10 Best Beaches In Kauai [for 2023]
With Kauai’s nearly 63 miles of beautiful coastline, visitors can find just about any beach they need. From calm waters for kids to play to big, strong waves for surfing, and snorkeling for those interested in There is a variety of recreational options, ranging from a man-made lagoon for beginners at Lydgate Beach to the massive Anini Reef on the North Shore.
Visitors can watch turtles swim here, along with a myriad of tropical colorful fish. Here you can watch endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and migrating whales, and even experience huge flocks of wild chickens on the beach.
In general, Kauai’s North Shore has high waves during the month of October Beaches on the east and west coasts face the harshest conditions during summer, from April to September.
Because conditions can change fast here That’s why check with the lifeguard on duty or from an official source for current conditions, and conditions can change from hour to hour.
Things to keep in mind Not all beaches on Kauai are manned by lifeguards. Some of Kauai’s Best Beaches start your journey with our list of great beaches.
1. Poipu Beach
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Poipu Beach is located on Kauai’s south shore in a reef-protected area that highlights safe swimming activities, offering good waves for boogie-boarding and surfing.
Visitors will find a full range of facilities, including a variety of There are exciting activities such as a great picnic area with clean showers and restrooms, Poipu Beach Park also includes a playground that surrounds the sand.
The western side of Poipu Beach is generally more popular. Baby Beach, located on the other side of Nukumoi Point, is a sand bar that serves as a favorite sunbathing spot for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
This stretch of beach is a much quieter beach than its neighbors, and its shallow, calm waters make it perfect for kids to swim and play. Across the street from Poipu Beach Park, there’s a local restaurant that can satisfy your hunger pangs as well as a shirt store where you can rent shorts.
But you can get water equipment. The shops of Kukuiula have more shopping and dining options, only a 5-minute drive away. The Waiohae Beach Club by Marriott has located just steps from the beach, offering luxurious rooms and elegant one-bedroom villas.
You can enjoy your stay with your family, there are many exciting kid-friendly activities that your kids can enjoy to the utmost.
2. Hanalei Bay
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Hanalei Bay is a protected cove at the northern end of Kauai and shaped like a crescent moon, flanked by broad cliffs on either side, the water is deep with high waves and strong currents.
About 2 miles of soft white sand line this beach, leaving plenty of beach space. This beach has something to offer for people of all ages, where you can lie on the beach, sunbathe, and enjoy surfing. During the summer it becomes a popular spot for paddle-boarding, kayaking, and canoeing.
The protected reef waters also make it a popular snorkeling spot, and it is also one of the favorite places for divers to explore old shipwrecks. If you are tired of doing all the activities, then there are many restaurants available here for your food where you can taste delicious dishes.
There is also a shopping center as well as local craft shops. Hosts an annual sandcastle competition for its visitors near the Hanalei Pier. The ghat is a landmark in itself and is an ideal spot for romantic couples.
The resort is located just a few minutes drive down the long beach drive and a few minute’s walk to the relaxing Pu Poa Beach. Enjoy family-friendly amenities at this luxurious resort.
3. Maha’ulepu Beaches
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Maha’ulepu Beach sits on the only stretch of undeveloped beach on the South Shore, a few miles from Poipu. These include Gillin’s Beach, Kaweloa Bay, and Kipu Kai Beach, and they are uncrowded for the fact that there are beaches, the beach is a little more difficult than other beaches.
Because there may be a need to go on rough roads or walk to reach this beach, but this beach proves to be good for tourists who want to see the untouched natural view of the Hawaiian beach. Sinkhole.
Archaeological excavations are ongoing at this site, where many ancient artifacts of ancient people have been discovered, so it is a great option for those interested in ancient and old artifacts. Gillin’s beach is very popular among tourists for swimmers and snorkelers.
More popular, but local tourists here only the bay is known as an excellent place for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Those looking for a secluded beach don’t mind walking the sandy path. Tourists often get a chance to spot the endangered Hawaiian monk seal when visiting the area.
These giant marine mammals can range from 400 to 600 pounds as adults, and although they may appear to be slow, lazy animals, they can also be aggressive if they come into contact with you.
Please be aware that especially If you are protecting your children then this beach is not an ideal place for children due to different rough conditions and lack of lifeguards, so if children are with you then you will have to take care of your children.
4. Polihale Beach
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Polihale Beach, located on Kauai’s west coast close to Na Pali State Park, stretches for a total of 17 miles and is the longest beach in the state. Only 10 miles of this beach is open to the public, yet it’s close enough to spot moles.
Polihale Beach is not a beach for swimming as the waves are quite strong, but there is a calm atmosphere of wide open space for tourists to wade and collect shells.
Tourists find this beach much less crowded than the neighboring beaches. It is a crowded place, as tourists can reach here only through unpaved roads to reach this beach.
And it is no less than a boon for beach-loving couples, the sunset here presents a very picturesque view. In terms of facilities, Polihale Beach offers limited facilities so you can carry your umbrella and drinking water. Apart from this, bring food items with you.
5. Ke’e (Kee) Beach
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Kee Beach is located on the northwest coast of the island, marking the trailhead of the Kalalau Trail, and along the coast through the Hono’onapali Natural Reserve lies the stunning Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
Considered one of Kauai’s must-sees, during the summer months the waters are calm enough to make snorkeling destinations much easier and the protected reef is found to be teeming with tropical fish.
Visitors can also enjoy kayaking tours of the lagoon that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Among the most unique aspects of Ke’e Beach are the populations of wild chickens that are seen flocking, Also commonly known as Junglee Restaurant.
These brightly colored birds are found on the beach every day and they are also known to make for an interesting picture, these birds will be seen roaming around you on the beach and would like to snatch your snacks from you.
This beach has lifeguard attendance that varies by season and has restrooms and shower facilities, among other amenities. You have to come early in the morning to enter the parking lot as the parking lot fills up quickly due to the heavy rush. Reservations are required to enter the beach.
6. Tunnels Beach
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Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach, and the calm waters are a top destination for snorkelers and divers during the summer and are famous for its crescent-shaped coral reef just offshore.
The reef serves to make the beach one of the safest for swimming on summer days, and a gentle slope presents plenty of room for wading. Lifeguards are only on duty during peak hours, and there are plenty of shady trees in place of picnic tables to enjoy a break.
There is no parking area available here for the tourists so it is requested that you can reach here early in the morning and try to find a free space on the side of the road.
7. Kalapaki Beach
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Kalapaki Beach, with its calm waters, protected waters, and a variety of nearby shops, restaurants, and a plethora of amenities, makes it a favorite beach destination for families.
and or the beach Beautifully located opposite the Kaua’i Beach Club by Marriott in Lihue, on Kauai’s east shore. Parking here will allow you to access the beach, for little ones on their way to the port at Nawiliwili Bay.
It can be great to watch the cruise ships passing by, and there are a variety of fun activities for teens to play, including a game of volleyball that you can enjoy with your kids.
This is a recreational beach for paddleboarding, surfing, and other water sports, and there are many shops that provide water equipment rental.
8. Lydgate Beach
Photo by Ryan Miller on Unsplash
Lydgate Beach, located in Lydgate State Park in the heart of Kauai’s East Shore, is a great beach friendly to young children and families. Here 2 ponds have been created by protecting the areas with rocks, that’s why the water here has become absolutely calm and children can safely swim here and have a learning experience.
There are also lifeguards who are on duty according to timings. It offers a golden opportunity for beginners to learn a variety of water sports including snorkeling while enjoying the safety of the man-made lagoon.
Here you can get a great chance to see a school of colorful small fish among the rocks. Lydgate Beach also has a wonderful playground, along with which you can experience a long journey on the sea trails.
9. Anini Beach
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Anini Beach extends for almost two miles along long cliffs and is graced with some of the calmest waters in North Kauai. The Princeville resort is located near this area and is a far less crowded beach than neighboring beaches nearby.
There are no lifeguards on duty but there are facilities available such as shower and toilet facilities as well as picnic tables and boat ramps, and you will also find campsites here.
Anini Beach is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. A popular spot, most divers continue to explore the Anini Reef here.
Here, while enjoying windsurfing and paddleboarding, one thing tourists have to keep in mind is that do not to go beyond the rocks because there are very strong currents flowing there, which can be risky for you.
Various types of resort hotels are available for tourists to stay here. Available where you can enjoy spending time with your family.
10. Shipwreck Beach
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Shipwreck Beach, located on the south shore near Poipu, is best suited for experienced surfers and sunbathers with its spectacular high waves.
Not enough for swimming, this beach is never likely to get crowded Shipwreck Beach is often the first choice for couples and outings to nearby beaches in Poipu.
Arrangements here are well-chosen, such as restrooms and luxurious shower facilities are available, but there is no one on duty. Lifeguards are not available.
Those looking to hike can access the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail from the beach, exploring Makawehi Bluff to the east and the spectacular and secluded Maha’ulepu Beach to the west is present.
Hikers can enjoy some of the island’s unspoiled flora and fauna along these pristine and historic beaches.