Kauai County, HI · Hawaiian Waters
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay offers public shoreline access on Hawaiian coastal waters in Kauai County. Common targets include giant trevally, and bonefish.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Giant Trevally & Bonefish — tied at the top (24/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Hanalei Bay.
Coastal Flood Statement issued July 12 at 9:22AM HST until July 14 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:04 AM | High | 0.6 ft |
| 7:04 AM | Low | -0.3 ft |
| 3:03 PM | High | 2.5 ft |
| 10:33 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
Species at Hanalei Bay
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Giant Trevally Skip the Giant Trevally trip today. In season 24/100
What's helping
- 79°F water — right in giant trevally's ideal range
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — giant trevally prefers incoming tide
- 7.2 ft seas — heavy seas — small boats unsafe, surf blown out
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Caranx ignobilis — Ulua — the apex reef predator and the ultimate Hawaiian shore-casting prize, taken by slide-bait fishers off rocky points and ledges, often through the night. A brutally powerful gamefish; juveniles (papio) are a popular lighter-tackle target.
Prefers. Water 72–84°F (ideal 78°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–100 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 10"
- Daily creel
- 20
Ulua/papio: 10" minimum to keep, 20/day in combination with all ulua/papio (and moi/mullet, with sub-limits). No closed season for shore fishing.
Source: Hawaii regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#1 Bonefish Skip the Bonefish trip today. In season 24/100
What's helping
- 79°F water — right in bonefish's ideal range
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — bonefish prefers incoming tide
- 7.2 ft seas — heavy seas — small boats unsafe, surf blown out
- NWS alert active — check the alert before heading out
About. Albula glossodonta — Oio — the premier flats gamefish, stalked tailing on shallow sand and reef flats and prized for blistering runs. Largely a catch-and-release sight-fishery in Hawaii, though traditionally also taken for the table.
Prefers. Water 72–86°F (ideal 79°F) · incoming tide · depth 1–10 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- no limit
No statewide minimum size or bag limit; predominantly a catch-and-release flats fishery. Check for any local community-based (makai watch) area rules.
Source: Hawaii regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Hawaiian Waters
Region
Access
Shoreline access
Jurisdiction
Hawaii
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Hanalei Bay: Hawaii DLNR Aquatic Resources fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Hanalei Bay?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Hanalei Bay you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Hanalei Bay?
Hanalei Bay is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Giant Trevally, Bonefish. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Hanalei Bay?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Hanalei Bay against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Hanalei Bay have?
Hanalei Bay has shoreline / wading access. There is no pier or boat ramp at this location.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Hanalei Bay?
state agency regulations apply at Hanalei Bay. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Hanalei Bay tidal water?
Yes. Hanalei Bay sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.