KAUAI COUNTY PARKS
Anini Beach - Anini (stunted) Beach Park offers restrooms, showers, tables and barbecue facilities. Camping requires a County permit. About a mile down the road is 'Anini Beach. No one seems to know why the two aren't together in once place.
Hanalei Bay - Famous for its spectacular beauty, Hanalei Bay is a long half-moon of sandy beach carved into the base of a sheer cliff on one side and narrowing into a rocky point on the other. The beach is a great spot for walking or throwing a Frisbee around. At the westernmost curve of the bay, you'll find a calm shoreline where the water is relatively quiet even when most of the north shore is too rough for safe swimming.
Kee Beach - This is a famous movie location and excellent snorkeling area, located at the foot of the Na Pali Coast Trail. Kee Beach appeared in the popular television mini-series, The Thorn Birds. Click here for an additional image.
Lumahai Beach - Between Haena and Hanalei Bay is the most photographed beach on Kauai. Lumahai Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of her hair" in South Pacific.
Honopu Valley - The densely jungled valley of Honopu was thought to be the last home of the Menehune and is often referred to as the "Valley of the Lost Tribe." The beach in this area is where Jessica Lange eluded King Kong in the 1976 remake of the classic King Kong and Harrison Ford fled from pirate attack in 6 Days, 7 Nights.
Kalalau Lookout - If you make the drive from Waimea to see Waimea Canyon, you might as well do it right. From Kokee State Park, at the top of Waimea Canyon Road, continue on to Kalalau Lookout. There you'll encounter a spectacular view of knife-edged cliffs and overgrown gorges that drop to the sea 4,000 feet below. Mist and cloud cover roll in and out of the valley so inquire at the Kokee Museum about the best time that day to see the full valley panoramic.
Kekaha Beach Park - The sunsets from Kekaha Beach Park are spectacular, and the beach itself is beautiful. A great place for picnics and strolling the shore. However, the entire beach is exposed to open ocean (which brings with it strong currents), so caution is advised.
Salt Pond Beach Park - Salt Pond Beach Park is a place where the swimming is usually safe year around. Camping is allowed with a County permit. The crescent beach is partially protected by reef. A toddlers bathing pool is created by rocks that form a small lagoon. Swimming is good and there are tidepools to explore. It's also a great spot for sunsets.
Kukuiolono Park - From Kalaheo, travel Papalina Road for a little less than a mile and you'll see a sign indicating Kukuiolono Park. Kukuiolono means "light of Lono," which has its origin in the fires that were built on the hillside to guide Hawaiian seafarers. The park features a beautiful Japanese garden, legend stones, and a panoramic view. But don't tarry too long. The gate closes to cars at 6:30 p.m. Open daily 7am-6pm. Golf course starting times from 7am-3pm.
Maha'ulepu Beach - Maha'ulepu Beach is great spot for exploring. There are petroglyphs in the area, and the water is usually calm due to a protective reef and shallow water. The name Maha'ulepu means "falling together," as in two warriors falling in battle. When King Kamehameha attempted to invade Kauai in 1796, many of his war canoes were sunk during a storm in the channel between Oahu and Kauai. However, a few managed to land here on the beach. The warriors who made it to shore were exhausted. Kauai's defenders caught them sleeping near their canoes just before dawn, and slaughtered all but a few. Those who escaped, fearful of facing Kamehameha's wrath, paddled all the way to the Big Island.
Poipu Beach Park - Poipu is located near the southern-most tip of Kauai. The beaches in this area are favorites for snorkeling and scuba diving. Lots of fun in the sun in Poipu!
Prince Kuhio Park - Located on Lawai Road, west of Poipu, Prince Kuhio Park marks the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, one of Hawaii's most cherished royals.
Shipwreck Beach - For many years this was one of the best "hidden" beaches on Kauai. Today, the sandy, rock-studded beach is still beautiful. But it is no longer hidden. A major resort now borders the beach, which means it's harder to have the beach all to yourself - but easier to find a cool drink when you tire of beachcombing.
Spouting Horn - Water, forced into a lava tube by the surf, gushes into the air making an eerie hissing noise. The ancient Hawaiians believed that Kaikapu, a lizard goddess, was trapped by a clever fisherman in the lava tube and the hissing is the sound of her angry roar.
Hanama'ulu Beach Park - Hanama'ulu Beach Park is about six acres in area with tables, restrooms, barbecue facilities and showers. The surf is gentle and swimming is safe. Camping is allowed with a County permit.
Kalapaki Beach - The white sands and gentle waters of Kalapaki Beach are ideal for sunning, swimming, and sailing. Kalapaki Beach also is the home of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, and Kauai Lagoons--40 acres of freshwater tropical lagoons that serve as a sanctuary for exotic wildlife.
Ninini Beach - Ninini (pouring) Beach is so named because because of fresh water that runs out from under a bluff and across the beach during heavy rains. The beach also is known as "Running Waters" Beach. It's a good spot for swimming and getting an excellent view of nearby mountain ranges and ships coming in and out of Nawiliwili Harbor.
Niumalu Beach Park - Niumalu (shade of coconut trees) Beach Park ranges over three acres and offers picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Camping is allowed with a County permit. Kayaking up-river and sailboarding are also popular.
