NORTH SHORE BEACHES

ANINI BEACH PARK   This beautiful white sand beach has one of the largest coral reefs in Hawai‘i and has some of the best snorkeling in Kaua‘i for all levels.  Swimming is among the safest in the North Shore and a good place to learn how to windsurf.  You can see magnificent sunsets from here. Grills, camping, restrooms and showers are available.  No lifeguards.  Located off Kuhio Hwy.  Turn west on second Kalihiwai Rd between 25 and 26mile markers.  Take ‘Anini Road to beach.

HAENA BEACH PARK    A long stretch of white sand beach with a protective coral reef is a great snorkeling spot with a variety of colorful tropical fish when the water is calm.  This is also a great place to beachcomb, surf, windsurf and fish.  You can explore nearby sea caves carved out more than 4,000 years ago when the sea was higher.  Camping, showers and restrooms are available.  Located at the end of Kuhio Hwy.

HANALEI BAY One of the most majestic places on earth with views of Na Pali coast is also a great place to learn to surf, frolic in the water, jump off the pier or just enjoy the incredible scenery.  The sunsets are spectacular and the moonlight over Hanalei Bay is magical.  There are four beach parks included in the two-mile sandy crescent shaped bay and all have lifeguards on duty except Waikoko Beach.  Black Pot Park is located next to the Hanalei River mouth with tropical foliage along the river’s edge and is a local gathering place with a variety of water activities.  The Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park is a popular spot for picnics.  The water is generally calmer near the pier.  Wai‘oli Beach Park is near the center of the bay set in an ironwood grove.  Waikoko Beach is located on the westernmost section and is protected by Waikoko Reef so it’s popular with snorkelers and families.  Picnic area, tables, pavilions, grills, showers and restrooms are available.  Located off Kuhio Hwy in Hanalei.  Access beaches off Aku Rd or Weke Rd.

KAAKAANIU (LARSON'S) BEACH Long narrow ribbon of sand and shallow reef lies at the foot of a series of low hills and pastures.  A protecting reef offers excellent snorkeling for the experienced and only when the ocean is calm.  Poor visibility in the water can occur in the late summer.  Beware of rocky bottom, dangerous rip currents and stay away from the channels.  This secluded beach is also a good place to beachcomb and fish.  There are two small pockets of sand on the opposite side of Pakala Point.  No lifeguard and no facilities.  Located off Hwy 56 near the 20mile marker, take Koolau Rd.  Take the left Beach Access Rd. to the end.  Walk through the gate and follow the trail down

KALIHIWAI BEACH  Wide sandy beach fringed with ironwood trees at the head of scenic Kalihiwai Bay is popular with boogie boarders and beginner surfers.  Swimming is generally good in the summer.  One of the nicest surfing break on the North Shore in the winter brings the more experienced out to this beach.  Wide, shallow sand bar enables body boarders to ride decent waves in the front part of the beach.  High surf periods create dangerous swimming conditions.  Located off Kuhio Hwy west of Kilauea on Kahihiwai Rd.

KAUAPEA (SECRETS) BEACH  An exquisite, long and wide sandy beach with great views of Lighthouse Point is stunning.  Swimming and snorkeling can be good when the ocean is calm.  Swimming can be hazardous so observe the ocean before entering.  Look for the small waterfall flowing over the side of the cliff.  You can see Moku‘ae‘ae Island, which is a bird sanctuary.  Located off Kuhio Hwy on the same turnoff as Kalihiwai beach.  Take a right onto the first dirt road, drive to the end of the road and park.  The hike down takes about 10-15 minutes.

KAWEONUI (SEALODGE) BEACH    Pocket of white sand beach backed by cliffs is a great place to snorkel and see honu in calm ocean conditions or just be secluded from the rest of the world.  Beware of dangerous entry and currents.  Offshore is a surf break known as “Little Grass Shack”.  Located off Kamehameha Rd.  Access beach from the trail at Building A at the Sealodge Resort.

KE'E BEACH      The Thornbirds and Lord of the Flies were filmed at this exquisite and very popular beach with views of the Na Pali Coast is great for snorkeling and swimming in the protected lagoon in calm conditions.  Snorkelers and scuba divers can expect to see teems of tropical fish and honu (green sea turtles) on calm, clear days.  Stay inside the reef for calmer waters.  Beware of strong currents and dangerous waves breaking on rocks and ledges.  The currents are deceptively strong even on days when the water looks calm so it’s best to stay in the reef-protected lagoon.  The beach gets crowded with hikers and beachgoers, so get there early for a parking space.  You may want to stay for the magnificent Na Pali sunsets from the point.   The trailhead for Kalalau Trail is from here.  Bathrooms and showers are available.  No lifeguards.  Located at the end of the road on Hwy 56.

KE'E BEACH      TOne of the most stunning and most photographed beach in Kaua‘i, it was made famous as the location for the movie South Pacific.  A large, wide beautiful golden sand beach is popular with a background of verdant foliage cliffs.  Swimming is not recommended here since there is no protective reef barrier to guard you against the tumultuous sea.   Dangers include powerful waves sweeping up unsuspecting beachgoers off the rocks into the sea, strong undertow and dangerous shorebreaks.   It’s a great beach to sunbathe and take in the incredible scenery.  Access to the western part of the beach is located off Hwy 560 at Wainiha near mile marker 5.  The eastern part of the beach separated by a lava rock of Lumaha‘i is Kahalahala Beach.  In calm conditions (summer), this beach can be a picturesque beach to swim in crystal clear warm water and explore the tidepools.  No facilities or lifeguards.  Park in the dirt parking lot.  To access, hike down a steep jungle trail from the top of the lookout.

KEKAHA KAI STATE PARK      One of the most stunning and most photographed beach in Kaua‘i, it was made famous as the location for the movie South Pacific.  A large, wide beautiful golden sand beach is popular with a background of verdant foliage cliffs.  Swimming is not recommended here since there is no protective reef barrier to guard you against the tumultuous sea.   Dangers include powerful waves sweeping up unsuspecting beachgoers off the rocks into the sea, strong undertow and dangerous shorebreaks.   It’s a great beach to sunbathe and take in the incredible scenery.  Access to the western part of the beach is located off Hwy 560 at Wainiha near mile marker 5.  The eastern part of the beach separated by a lava rock of Lumaha‘i is Kahalahala Beach.  In calm conditions (summer), this beach can be a picturesque beach to swim in crystal clear warm water and explore the tidepools.  No facilities or lifeguards.  Park in the dirt parking lot.  To access, hike down a steep jungle trail from the top of the lookout.

KUA BAY BEACH PARK     Gorgeous, pristine white sand beach great for swimming is part of the Kekaha Kai State Park.  Restrooms are available.  Located off Hwy 19 across West Hawai’i Veteran’s Cemetery ~5 miles north of the Kona Airport.

HONOKAHAU BEACH      Long, narrow strand of white sand beaches north of the harbor with several protected pools bordered by a lagoon is excellent for swimming and snorkeling.  Ai’opio Beach is a sandy beach with crystal clear water and green sea turtles north of the harbor with protected swimming areas and ‘Alula Beach is a small white sandy crescent beach south of the harbor offering good snorkeling and  offshore scuba diving.  Kaloko Beach has great snorkeling with sea arches.  The beaches are part of the Kaloko-Honokohau National Park located off Hwy 19. Take turn onto Hohokohau Small Boat Harbor or visit the park headquarters between mile marker #96 and #97.

OLD KONA AIRPORT STATE RECREATION AREA      The beach has a sandy inlet with tide pools.  Snorkeling and diving are good.  Be careful of sharp coral and lava rock when entering the water.  Picnic area, tennis courts, jogging path, restrooms and showers are available.  Located at the north end of Kuakini Rd off Hwy 19.

WAWALOI BEACH PARK      Fascinating collection of tide pools and sandy beach is a great spot for kids and for exploring nearby secluded beaches.  The beach is protected by a natural lava barrier makes swimming enjoyable.  Pine Trees, a popular surf spot, is nearby; swimming is not recommended.  Picnic tables, grills, restrooms and showers are available.  Located off Hwy 19 north of Kona Airport close to mile marker #94; follow signs for Natural Energy Lab.

PUU POA BEACH       Protected by a narrow reef offers great snorkeling with teems of colorful fish in crystal clear water.  Safe when the surf is not high.  The sandy beach is located directly below Princeville Hotel.  Park at the small public parking lot. Take the beach access steps by the guardhouse at the hotel entrance.

QUEEN'S BATH       Nature’s wonder of a large crescent tidepool at the edge of the ocean created in an old lava shelf becomes a large fantastic swimming pool to enjoy when water is calm.  Do not enter when the water is not calm.  It is very dangerous during the winter months and high surf and should be avoided at these times!   It will be difficult to find during high surf. The trail is located where Punahele Road and Kapiolani Loop meet.  Follow the trail off Kapiolani Rd.  The trail will pass a seasonal waterfall and lead to the lava-fringed ocean.  Walk towards the left and look for the horseshoe shaped lava shelf.

WAIAKALUA BEACHES      A fabulous secluded beach with a long, fringing reef and shade along the sandy beach.  Snorkeling and swimming can be good if the ocean is calm.  There is a cool freshwater stream at the far end of the beach.   Beware of dangerous rip currents, surges and high surf.  Located off North Waiakalua Rd.  Before the road ends, take the dirt road on the left side all the way to the end.  Take the trail to the left and it’s the beach on the left.  The beach on the right, past the Kepuhi Point is Waipaku Beach.

KAMAKAHONU BAY       The name means “eye of the turtle”.  The beach is a sliver of white sand that is popular with families for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.  Located next to King Kamehameha Beach Hotel adjacent to busy Kailua Pier on Ali’i Dr.

MILOLI‘I BEACH PARK        Tidepools and patches of beach with protecting reefs make for great swimming and snorkeling.  Near an ancient fishing village destroyed by lava flow in 1927 is alive with old traditions.  Picnic areas, restrooms and camping are available.  Located off Hwy 11 ~33 miles south of Kailua near mile marker #88.

NAPO‘OPO‘O BEACH PARK IN KEALAKEKUA BAY Marine reserve where spinner dolphins swim close to shore is spectacular for snorkeling, diving and glass-bottom boat tour in the clear, calm pristine bay. Colorful reef fish are plentiful in the well-developed reef.  Black rocky beach with a steep incline makes ocean access risky, however there is a short pier at the left side of the parking lot.  Across the bay, a 27-foot white obelisk represents where Captain Cook was killed in 1779.  Located off Hwy 11 at the end of Napo’opo’o Rd., turn right at the end of the road.

EAST SIDE BEACHES

ALIOMANU BEACH        Pretty sandy beach shaded by ironwood trees and fringed by one of Kauai’s longest reefs, this beach is a favorite of locals for gathering seaweed and spearfishing.  Swimming can be safe in the lagoon when calm.  Located off Kuhio Hwy on Aliomanu Rd.

ANAHOLA BEACH PARK       Grassy park with a beautiful sandy beach with good swimming conditions most of the time in the cove on the east side of the bay due to a large protective reef offshore.  Snorkeling is good at the nearby reef; fishing and beachcombing are also good.  The beach used mostly by locals is good for boogie board, body board and surf south of the old pier.  The ironwood grove offers shade.  Picnic tables, restrooms and showers are available.  Lifeguard on duty.  Located off Kuhio Hwy on Anahola Rd.

KUMUKUMU (DONKEY) BEACH         A fantastic long sandy beach in a cove at the base of a pasture named Donkey Beach because of the herd of mules that rested on the beach in the early plantation days.  The waves draw in many surfers but it’s not a good beach for beginners.  The winters yield high surf making swimming dangerous.   Beware of steep entry, dangerous shorebreaks, strong currents and rocks submerged in the surf.  Snorkeling can be good in a secluded cove north of the stream and over a small hill.  No facilities or lifeguards.  Located north of Kapa‘a ~ 1/2 mile north of the 11 mile marker off Hwy 56.  Parking lot is at the top of the path to the beach.  Hike 10 minutes to shoreline and take right for the beach; turn north and walk past the stream for the secluded cove.

FUJII BEACH (BABY BEACH)       Protected shallow section in the reef by a long, natural breakwater makes it a great place to have some water fun with the kids while you soak up the sun on the sandy beach.  No facilities or lifeguards.  Located off Kuhio Hwy behind the Chevron in Kapa‘a.

KEALIA BEACH        A long, exquisite sandy beach with powerful waves makes it a great spot to watch experienced surfers and boogie boarders.  Swimming can be done on calm days at the far northern end of the beach, which is protected by breakwater, but be careful of strong currents and sharp reefs.  Public parking.  Lifeguard on duty but no facilities.  Located off Hwy 56 near mile marker 10 north of Kapa‘a in Kealia.

LYDGATE BEACH PARK          A scenic family beach that is very popular since it offers something for everyone including a park.  There are two large lava pools great for children and offers safe swimming and snorkeling for beginners.   Rock wall protects swimmers year-round and the ironwood groves provide shade.  Kamalani playground has a wooden volcano; jungle gym and bright ceramic sea creatures adorn the playground.   Picnic pavilions, grills, showers and restrooms are available.  Lifeguard on duty.  Located off Kuhio Hwy on Leho Drive just south of the Wailua River.

NUKOLII         Beautiful long narrow stretch of beach with shallow bottom offers an array of water activities.  The beach stretches for miles to Lydgate Park swimming and snorkeling can be good in the well-protected reef and shallow waters when surf is calm.  Fishing and surfing are also good here.  Check ocean conditions before entering.  There are more secluded beaches further north near Wailua Golf Coarse.  Located at the end of Kaua‘i Beach Drive.

WAILUA BEACH         Long, wide golden sand beach near the Wailua River is good for taking a stroll or watching the experienced boogie boarders, surfers or watching the river flow into the sea.  Swimming is dangerous due to strong rip currents and rough water.  The children sometimes play near the river mouth when the currents aren’t strong.  No facilities and no lifeguard.  Located across from Coco Palms Resort.  The beach is easily accessible when traveling north off Kuhio Hwy.

WAIPOULI BEACH           A long stretch of golden sand without crowds isn’t good for swimming since the ocean is rough and the coastline is rocky or reef, but it’s a great beach to watch windsurfers and fishermen pull in their catch.  The beach has lots of hidden coves for seclusion and can be romantic.  There is also a nice trail to jog while you take in the glorious scenery.  Monk seals have been spotted quite frequently here.  Located off Kuhio Hwy.  There are many access points behind Coconut Marketplace.

LIHU‘E & SOUTH SHORE

HOAI (PRINCE KUHIO) BEACH        A beautiful sandy crescent shaped beach with water protected by an offshore reef great for keiki and novice snorkelers when water is calm.  This beach is popular for the honu (green sea turtles) and local fishermen who frequent the beach.  Restrooms and showers are available.  No lifeguard on duty.  Located off Lawa‘i Rd. in front of the Prince Kuhio Park.

HOONA "BABY" BEACH       Great sandy beach for keiki (children) since the water is calm in a small cove behind off shore lava rocks.  Access the beach using the walkway on Hoona Rd. off Lawai Rd.

KALAPAKI BEACH          This is a beautiful sandy crescent-shaped beach with tranquil water and a great place to learn to surf on the offshore break with great views of pali in the bay.  It’s a great place to swim when conditions are calm.  Beware of strong rip currents during high surf.  Located off Rice St. west of Lihue in front of the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club.  Park in the public parking lot at the hotel.

LAWAI (BEACH HOUSE) BEACH           Small sandy beach is popular with snorkelers when the water is calm for the variety of fish in the offshore reef.  It’s also a popular surfing spot for the waves that break offshore.  Surfing competitions are held regularly here in spring thru fall.  The small pocket of sand disappears in times of high surf.  Beware of seasonal strong currents.  The beach is located next to the Beach House Restaurant off Lawai Rd.

MAHAULEPU BEACH       A long, beautiful and romantic beach with mountain vistas is a two mile sandy strand along a reef-protected shoreline and high sand dunes.  The beauty of this beach was captured in the movie Islands in the Stream where George C. Scott played Ernest Hemingway.  It’s good for swimming only during extreme calm conditions.  Windsurfing, beachcombing and shoreline fishing are popular activities.  This is a sacred site for native Hawaiians and for endangered plants and species.  No facilities and no lifeguards.  Beach is closed from 7pm to 7:30am.  Follow the cane road past Shipwreck Beach.  Stop at the guard gate to get through.

NININI BEACHES           Ninini beach and Running Water Beach are hidden and out of the way beaches with pockets of sand separated by a lava rock formation.  Protected and secluded, the beaches are good for snorkeling on calm days.  Park across the street from the Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Course or the clubhouse parking lot and follow path to beaches.  Between Kalapaki beach and the lighthouse on Ninini Point near the 13th green.

POIPU BEACH PARK          Poipu Beach in the county park is nationally ranked and popular because the sunny weather and calm water that surrounds the chain of beautiful wide, white sandy beaches.  An offshore reef causes the waves to break before they reach the beach making it a keiki-friendly beach.  Swimming and snorkeling are great between the offshore reef and the coast while the breaking waves outside the calm waters create surfing and boogie boarding opportunities.  The protected beach area is great for novice snorkelers.  Dangerous water conditions can occur during periods of high surf.  Beginning surf lessons are available as well as a nearby playground.  Lifeguards, picnic tables, pavilions, showers and restrooms are also available.  Located off Poipu Rd. south of Hoowili Rd.

SHIPWRECK (KEONILOA) BEACH          A lovely beach to sunbathe but not a good swimming beach due to dangerous ocean conditions is named for an old unidentified shipwreck.  On the left is Makawehi Point where you will see fishermen surf casts and brave locals jumping into the sea as did Harrison Ford and Anne Heche from Six Days, Seven Nights. It’s a good beach for boogie boarding, surfing and windsurfing for the experienced.  Showers and restrooms are available.  No lifeguard on duty.  Located in front of the Hyatt.  Take public access road between the Hyatt and the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course.

Beach on Kauai

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