Awesome Beaches on Kauai
Some of the world’s best beaches are just minutes from our Kauai vacation rentals!
Kauai is a dream come true for beach lovers! You’ll find more than 50 miles of gorgeous beaches to enjoy. Whether your idea of a great day at the beach includes surfing, snorkeling, beach combing, or just lounging on the warm sand, you’ll find the perfect beach for your pleasure. A general overview of some of our more popular beaches is below. For more comprehensive information, you’ll enjoy visiting the Kauai Explorer website.
Please keep in mind that the ocean is much more than beautiful – it is a powerful force of nature. Always treat the ocean with respect and caution. Water safety is a priority. We absolutely never want one of our guests to become a drowning statistic! Pay attention to warning signs, and check the ocean conditions report before heading to the beach.
We highly recommend swimming only at beaches where lifeguards are present. Below is the list of lifeguarded beaches on Kauai.
- Haena Beach Park (*Note: currently closed due to road work)
- Hanalei Bay
- Anahola Beach Park
- Kealia Beach Park
- Lydgate Beach
- Lydgate Pond
- Poipu Beach Park
- Salt Pond Beach Park
- Kekaha Beach Park
Top North Shore Kauai Beaches
Guide to Visiting Kauai’s North Shore Beaches
From the popular Tunnels Beach snorkeling to the world-famous Hanalei Bay beaches, the North Shore offers Kauai’s most iconic beaches.
Secret (Kauapea) Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai. Take the first Kalihiwai Road, and then after the road veers to the left, take the first dirt road to the right. Follow the dirt road to the parking area. The trail starts out easy, but has a steep portion. Don’t pack a lot of gear. This beach holds some exquisite beauty. Since it is a popular nudist beach, be careful where you point your camera! Don’t leave anything valuable in your car at this trail head.
Anini Beach Park
Take the second Kalihiwai Road (past the bridge) follow along until you turn left on Anini Road. This beach has picnic shelters, bathrooms and extremely safe swimming. Take the snorkels along. There are colorful fish and coral. You can rent a windsurfing rig there, too!
Sealodge Beach
At Princeville Sealodge Building A, there is a trail going to this secluded little cove. The trail follows the river to a waterfall and then down to the beach. Wear shoes for the trail, and be sure to put on insect repellent. It’s about a 10 minute hike.
Hideaways (Pali Ke Kua) Beach
Just before the St. Regis Princeville Hotel gatehouse, there is a public parking lot, with a walkway alongside the tennis court that takes you to the steep stairs and tricky trail leading to Hideaways. Small children (and some adults) may be a bit scared to use the steps going down. But once there you’ll usually find safe swimming. There are two beaches, the second is off to the right accessed by a private path. Snorkeling is popular in this gorgeous spot.
Pu’u Poa Beach
Parking is the same as above. Located directly below the St. Regis Princeville Hotel, this beach is accessed by a cement trail and 192 easy stairs leading from the left of the gatehouse. A beautiful view of Hanalei Bay can be seen from a walk to the left. You can walk all the way to the mouth of the River.
Black Pot, Hanalei Pavilion and Waioli Beach Parks
In Hanalei, turn on Aku Road, then on to Weke Road. Turning right will take you to the Pavilion and then on to Black Pot (the one with the pier – a good place to eat lunch or have a romantic moonlight picnic dinner!) Turning left on Weke Road will take you to Waioli Beach. (Surfers call it Pine Trees) You can get back onto the Highway from any of the roads. Hanalei Beach is a MUST SEE, a two-mile-long half moon bay with amazing white sand and beautiful mountains. It also has an amazing ocean playground. It is perfect for surfers! You can also swim, bodyboard, go sailing, and paddling. Lifeguarded.
Lumahai Beach
The beach is not marked, but is located between the 4 and 5-mile markers. You will likely see cars parked along the road where there is a trail taking you to the most photographed beach in the islands. Don’t go swimming, the undertow is deadly.
Tunnels (Makua) Beach
There are Rights of Way to the beach at Haena Point (after the 8-mile marker – before you get to Haena State Park) The first Right of Way (East) and second Right of Way (West) have limited parking spaces. You can also park at Haena Beach Park and walk down to Tunnels. Good for snorkeling, and generally swimmable year-round. Lifeguarded.
Ha’ena Beach Park
This park is located directly across from the Maniniholo Dry Cave. Lots of parking and a restroom. Cannons, a popular surfing spot is located off to the left. Parking on the Cannon’s end makes a short walk to an uncrowded beach with a view.
Ha’ena State Park (Ke’e Beach)
This is the crowded park at the end of the road. You’ll see cars parked everywhere up here. This park has a safe swimming area, a walk to a hula heiau and also is the trailhead for the Kalalau trail. If you go on a hike here (like to Hanakapiai) don’t leave any valuables in your car. Lifeguarded.
Top East Shore Kauai Beaches
The East Shore beaches are some of the most accessible beaches on the island. In particular, Kapaa, Wailua and Waipouli are the most popular.
Lydgate Beach Park
Calm conditions and manmade ponds allow swimming on almost any day. There is also a large grassy area perfect for kite flying, a playground for the kids, covered tables for family picnics, and even bike paths. Lifeguarded.
Kalapaki Beach
A natural harbor makes it great for swimming, sailing, and surfing (for a variety of levels). It is a beach for the entire family. The stretch of sand is perfect for sandcastles, volleyball, and sunbathing. There is also beachfront dining, shops, shave ice and more, all within walking distance. No lifeguards.
Kealia Beach
A half-mile stretch of golden coast, its long sand-bar bottom provides a nice surf break. Swim or boogie board near the north end, where a breakwater creates a protected area. Facilities and lifeguards are available.
Wailua Beach
Great for a morning or evening stroll. If you can cross the river, you can walk over the rocks to Lydgate and view the petroglyphs and continue your walk all the way to the Hilton. Safety varies at Wailua from day to day and season to season.
Wailua River Park
At Coco Palms, turn up Kuamoo Rd and immediately into the parking area for the River Park on your left. Swimming, boating water, skiing, kayak rentals, etc.
Nawiliwili Beach Park: This park is just past the Marriott and adjoins Kalapaki Beach. You can park at the Park and go to either one. There is a large grassy area for playing or you can walk to browse the Anchor Cove shops or stroll through the Marriott.
Top South Shore Kauai Beaches
South Shore beaches tend to be the sunniest, making it one of the best areas on the island for sun-worshipping beachgoers. The most popular zone runs from Polihale to Brenneke.
Poipu Beach Park
A narrow sand strip creates two different beach environments: On one side, monk seals nap. On the other, beginning body boarders and children enjoy the small waves that break gently on the shallow sandbar. Snorkeling in Poipu reveals a variety of colorful fish including the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. If you just want to relax, pack a picnic and spend the day with the family. The park has restrooms, showers and picnic tables, and lifeguards protect the beach (a Monk Seal Watch team protects the seals).
Baby Beach
Small, secluded and great for families with young children. The water is shallow, protected, and calm. The beauty of this little strip of beach is that it’s usually less crowded than nearby Poipu Beach Park and the gentle waters are perfect for babies, hence the name. It is not uncommon to view sea turtles and monk seals, but remember to keep your distance as these animals are protected. No lifeguards.
Brennecke’s Beach
Adjacent to Poipu Beach Park, this is a very popular boogie boarding and body surfing spot. The small strip of sand is a good spot to watch the waves and occasional rider crash on the shore. This beach is only for boogie boarding or body surfing. No lifeguards.
Beach House
On Lawai Road. Great for snorkeling
Salt Pond Beach Park: This park is in Hanapepe, down Lele Rd. follow the signs. The swimming is good and is very popular on weekends with local families of this area.
South Shore
From “America’s Best Beach” (Poipu Beach Park) to the stunning Waimea Canyon, the South Shore is a treasure trove of unforgettable points of interest on Kauai. Whether you’re looking to visit a tropical garden designed by a Hawaiian Queen, see the Spouting Horn or tour the internationally renowned Kauai Coffee Company, basing your Kauai vacation out of Poipu puts you in the midst of all the South Shore action.
Explore popular “must see” South Shore of Kauai attractions—most notably Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Other sought-after Kauai South Shore attractions include the famous Spouting Horn, a lava tube that releases water 50 feet into the air, and a tour of Kauai Coffee Company.
Allerton Gardens
Allerton Gardens is located on the south shore of Kauai in Koloa, between the Pacific Ocean and the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s McBryde Garden (also worth a visit). This garden was first shaped by a Hawaiian Queen and has subsequently been modified by a sugar plantation magnate, and an artist and architect. During the tour, you can see beautiful rainforest trees, bronze mermaids, and much more. Tours are offered daily on the hour beginning at 9 am and ending at 3 pm.
Old Koloa Town
Old Koloa Town is a collection of old plantation buildings that been renovated and restored and are now home to many unique shops and restaurants, including the Koloa History Center. If you need an informal, relaxing place to stop for lunch, Pizzetta has a nice menu – it’s not just pizza (though the pizza is good!). Koloa Mill is a perfect family stop, offering both locally grown coffee and Hawaii-made ice cream. There’s sure to be something for everyone in the shopping center!
Waimea Canyons
Waimea Canyon is located on the southwestern side of Kauai and can be reached via a narrow, winding road, conveniently named Waimea Canyon Drive. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon provides amazing scenic views of the canyon, waterfalls, and at times rainbows from the lookout at the top. Public restrooms and picnic areas are available, and there are usually a couple of vendors at the lookout selling fresh fruit and the like.
Spouting Horn
Spouting Horn is the legendary blowhole near Poipu. The surf is channeled into a natural lava tube, which releases a huge spout of water that can reach as much as 50 feet high. Until the 1920s, there was actually a much larger blowhole adjacent to Spouting Horn, but cane farmers dynamited it shut to protect their crops from the salt spray. One of the most photographed spots on Kauai, Spouting Horn is easily accessible with lots of nearby parking. Vendors are also regularly set up along the pathway to the lookout point. You can stroll under the shade canopies and pick out lots of great inexpensive Kauai souvenirs.
Kauai Coffee Company
Kauai Coffee Company is located on the south shore just a few miles from Poipu, and is the largest coffee plantation in the US! Guided tours are available daily at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm at no cost, and self-guided walking tours are available for free during all operating hours (9am-5pm). Coffee roasting demonstrations are given at 9:30 am Monday-Friday and more extensive guided tours are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 8:30-9:30 am. Coffee tastings are available all day long at no charge. A MUST SEE FOR ANY COFFEE LOVER!
