - super helpful hostshosts are lovely and the space is perfectleila and mike are fantastic and responsive hostsLocation:
excellent location and beautiful homegreat place and even better locationthis wonderful house is in a great locationthe location is walkable to the beach and everything you need in the super cute downtownsuch a fabulous house with a great locationCleanliness:
incredible spot the home was absolutely beautiful with high-end finishes and very cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
comfortable home with all amenities neededthe living and kitchen área also providing a great gathering space for groups/familiesgreat kitchen with all the proper utensils we cooked in every nighti highly recommend the space to anyone wanting an authentic and comfortable kauai experience :)
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
devaki was a great hostdevaki was a fantastic hostdevaki was accessible and helpful throughoutdevaki is a friendly and accommodating hostdevaki is a terrific hostLocation:
the apartment’s location is fantasticamazing location walk right to the beachgreat location near beach and facilitiesgreat location and very comfortable placelocation to hanalei bay and downtown was perfect for this beach bungalowCleanliness:
super clean and comfortableproperty was very clean on arrivalthe place was very clean and well maintainedgreat clean property with parking and a gorgeous private yarddevaki is a wonderful host the place was very clean and exactly as advertisedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
waking up to the views from bed was amazingthe bed was comfortable the knives were sharp the washer/dryer worked well and the linens/space was cleanwe slept soundly in the very comfortable bed and awakened to bird songsthe space itself is clean and comfortable and devaki has provided all the beach necessities (chairs bags etcthe bed was so comfortable and the temperature was perfect with plenty of ventilation
9. Hanalei Garden Surf Cottage (from USD 343)
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
our host was very communicative and helpful whenever we needed anything or had questionsmicco was a wonderful and friendly hosthe is a great host very easy to communicate withmicco was immediately and warmly responsive to questions we hadbut most of all - great host he made it all easyLocation:
the location is perfectthe location is really greatexcellent place within a few minutes' walking distance of the beachloved the location and spot as a wholethe location is perfect just a short walk to the beach town and farmers marketCleanliness:
it is super clean and offered plenty of towels which were softcalm quiet clean and serenei like funky but clean placesit was simple clean and comfortablespotlessly clean for a rustic beach shack and well appointedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
wifi and access to a washer and dryer were particularly appreciatedalthough there isn’t air conditioning we found it very comfortable during the night with the fansa beautiful spot and cozy cottage perfect for the two of usthis is the best great cottage great location with such great vibes and such a comfortable feelthe space is very cozy in a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by tropical beauty
10. Luxurious house with beach access (from USD 927)
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.
Top guest reviews
Host:
clark is a great host tooclark is a kind and professional managerclarke was a great host and was extremely responsivekudos to the owners clark and his crew for creating and maintaining such a great propertyclark the host is extremely fair and responsiveLocation:
the location was great tooeasy walk to bothgreat house in a great locationthe location is ideal as it's walking distance to the beach and shops as wellthe location is amazing thanks for having usCleanliness:
the house was amazing clean well stocked and very well keptRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
there's no a/c but there are fans in every room that keep it comfortablethe house is comfortable and had all the required amenities
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.
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