Ahukini Pier is located next to Hanama'ulu and the southern point of Hanama'ulu Bay. It is a one acre park used by kama'aina's (residents of Hawaii) and visitors for various activities. The pier was an old landing formerly known as Ahukini Landing. The plantations which were for shipping purposes for the Lihue, Kawaihau and Kilauea districts used this pier.

The pier was the first of its kind on Kauai where the overseas and interisland vessels could tie up for loading and unloading. It was used at length during World War II until 1945. After the war, all the shipping activities were relocated to Nawiliwili Harbor. By then the area was improved so that it could handle the larger vessels that Ahukini could not. The Ahukini pier was slowly vacated and by June 1950, it was abandoned.

The pier was later dismantled and in 1978, Ahukini Pier was converted into a park. It's a very popular site, as noted before. The breakwall is used by pole fishermen. The dive companies use the bay for fish feeding expeditions during the week. The local spear fishermen make use of this opportunity to spear the overly friendly and hungry fish. Locals park along the parking area facing their vehicles towards the ocean and at certain times during the year, watch the whales at play. Sea turtles have been found playfully poking their heads above the water surface just to give you a quick chance to marvel at their beauty.

It is comforting to know that we have these places and we should take care of them, so they will always be there for us. Spear and net fishermen should be aware that certain netting activities and spearing are prohibited from the pier and surrounding waters of the bay. Details of the regulations can be found at the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.