Kauai Beaches & Beach Parks
Kauai is a very active and busy place with lots to see and do on the one hand, and, on the other hand, Kauai offers many ways to simply leave everything behind and fall into deep rest and relaxation in a quiet corner of paradise. Kauai offers both with a warm smile and aloha.
Anini Beach Park - This beach is known for the rich and famous building their homes here. It may also be the safest swimming beach on Kauai. The water is usually shallow here and calm. You can camp here if you obtain a permit and there are showers and bathrooms at the Pavilion. You can reach this beach by traveling the Northern Kalihieai Road and stay left on the Anini Road.
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.
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.
Ke'e Beach (Haena State Beach) - This beach is known for it’s swimming, snorkeling and beautiful sand. There is excellent snorkeling just outside the reef with lots of fish and turtles hanging around. The water is clear but should only be ventured during calm waters. There are bathrooms and showers available and lifeguards are sometimes on duty. Follow the road to the end of the North Shore.
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.
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.
Lydgate State Park - This beach is located just South of the Wailua River and boasts a picinic area, bathrooms and showers as well as a playground and lifeguards. There are enclosed ponds here that are perfect for kids. You can spend the day here on the beach, enjoy lunch on the grassy areas and keep the kids entertained all day. To get to the beach follow Leho Road in Wailua and look for the signs.
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.
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.
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!
Polihale - This beach is located on the West Shore and is huge. There are 15 continuous miles of beach here. The beach is open to the ocean so can be dangerous during high surf. The very end of the beach area is the beginning of the Na Pali Coast. The dunes of Polihale are infamous on the Hawaiian islands due to their top height of 100 feet. With several areas to explore, this is an excellent beach to spend the day investigating. Be sure to bring water as this is the dry side of the island.
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.
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.
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.
Tunnels Beach - This beach has been described many ways, snorkeling paradise, snorkeling heaven and even snorkeling nirvana. There is remarkable underwater life here that is varied and numerous. This beach is also a popular surf break and frequented by windsurfers as well. There is no street parking here so you will have to drive down one of two dirt roads located by mile marker 8 off of Highway 560.
