Haena Beach Park
Haena Beach Park is a pretty beach that lies on Kauai’s north shore. It’s very popular with young people and is a great spot for camping (permit required), picnics or just beach combing. This beach has complete facilities including bathrooms, shower, picnic tables, barbecue facilities and a lifeguard.
People like to swim and snorkel here but be careful when doing so, because the currents can be very strong. There is no reef protecting Haena Beach Park, so swimmers are completely exposed to whatever the sea throws at them. You should only swim here if it’s in the summertime and if waters are very calm. In the winter, the surf picks up and large waves can crash all the way to the beach, making it impossible to swim.
There’s a popular surf spot nearby called Cannons. The reef break at this spot blasts surfers like a cannon, which is how it got its name. This is a very dangerous spot and is for expert surfers only.
Haena Beach Park lies across the street from the Maniniholo Dry Cave. This cave is a lava tube that goes several hundred feet into the cliff. Long ago it was a sea cave when the ocean level was higher. At that time, crashing waves widened the entrance, giving the cave it’s present size. If you visit the beach here, go ahead and make a stop at Maniniholo Dry Cave as well – it’ worth taking a look at.
The beach here can also be a good way to get to Tunnels Beach. The parking at Tunnels usually fills up fast, so if you miss out on a spot you might consider parking here. Then just hike to the right along the sand about a quarter of a mile and you’ll get to Tunnels Beach.
Directions to Haena Beach Park:
Just take Highway 560 west from Princeville and you’ll find it at mile marker 9 in the small community of Haena. It’s about 5miles from Hanalei, 8 miles from Princeville and about 40 miles from Lihue. You’ll find plenty of dirt parking all along the highway.
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