Kauai Beach Guide

Kauai has literally dozens of beaches on all coasts of the island.  Unfortunately, most of the beaches are not well marked and most are not labeled by any road signs at all.  Luckily, we have documented most of the beaches on the island and will ensure you find the best ones.  Some of Kauai's beaches are long expanses of sand stretching around an entire bay and others are smaller, more secluded strips of sand in a remote cove or under a desolate cliff - that is part of Kauai's charm.  One thing I noticed on my first trip to Kauai - there are beaches everywhere!  Never more than a few miles you will travel before you drive past another stunning beach that draws your longing gaze.  Before setting off for a day at the beach, read our Kauai Ocean Safety article.

Hideaways Beach, Kauai North Shore

Our Favorite Kauai Beaches
(Clockwise from the North Shore)

Hanakapi'ai Beach
This beauty of this remote beach lures visitors over a hilly 2 miles hike (each way).  The only way to get to this beach is to hike the first two miles of the famous Kalalau Trail - it is inaccessible by car.  During our hike on the Kalalau, we were very surprised at how many people we came across that were hiking the steep trail just to get to this beach.  The beauty is indisputable - the beach is tucked away in a steep valley, at the mouth of a river.  The bright white sand contrasts with the lush green vegetated hills immediately behind it.  There are no facilities here - make sure you wear sure-footed shoes (no flip flops) and bring plenty of water, apply sunscreen before your hike and wear a hat - hiking back in the late afternoon, the trail is exposed with the hot beating sun right on your back.  Park your car at Ke'e Beach (Kalalau Trail trailhead) and start walking - come early because this parking lot fills up quick!  View map.

Ke'e Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the island is Ke'e Beach in the northwestern corner of the island.  Situated at the end of Route 560, Ke'e is also the start of the famous Kalalau Trail 11.3 mile hiking adventure.  Ke'e boasts white sand with a ring of shady trees.  There are no facilities to mention other than several port-a-potties in the parking lot.  But, what Ke'e is famous for is a large shallow reef that provides a relatively protected swimming area and a great opportunity for snorkeling.  Amateur and advanced snorkelers alike will enjoy Ke'e.  This is a very popular beach and the parking lot is very small - so come early, or park some distance away and walk. View map.

Haena Beach Park
Haena is the next beach just to the east of Ke'e Beach Park.  Unlike Ke'e, Haena has a large parking lot and full facilities including bathrooms and outdoor showers.  Haena offers a large crescent of white sand beach with some trees along the fringe and a grassy area near the parking lot where you can camp.  Haena is a very pretty north shore beach and the scenery is dramatic with lush green mountains rising high out of the ground immediately to the south.  View map.  I lost my sunglasses somewhere on the road while attempting to photograph the beach - if you find them, please email me!

Tunnels Beach
Tunnels is another pretty beach on the north shore of Kauai.  It is situated immediately to the east of Haena Beach Park.  Tunnels beach is a band of white sand wrapping around a point of land with a large shallow-water reef if front of it.  Tunnels is a very popular beach for the beautiful scenery, and a very popular spot among snorkelers and SCUBA divers.  The shallow reef forms a giant shelf stretching out for some distance blocking most of ocean's waves.  There are several channels on either side (west and east edges) of the reef that will allow divers to navigate out from the beach around the reef to deeper water.  Be very cautious and observant of the ocean conditions - the surface may be rough and be sure to recognize what the currents are doing.  If you are not careful, you can get into a bit of trouble here (especially near the "DANGER: No Swimming" signs on the eastern-most section of the beach).  Parking is very limited with about three small, narrow alleys to fight for a spot - so come early (before 10:00 AM) or park far away and walk.  You can, if necessary, park at Haena Beach Park and walk to the east to reach Tunnels.

Lumaha'i Beach
Lumaha'i is another very pretty north shore beach.  It is the long crescent of golden sand that is adjacent Hanalei Bay (pictured in our masthead at the top of this page).  This is a particularly picturesque beach that is visible from the road.  The light-colored sand is contrasted by the surrounding tall palm trees and dark foliage.  Just inland from this beach are the lush rolling hills that remind you that on Kauai, the mountains are always nearby.  The Lumahai River empties into the ocean at the western edge of this beach, leaving a deep green river mouth shaded by many trees where many kids congregate and swim.  What really struck us about this beach is its length - stretching long around the entire inlet.  Keep an eye on the ocean conditions and any warning signs posted.  There are lifeguards, large public parking lot, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and a small camping area.

Wai'oli Beach
Wai'oli on the north shore is probably the largest crescent beach on Kauai.  The eastern edge of this beach touches Hanalei Beach Park, at the edge of Princeville.  The bay is surrounded by palm trees and a high ascending, densely vegetated ridge.  This is an impressive beach - so impressive that while driving on Route 56, we had to immediately pull the car over to the shoulder to stare at this immense beach (and take a few photos).  Swimming can be hazardous here, except on very calm days (due to the underwater topography.  You will often see small boats beached on the shore here.  Access this beach via Weke Road in Hanalei Town. 

Hideaways Beach
Although not the biggest, Hideaways is probably the prettiest beach on the island.  This beach is tucked away under a towering sea cliff literally underneath the Princeville resorts.  Enter the Princeville resorts on Ka Haku Road (the ornate main entrance with the circle and fountain).  Continue on this road until just prior to the end where there is a gated entrance (that you cannot pass through).  Just prior to this on the right-hand side is a tennis court and a parking lot right next to it.  Park in this parking lot.  View map.  In between the parking lot and tennis court is a narrow dirt path (you probably would miss it if you had not read this) which leads to the coastal cliffs.  At the cliff's edge, there is a stone staircase with banister that helps you descend part of the way down the cliff face (the beach is at the bottom).  The rest of the descent is aided by ropes tied to poles stuck in the ground.  As your path rounds the bend, you will begin to make out the narrow wisp of pristine sandy beach below and off to the right and the clear sparkling waters and reef below.  Hideaways is not large, but it is remote and the trip is well worth it.  There is a strip of trees offering shade at the edge of the beach.  There are no facilities.  Be careful on the descent, the footing can be slippery and we don't recommend this beach for young kids (due to the tricky hike down). 

Moloa'a Beach
Moloa'a Beach is secluded and very pretty.  It rings around a small cove with green trees at one end and rocks dotting the white sand around the edge.  You probably won't find too many people here and the beach is off the beaten track (down a winding road in the countryside).  This is a good thing because parking is limited.  There are no facilities at Moloa'a.  The setting is rustic and undisturbed and you will certainly appreciate the natural beauty at Moloa'a.  View map.

Lydgate Beach
The best family-friendly beach on the island is Lydgate Beach Park in the town of Kapa'a, on the east shore.  Typically calm and clear, Lydgate Beach has several man-made rock walls that form a barrier to the oceans waves.  The sheltered pools are a favorite for young swimmers and beginning snorkelers. Shady trees and grassy areas also make for an ideal picnic spot.  Lydgate is also one of the few beaches on the island that has lifeguards monitoring your safety.  Additionally there are picnic pavilions with tables, bike paths and plenty of public parking. Facilities include bathrooms and showers.  Right next to the beach is the wonderful Kamalani Playground.  Lydgate is baby stroller accessible.  View map.

Nondescript path leading to Moloa'a Beach, Kauai

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