Kauaʻi: Hanalei/Black Pot Beach Park Expansion, Hanalei, Haleleʻa

Size: .7 acres
Year Protected: 2010
Land Protection Strategy: Brokered, owned by County of Kaua‘i
Conservation Values: Public beach access, shoreline recreation
Land Features: Marine shoreline

ABOUT BLACK POT BEACH PARK EXPANSION

Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular ocean recreation spots on Kaua‘i.  This protected beachfront lot grants public access to it thanks to the Kaua‘i Public Land Trust, which led the initiative by collaborating with State and County agencies.

This .74-acre parcel runs adjacent to both Hanalei Pier (National Register of Historic Places) and Hanalei River (a designated American Heritage River).  Planned park improvements include more parking, additional pavilions and restroom renovations.

Kaua‘i Public Land Trust, which has since merged to become part of the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, assisted the County in seeking and coordinating funding sources for the $3 million acquisition. The County’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Fund contributed $1.85 million, with an additional $350,000 coming from the County’s Special Trust Fund for Parks and Playgrounds.  The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources contributed $800,000 through its Legacy Land Conservation Program. 

Black Pot Beach Park is used for camping, fishing, picnics, and family beach gatherings. It serves as a launch point for many canoe races including the popular Nā Pali Challenge, which draws paddlers from across the state, and is the main access to one of the best surf spots on the north shore of Kaua‘i.