Hanalei Bay:
Hanalei Bay is one of the most well known spots on the island, and there are many other spots in and around the bay. Hanalei itself is a long right point that breaks on the western side of the bay, breaking for up to 300 yards over lava reef. It is a fairly powerful wave with occasional barrel sections that ends with an inside bowl section in the middle of the bay.
Farther north, up and around the point from Hanalei, is a reef break right called Hideaways. Further inside the bay is an inconsistent break called Pine Trees, which needs a larger swell and a good sandbar set-up at the river mouth. Directly across Hanalei Bay from the main point is a fickle left reef break called Waikokos, which needs a large north swell and west wind.
Ha’Ena Bay:
Heading west past Hanalei and Wainiha Bays, you’ll run into beautiful Ha’ena Beach, a goofy or regular footer’s dream in the winter. On the eastern side of the shallow bay is Tunnels, a right-hander breaking over shallow reef that on a proper North-East swell quickly makes you realize this wave has a very appropriate name. The paddle-out to Tunnels is a long one, but gets you warmed up for the waves waiting beyond. On the other side of the bay is Cannons, an equally hollow and shallow left that really gets going on a solid North-West swell. The paddle-out to Cannons isn’t as long as Tunnels. Like most surf spots in Kauai, Ha’ena is breathtaking — crystal clear water and jagged green mountains rising beyond the white sand beach. Ha’ena is, however, a popular surf spot, especially in winter, and visiting surfers should pay special attention to the local crew in the water at all times.