Bill's Favorite Beaches on Kaua'i

Beaches on Kaua'i are always changing. In the winter, when the storms are generally to the north, the surf is (usually) best on the north side, and the snorkeling and shore diving is generally best on the south side. In the summer, the storms are generally to the south, the surf may be bigger on the south side, while the snorkeling and diving at the north side reefs may be wonderful. But this rule of thumb can be wrong...so you might want to check on the surf conditions before going to the beach. As I write this, the major storm is to the north, and it is summer!

Ke'e Beach

Ke'e is the easiest beach on the island to find. Just follow the northern highway around the island to the west, until you run out of road. Park, and you are at Ke'e. The beach is usually pretty good for snorkeling and swimming. Watch out for big surf, which will push lots of water over the reef and out through the channel on the south-west end of the beach. Under these conditions, the channel runs very swiftly and people have been carried out to sea. If this happens, relax, and flag down a tour boat...they come along every few minutes.

(Tunnels) Beach

In the winter, the surf booms, with surf rated at 15-30 feet on the good days. In the summer, or other times when the surf is tame, the reefs enclose a wonderful snorkeling area, and great beginning dive area. I received my original dive certification here, from "Captain Nemo".

Anini Beach

Anini is protected by a barrier reef, which makes for tranquil swimming, snorkeling, and diving on all but the hammering surf days.

Lydgate Beach

This popular beach is at Lydgate Park, just south of Kapa'a, has a nice breakwater protecting a keiki (children's) beach. Outside the breakwater, the surf/currents off shore can be a bit much for most swimmers, though. An ancient "City of Refuge" is nearby. That is an area that Hawaiians could go to to avoid an avenging kinsman or if they had broken a deadly kapu.

Kalapaki Bay

Kalapaki Bay has a gentle waves, but still often has a nice break for beginning surfers. The sandy beach goes all the way out, so snorkeling is minimal. Overall, a good place for beginning body-board and longboard surfers. Not a bad beach for sunbathing.

Mahalapu Beach

This delightful beach is a local favorite. The easiest way to find it is to take Poipu Road east from the Hyatt, past the golf course and stables, until the road comes to a "tee". Turn right, and stop to register at the guard station. You will need identification and rental car contract. follow the bumpy dirt road to several parking spots. Usually a little rough for swimming, but a spectacular beach.

Breneke's Beach/Poipu Beach/Sheraton Beach

Starting from the east, Breneke's Beach is a tiny spit of sand just east of Breneke's Restaurant. Boogie boarding is especially good here. If you see a monk seal, take some photos and just move down a hundred yards or so to Poipu Beach Park. Here you will find two protected coves for snorkeling and swimming and a great beginners' surf break. A Good keiki beach. Further down the beach, right in front of the Sheraton, is another fine stretch of sand. Not as protected as Poipu Beach Park, but it has good surf breaks...and may be less crowded. Both Poipu and Sheraton have good sand for sunbathing.

Beach House

The snorkeling is usually outstanding on both sides of the Beach House Restraunt in Poipu. I do most of my underwater photography in this area. If you are there in the morning, you may see sea turtles coming in close to shore to browse on the seaweed. I've seen some spectacular shows put on here by the humpback whales, in season. There is also a good surf break just offshore.

Lawai Kai

This is the beach in front of the Allerton Estate and the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is a relatively pristine beach, because access is limited. You can trek down through the coffee fields (as a few young boogie-boarders do), take a kayak in (on good days!), or take a snorkel cruise with a local company.

Waimea/Kekaha Beaches

Just stop at either of the parks in Waimea, or along the highway at the west end of Kekaha, for the beginning of the longest beach on Kaua'i. The beach is great for walking. The water is somewhat muddy near the Waimea River, so I suggest going down to Kekaha for swimming/body surfing. The sandy beach extends for miles...so is great for sunbathing. Kekaha, and Polihale, below, generally get far less rain than the rest of the island.

Polihale Beach

You reach Polihale Park by driving west (on the south side of the island) until you run out of pavement. Continue on, and turn at the sign (yes, down the cane haul road!) for a couple of miles until you arrive at a beautiful white sand beach. The sand can be hot, so wear shoes/slippers. The surf is often unpredictable, so take care in the water, or stay out of it. But as a place to walk on the beach, Polihale is great. There is also a campground in the dunes just south of the beach park.

Topless/Nude Beaches

Donkey Beach

Donkey beach was named after the donkeys which were used by the plantations in years previous (prior to tractors). The plantation has tried to restrict access to this beach in the past. Go north from Kapa'a on Kuhio Highway to the 11 mile marker. Park (there will probbly be other cars) and walk along the cane haul road about 1/4 mile to the beach. Be sure to lock your car securely and to not leave valuables in sight.

Secret Beach

Secret beach is on the north side of Kaua'i, just to the west of the Kilauea lighthouse. New building has limited access, but there is still a steep, muddy trail down to the beach. You may have to try several roads to find an access due to the new construction.

Kalalau

The Kalalau valley, which extends down to the sea, is on Kauai's rugged Na Pali coast. It is both beautiful and historic.

How to get there. (1) By helicopter. (2) By boat. Reportedly, some of the tour boat companies can be bribed to drop you off, allowing you to hike back. This method is only valid in the summer...the beach is closed for landing in the winter. (3) By kayak. (4) Remember the trail that started from Ke'e beach? Just follow the trail along the coast for 12 miles or so. This is a camping trip, so be sure to get your permit at the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. The trail was recently maintained, so it was passable at the last word.

Pup's Beach

In the summer, a small beach forms to the north of Polihale Beach. Walk for a half mile or more along the rocky shore to the north of Polihale until you go around a point. Watch out, though, because this beach is subject to high tide and wave action. Some nude/topless sunbathing has been known to occur here. This is not a well known beach, and the sand washes out in the winter.