17 Best Beaches in Kauai, HI
Kauaʻi, but in English, we spell it as Kauai, is among the best islands in Hawaii. Being the fourth largest and among the top oldest islands covering about 63- miles of scenic coastline, it is the perfect spot for your family.
Think of a cool breeze, solid and roaring waves, volcanic remnants, palm trees, beautiful caves and mountains to tour, and clear white sand. The list is endless, and there’s much to learn and enjoy in Kauai.
Are you thinking about having a memorable adventure, the thrilling and exciting type of vacation? Here are all the details you require on the top beaches in Kauai. Read on!
- Hanalei Bay Beach
This two-mile beach located in the north of Hawaii has a lot stored for you. This is undoubtedly the place for you, with fantastic views of the blue ocean and mountains.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Having an endless display of activities you can venture into, Hanalei Bay Beach awaits you!
Do you want to burn off some fat? You can do several things, such as swimming, surfing, sailing, fishing, boating, and snorkeling. But, if you all want to relax and enjoy the beach breeze, Hanalei’s picnic areas and campgrounds got you covered.
Expert Tip
Once you’ve enjoyed the beach to the fullest, take a stroll downtown and taste the various cuisines in the town’s restaurants. Get to learn about the town’s history and the people around it.
- Ke’e Beach
This beach is among the largest in Hawaii; it begins from the Napali Coast, heading to the north of Hawaii.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you’re on a budget and want to experience nature, head to Ke’e Beach. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Napali Cliffs at an affordable cost.
The clear and peaceful water is absolute for scuba diving and snorkeling. Other activities to keep you entertained include fishing, hiking, and paddling.
Expert Tip
It is best to visit this place during summer because the water levels are increased during winter, and it might not be safe for kids.
- Tunnels Beach
This beach is worth visiting because of its signature turquoise water and powdery sand. Moreover, it is well-maintained, making it a heavenly place to spend a day with the kids.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The waters are clear and shallow, and there are lifeguards around, so worry not about your kids taking a swim.
The prehistoric lava tubes are worth checking out. You can enquire and learn how they were formed.
Expert Tip
Tunnels Beach is the best terminus for scuba diving and snorkeling with clear and shallow water.
- Anahola Beach
Call it a mini paradise; you can have a blast here. You can experience remarkable views of the Kalalea Mountains, the outlying reefs, and bright white sand.
How about a night out with campfires? This beach has campgrounds and picnic areas you can relax and spend quality time with your loved ones.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You can consider hiking or heading to the river on the northern side of the beach. First, take some photographs of your family living in the moment. Then, enjoy the peaceful and quiet trail!
Expert Tip
The place is mostly crowded on weekends, but if you are a crowd person, you can enjoy the campfire songs and dance or go hiking in the mountains.
- Shipwreck Beach
This beach is near the Grand Hyatt Hotel and is famous because of the wooden ship that sank and vanished, never to be found.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beach is perfect for surfing but not swimming because of the wild waves. Instead, the shore breaks and strong currents are best for those who find it thrilling to ride giant waves.
Expert Tip
If surfing is not your thing, don’t feel left out. You can join a golf course, visit the stables, and hike up hills and cliff tops.
- Kekaha Beach
On the western side of Kauai Island is Kekaha Beach. Here you get to enjoy beautiful sunrise and sunsets.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Apart from enjoying the hot sun, the beach is best preferred by surfers, beachcombers, and fishermen.
You can picnic here and get a glimpse of the Lehua and Ni’ihau islands from a distance. If you get the time, consider visiting these Islands you’ll enjoy!
Expert Tip
If you are not wary of the powerful and giant waves, this is the place for you. But, if you got the experience of taming pounding waves, with its thrilling adventure, you’ll enjoy Kekaha Beach.
- Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach Park is ranked among the top best coastlines in the country and is located to the south of the Kauai coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The fascinating coastline is a fantastic place to take a time-out from your daily routine. So have a lovely day under the sun, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, name it all!
Expert Tip
Marine life is present, such as the monk seals and sea turtles. If you are among the luckiest, you’ll see these beautiful creatures frolicking underwater or strolling around on the sand.
- Salt Pond Beach
Still, on the western side of Kauai, this beach got its name from man-made pools that produce salt naturally.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Call it a scenic place! The beach is known for its various activities, such as swimming, camping, whale watching, making sandcastles, collecting shells, snorkeling, and sunbathing; the list is endless.
Expert Tip
Get to the eastern side of this beach and see the beautiful variety of marine life.
Don’t leave the place without checking out the salt beds.
- Polihale Beach
Polihale Beach is along the western zone of Kauai, and its ease of accessibility could be the finest destination for your family.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Are you thinking of spectacular scenery?
Polihale beach it is! From the clear water and dunes of 100 feet to the beautiful white sand, the beach has something for everyone.
The beach offers a never-ending layout of activities you could do during your day out.
Expert Tip
The currents here are very strong, so keeping off the shoreline is advisable. Also, the sheds are few, so carry some sunscreen to protect your skin from the scorching sun.
- Lydgate Beach
On the eastern locality of Kauai, this beach park is protected from the Pacific ocean wild waves by two rock-bounded pools.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach meets all your family’s expectations.
The rock-enclosed pools can be enjoyed by all. Toddlers can use the smaller one, and the other one is fit for kids of all ages.
Moreover, other features are available such as picnic tables, towers, playgrounds, and crisscrossing pathways.
Expert Tip
Although it is considered safe because of its protection from the rocks, it is good to be cautious as waves can become wild when least expected.
Take a stroll along the Wailua River and learn the history of this royalty’s birthplace.
- Anini Beach
It is clear that Kauai has an abundance of amusing coastlines. But have you checked Anini Beach? This coastline stands out as among the best for swimming. In addition, the beach is known for having the most extensive and longest fringing reef.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The reef makes the coastline safe to engage in water activities. Additionally, the beach is never overcrowded so enjoy beach walks, snorkeling, paddle boarding, picnics, and camping with your family!
Expert Tip
Please do not go beyond the reef, as it might be dangerous. The reef makes this beach safe, so going beyond it will risk your life.
- Kalapaki Beach
This beach has a seawall that protects it from the exposed ocean so that you can enjoy unhindered relaxation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The beach is praised for its favorable swimming conditions.
The shoreline is gently sloping, the sand is soft with few rocks, and the waves are not strong. This makes it a picture-perfect spot for families with toddlers.
Expert Tip
The beach is near the Kauai Marriott Resort, which assures you are close to shops, restaurants, and rentals.
Keep watch on your kids because this beach has no lifeguards.
- Baby Beach
From the name, it is evident that the beach is perfect for families with little kids.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The cool water, the shades, and the soft winds make the beach ideal for kids of all ages.
For parents, of course, you’re not left out! Relax your nerves by sunbathing, deep your feet into the water, and enjoy the soft wind or engage in kite surfing.
Expert Tip
Enjoy watching marine life strolling around, such as monk seals and sea turtles.
Do you love sunrise? Here the light is very phenomenal.
- Kealia Beach Park
Known for its marine life, such as whales, this beach is half a mile away from Highway 56.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The wind and ocean swell make this beach a paradise for surfers.
Don’t worry; there’s something for everyone here. In the north of Kealia Beach, the waters are safe for boogie boarding, swimming, and whale watching.
Expert Tip
The parking area is also difficult to access, so the earlier you come, the better. Additionally, be cautious of the jellyfish season.
Let this not hinder you from visiting this little paradise because the place is rewarding when the conditions are idyllic.
- Haena Beach
Haena Beach is worth visiting, hosting various archeological sites and breathtaking sceneries. It stands among the Kauai beaches for its iconic nature.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The turquoise seawaters and the fine white sands are worth feeling. If you are a nature person, the tropical forest offers an exciting adventure and an educative one. You’ll learn about the forest’s different plant species and the various animals that use the forest as their habitat.
Visit the ancient sea shrines and caves and learn how they served the people of the Haena community in the past.
Expert Tip
Bring your flashlight for safety precautions if you consider visiting the Maniniholo cave.
Explore the Waikapalae, Waikanaloa, and Maniniholo wet caves for more adventure.
- Puu Poa Beach
This beach is worth hiking down from its nearby bluffs just below Hanalei Bay Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Would you love to lose some weight? Then, Puu Poa Beach can accomplish your mission. Make the 191 steps and receive the reward you’ve been looking forward to.
Enjoy the fantastic view of the ever-green Bali Hai mountains and roaring waterfalls from a distance, and engage in various water-friendly activities.
Expert Tip
The water is perfect for swimmers during the summer and best for surfers during the winter.
The sandbar is also low during the summer.
- Lumahai Beach
The beach gained popularity as among the finest beaches in Kauai after being featured in the Hollywood movie South Pacific.
However, the beach is unsafe for swimming. Call it alive; this beach keeps on changing its landscape now and then.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This place is photogenic; visitors find it intimidating because it’s constantly changing, with a rugged shoreline and strong currents.
The landscape changes every season, adding dunes, pools, and waterfalls.
Expert Tip
The waterfalls and pools beautify the beach giving it awe-inspiring views, which you can experience from a viewpoint from the read above.
