Permit· Kauai· Hawaii
Hanalei Bay 75-ft Vessel Limit and Commercial Rules
22° 12.5′ N · 159° 30.4′ W
Hanalei Bay is one of the most tightly regulated anchorages in Hawaii: since July 2025 no vessel longer than 75 feet may enter the bay, and the bay's ocean-recreation rules cap commercial operations and restrict where any boat may anchor or land.
Practical
SB 1511 (2025) became Act 280 on July 2, 2025: vessels longer than 75 ft may not enter Hanalei Bay; federal, state and county vessels are exempt; DLNR defines the boundary and enforces. Hanalei Bay ocean waters (HAR 13-256-39) run from Makahoa Point to Puu Poa Point and include the streams to the limit of tidal influence. Anchoring/mooring only in the designated mooring area; permanent moorings only by DLNR permit; an approved marine sanitation device is required. Commercial passenger loading needs a DLNR permit plus County of Kauai approval and must use an ingress/egress zone; up to five self-propelled passenger vessel permits (USCG-certified for 25 or fewer passengers, 30 passengers a day per permit), two guided-kayak permits and eight surf-school permits. Fishing vessels over 30 ft may fish only by pole and line. Coordinate is the USGS GNIS position for Hanalei Bay.
Best for
Knowing the rules before you drop anchor in Hanalei
Nearby
- Hanalei Bay Anchorage0.4 NM away
- Hanalei Farmers Market0.5 NM away
- Hanalei Bay and Pier (DOBOR)0.6 NM away
- Hanalei River Dinghy Trip and Landing0.6 NM away
- Hanalei Town (Big Save / Foodland Princeville)0.6 NM away
- Bar Acuda (Hanalei)0.7 NM away
- Hanalei Gourmet0.7 NM away
- Kalypso Island Bar and Grill (Hanalei)0.7 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).