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.
throgers/Flickr
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.
Aleksandar Milivojević/Flickr
Hanalei Bay is so beautiful, in fact, that it has been featured in various films, including the 1958 musical classic, South Pacific.
Charlie Day/Flickr
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.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
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.
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
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.
Bryan Ochalla/Flickr
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.
throgers/Flickr
If you haven’t been, add it to your Hawaii bucket list as soon as possible, and if you have, you might want to visit again.
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Have you ever experienced the beauty that is Hanalei Bay? If so, share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments below! To learn all about the charming town of Hanalei, click here.
throgers/Flickr
Aleksandar Milivojević/Flickr
Charlie Day/Flickr
Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr
Bryan Ochalla/Flickr
duluoz cats/Flickr
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Address: Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, USA
