Black Pot Beach Park, at Hanalei Bay, Kauai, is a small beach-front park that sits between the Hanalei Pier and the mouth of the Hanalei River. This magical location is a focal point for the Hanalei North Shore community, and plays host to surfers, kayakers, stand up paddle boarders, picnickers, campers and other beach-going enthusiasts.
The beach itself juts out into the mouth of the Hanalei River, creating a wonderful beach playland. Behind the beach is a beautiful green grassy area that is used for camping and other activities. There is a boat ramp on the river side.
Black Pot Beach takes its name from when there was a large black iron cooking pot located at the beach that was used to cook fish and other food for nightly gatherings.
The beach has a new look, and it may take some getting used to for park older timers. The park underwent extensive refurbishing after it was heavily damaged in historic April 2018 flooding. Trees along the beach have been severely trimmed while vegetation along the river has been removed. A new paved parking lot now greets visitors.
Above: Black Pot Beach Park prior to the April 2018 flood.
But perhaps the biggest change at the park is that vehicles are no longer allowed to be parked on the beach, a huge loss for the many local residents, families and visitors who enjoyed the ultimate tailgating destination. It’s not clear if this prohibition will be changed at some point in the future.
Currently there are outdoor showers and portable toilets at the beach. A permanent comfort station is being rebuilt at the park. Camping at the park will be permitted on Fridays and Saturdays once the comfort station is finished.
Nevertheless, despite the changes, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world and you can’t go wrong with a visit to this beach.
Location at Google Maps
Black Pot Beach Park Photos
Though the trees have been cut back and the shade is gone, visitors are using the area to hang out and chill out. We’re not sure why the vegetation was cut so severely. See the before photo below.
Above: The beach as it was before the April 2018 flooding.
The new parking lot.
Sunsets are magnificent at Black Pot Beach Park and Hanalei Bay.
Before Photos of Black Pot Beach Park
Photos from “the good old days,” before the April 2018 flooding damaged the park, when you could pull right up on the beach and watch the sunset!
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