Kauai Beaches, Coastline, Surfing and Water Sports

(Kauai, Hawaii - HI, USA)

There are some truly tropical beaches on Kauai, which are typically Hawaiian in their appearance, with palm trees, glorious sweeping crescents of sand, and turquoise waves lapping against the shore. Kee Beach is amongst the most popular on Kauai and is conveniently located next to the start of the highly acclaimed Kalalau Trail.

With over 225 km / 140 miles of beautiful coastline, there are actually more beaches located on Kauai than on any of the other actual islands of Hawaii, offering much more than just a nice place to sunbathe. However, those looking to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, surf or even try their hand at sea kayaking around Kauai Beaches should bear in mind that the conditions can change and waves can soon swell up, particularly during the summer season.

Many of the island's beaches are a good place for Kauai vacation rentals, offering scenic locations amidst local communities. Situated on the southern coast, the Waikomo Stream and Nihi Kai villas are both based around the inviting Koloa and Poipu resort areas, close to various shops and restaurants, while on the northern shore, Kilauea, Hanalei and Princeville are all good places to base yourself for a Hawaiian beach holiday.

List of the most popular beach parks and resorts

• Anahola Beach Park - favoured by the local Hawaiians on Kauai and located in Kealia, off the Anahola Road. The Anahola Beach Park lies just a few minutes to the north of Kapaa and is perfect for those looking for somewhere along the Coconut Coast to relax, sunbathe and swim. Facilities here are excellent and include toilets, showers and even an area for camping. Families will find plenty of sheltered, shady areas

• Anini Beach Park - situated on the northerly coastline of Kauai and often very quiet.
  
  This is a good place to escape the summer crowds, particularly if you are keen to improve your windsurfing skills with the help of on-hand instructors. Next to Anini Beach, the reef lends itself to snorkelling

• Donkey Beach - in the Kapaa area of Kauai and conveniently close to Lihue Airport, tourists flock here to enjoy the sunshine and scenic surroundings. The far end of Donkey Beach is known for tolerating nudism

• Glass Beach - found on the western side of Kauai and really one not to miss under any circumstances, since part of the beachfront is actually covered in smooth pieces of coloured glass

• Haean Beach - known for its strong waves, which are not generally suitable for swimming, since the lack of reef protection means that the tides can be a little dangerous at times

• Hanakapiai Beach - one on the most popular beaches along Kauai's famed Na Pali Coast and perfect for sunbathing and general relaxation. However, Hanakapiai Beach is not one for swimmers

• Hideaways Beach - amongst the most appealing of all the northerly sandy beaches and popular with swimmers, when the waters are calm. Hideaways Beach actually comprises two adjoining beaches, which have been separated by a natural occurrence of rocks

• Hanalei Bay Beach - sited on the islands northern coastline and offering beach-goers endless fine, white sand. The scenery is further enhanced by the beautiful turquoise waters of Hanalei Bay and the majestic mountainous backdrop, which almost looks like it has jumped off a postcard

• Kalapaki Beach - featuring white sand, crystal clear water and a definite tropical feeling. Kalapaki Beach lies off the Highway 50 and is relatively close to Lihue Airport, being located alongside the gorgeous freshwater Kauai Lagoons. The waves are ideal for surfing when strong, although more often than not they are calm and perfect for swimming. Kalapaki Beach has long been one of the most popular and busiest beaches on Kauai, so if you can, do try to arrive early

• Kalihiwai Beach - situated on the island's north-easterly coastline and fairly small in size. However, Kalihiwai Beach does have much to offer and families always enjoy the sand and scenery, although the rip tides are often a little unpredictable, particularly during the winter season

• Kauai Coconut Beach - lying off the Kuhio Highway and within Kapaa, being conveniently close to a number of large hotels on the Coconut Coast and therefore regularly frequented with those holidaying on the island. Kauai Coconut Beach is part of the beach resort of the same name and well known for providing a taste of traditional Hawaii, with hula dancing and plenty of outdoor entertainment, particularly during the evenings

• Kee Beach - easy to find, being sited right next to the very base of the Na Pali Coast Trail on the northerly shore. Kauai holiday makers should definitely come here if they want to experience snorkelling in the waters of Hawaii, since the snorkelling here is perhaps the very best that the island has to offer. Expect to see shoals of brightly coloured tropical fish around the reef, which almost look like they belong in a pet shop. Lifeguards are on hand during the busiest times

• Kealia Beach - on the northerly outskirts of Kapaa and on the Coconut Coast. Kealia Beach has much to offer in the way of surfing, generally suiting the most experienced of surfers and also those just beginning to body board. Close by, you may also like to explore the scenic hiking trails around the sands

• Kekaha Beach - a pretty stretch of sand on Kauai's western shore, marking the beginning of a series of beaches which continue for some 25 km / 16 miles. Locals and tourists alike come to Kekaha Beach to sunbathe, swim and to simply enjoy the seemingly endless views

• Lawai Beach - a popular spot, although during the most extreme of surf conditions, it can also disappear complete, beneath the ocean waves. When the tide is out the water lends itself to swimming, scuba diving and also snorkelling

• Lumahai Beach Park - sandwiched between Haena and Hanalei, on the north shore. Lumahai Beach enjoys a truly dreamy setting resembling nothing short of a film set, which dark lava cliffs, a natural waterfall and an especially gorgeous waterfront. In fact, this was the very spot where the 1958 movie, South Pacific, filmed its iconic 'I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair' sequence

• Lydgate Beach - found on Kauai's eastern shore, which it is one of the few beaches to provide its own lifeguards. Therefore, Lydgate Beach is very much favoured by families with young children, who are able to enjoy the calm waters in safety. There is even a small pool area which is protected from any waves by large boulders

• Nukolii Beach - a charming and rather secluded easterly spot, with fine sands stretches for just over 3 km / 2 miles. At times swimming is possible, although the main reason that you should add Nukolii Beach to your list of possible beaches is the simple fact that is never become crowded, whatever the weather or time of year

• Poipu Beach - a major resort on the southern shore, teaming with Kauai tourists and known for its safe swimming, fine sand and neighboring hotel complexes. Many further beaches are close by, along with shops restaurants and bars, all vying for your attention

• Polihale State Beach Park - marking the most westerly point on Kauai and adjoining the Barking Sands Beach, which combine to make this one of the longest sandy beaches in the whole of Hawaii, covering over 27 km / 17 km in total. The last beach on the road, this is Kauai's westernmost point. It is an extension of making it Hawaii's longest beach - quite simply unmissable

• Puu Poa Beach - a pleasant and appealing stretch of sand, located directly outside of the Princeville Hotel and offer swimming on calm days

• Salt Pond Beach Park - very family orientated and known for its calm waters, which lend themselves to even the most inexperienced of swimmer. However, the adjacent sea salt ponds are not to be overlooked and used by locals, who come here to collect the sea salt and use it for cooking their tasty Hawaiian specialities. Salt Pond Beach lies within Hanapepe, on the western side of the island

• Shipwreck Beach (Keoneloa Beach) - a very appealing southern beach, which earned its rather romantic name after an old wooden ship crashed into the rocks here, many years ago.
  Local Hawaiians come here, the Makawehi Point, for the exceptional fishing. Shipwreck Beach is near to both to Poipu Bay and the Hyatt hotel

• Tunnels Beach - located on Kauai's northerly coastline and boasting sands which stretch for approximately 3 km / 2 miles. Tunnels Beach is close to the Hanalei Colony Resort and a very good place to enjoy an afternoon of snorkelling

• Wailua Beach - can be found on the eastern shore of Kauai, alongside the Wailua River. Wailua Beach is suitable for surfing and is known for its strong waves. This is a very natural and undeveloped spot with no facilities to speak of