Hawaii's Hanalei Bay Was Just Named One Of The 50 Most Beautiful Places In The World
By Megan Shute|Published January 25, 2020
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Our big, beautiful world is undoubtedly home to some mighty stunning places, and U.S. News Travel, just put out a list of the “50 Most Beautiful Places In The World,” which features everywhere from Kyoto, Japan to Arizona’s Grand Canyon and Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher to Machu Picchu in Peru as well as one of our personal favorite Hawaii destinations. That’s right, Hawaii’s very own Hanalei Bay is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful locations, and we couldn’t agree more.
Nestled on the northern shore of Kauai, this near-perfect semi-circle of white sand is two miles long, 125 feet wide, and surrounded by towering, verdant mountains.
And while the sparkling sand found at Hanalei Bay is stunning enough on its own, it is the crystalline waters of this beautiful bay that will take your breath away and keep you coming back again and again.
With such a magnificent setting and crystal-clear turquoise water, it’s easy to see why this is a favorite destination among locals and tourists alike.
From surfing and bodyboarding to swimming and snorkeling, the bay is a haven for water sports of all kinds, and the stunning 300 foot long Hanalei Pier is perfect for fishing — or jumping off for a nice swim.
Hanalei Bay is comprised of three beach parks: Black Pot Beach Park, Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, and Wai'oli Beach Park. Each park features restrooms, showers, and parking. You will also find several public right-of-ways along the bay.
Surrounded by lush, emerald-green mountains and the ultra-charming town of Hanalei — population 470 — Hanalei Bay is Kauai’s largest bay, and 100 percent worthy of a visit.