Hanalei is the Hawaii of your dreams – a gorgeous spot but not necessarily the best for swimming much of the time. Pounding shore break and backwash a lot of the time in the winter. Popular with surfers. There are several areas around the bay with access
The “town” consists of beach houses
Black pot beach park: borders the mouth of the Hanalei River at the base of the Hanalei Pier. Good for families – calm surf. However when the river is flowing watch for that current
Pu’u Moa Beach is at the East end of Hanalei Bay. When the river is low you can walk across the Hanalei River mouth to get there. Also you can get via a cement path next to the St. Regis Hotel in Princeville. This is mostly a surfers beach
Hanalei Beach Park Pavilion – to the right of the center of Hanalei Bay. The waves tend to be easier here for beginners and kid
Wailoli Beach Park (Pine Trees). Body surfing area on a shady part of Hanalei Bay, adjacent grass lawn and volleyball.