Hanalei Bay

22.20 N

159.56 W

We arrived in Hanalei Bay from Honolulu at 9am on Sunday morning (June 10) after close reaching through 25 knot trade winds.  Not fun - especially on the first day out – but we made it through.  The reward is to be anchored in this gorgeous place on the northern shore of Kauai.  To the west of us is a ridge of steep mountains, lush green with jungle and cascading waterfalls.  

Ka'sala is the last boat on the right

At the head of the bay is two miles of pristine white beach with the funky village of Hanalei behind.  

To the east are a small river and a long pier – once the loading point for the rice that used to be exported from here.  

The water in the bay is turquoise blue and 25 degrees.  There are not many tourists and there is no hustle and bustle.  What a lovely way to relax for a few days before continuing on our northern passage!

Ka'sala is mid left

Yesterday we launched our kayaks to explore the river.  As we entered we noticed enormous bushes, at least 20 feet high, covered with yellow hibiscus-looking flowers.  

Floating along the river’s surface were similar flowers, but these were coral in colour.  

The bushes gave way to trees, grasses and other vegetation, most of which I have never seen before, giving it a very other worldly appearance.  We followed it for about 3 miles when it narrowed, and abruptly ended in a grove of bamboo.  

Along the way we could hear the sounds of strange insects and birds on the riverbanks, but only saw an odd red-billed duck-like creature and a small turtle.

We paddled back out to the bay, beached our kayaks and strolled into the village.  There is a small central core of quaint shops, cafes and markets and we found an unusual place to have lunch in a classroom of the old school.  

Afterward we strolled up and down the 2 mile, powder sand beach, enjoying the incredible mountain views, before returning to Ka’sala.

This place is a little wild.  The weather is constantly changing.  One minute we are in brilliant sunshine, the next in misty rain, followed by a rainbow. 

Ka'sala at anchor at Hanalei Bay

Outrigger canoes 

The sunsets are spectacular and the light and clouds that play along the mountain ridges are amazing to watch. 

It has been windy with over 20 knots gusting through the anchorage during the day – no doubt a result of the strong trades and the mountainous landscape.

In addition to exploring this place we have also completed all the last minute details to get Ka’sala ready for her next long passage.  Our bumpy 24 hour trip here pointed out to us a few things that needed stowing! We are now more than ready to go and will leave right after breakfast tomorrow (June 13). The trade winds are supposed to moderate, so we hope our first few days won’t be as rough as the passage here.  The projected weather forecast continues to look positive for the next week or so and we can only hope that it continues for us for all the 2430 nautical miles to Alaska!

Overview of Hanalei Bay - borrowed from the internet