Login or Register Here
to remove these ads.
Kauai Beaches
Location: North Kauai
If you are looking to try your hand at snorkeling, this is a great place. It is such a supreme snorkeling location because it has a massive reef that is so large it can be seen from space. As can be seen on the following page, even the view from a helicopter is impressive and shows the magnitude of the reef. The waters are generally calm which also makes the beach popular for scuba divers. There is a slight rip current, but most of the time it is weak.
Two roads provide beach access, one 4/10 mile past mile marker 8 and the other 6/10 mile past mile marker 8 (the latter is the better of the two). Parking can be a hassle because you will have to park along the side of a narrow road. The roads are a bit hard to find, but there are a few signs placed by residents that let you clearly know which roads do NOT lead to Tunnels Beach. Please show aloha and don’t park at those spots.
... Tunnels Beach details continued
If you are looking to try your hand at snorkeling, this is a great place. It is such a supreme snorkeling location because it has a massive reef that is so large it can be seen from space. As can be seen on the following page, even the view from a helicopter is impressive and shows the magnitude of the reef. The waters are generally calm which also makes the beach popular for scuba divers. There is a slight rip current, but most of the time it is weak.
Two roads provide beach access, one 4/10 mile past mile marker 8 and the other 6/10 mile past mile marker 8 (the latter is the better of the two). Parking can be a hassle because you will have to park along the side of a narrow road. The roads are a bit hard to find, but there are a few signs placed by residents that let you clearly know which roads do NOT lead to Tunnels Beach. Please show aloha and don’t park at those spots.
... Tunnels Beach details continued
Location: North Kauai
The journey of the north shore ends at one of the most popular beaches on Kaua‘i, Ke‘e Beach. The beach marks the end of Highway 560 and the portion of Kaua‘i that can be seen by car. The rest of north Kaua‘i is occupied by the Na Pali Coast, a series of rugged seaside cliffs stretching along the northwest shore that is not navigable by vehicle. Parking is available on either side of the road and near the coast. We’ve seen Ke‘e at many times of day, and it is equally crowded. Parking may be difficult, but usually is not too much of a problem.
Ke‘e is very popular with snorkelers and families. One of the most striking aspects of this beach is its breathtaking view of the Na Pali Coast, which begins here. When you are facing the ocean, Na Pali can be glimpsed to your left. The best time for photographs is early morning (on a clear day) or right at sunset. The last time we were there, we saw a couple taking advantage of a gorgeous sunset to exchange their vows.
... Ke’e Beach details continued
The journey of the north shore ends at one of the most popular beaches on Kaua‘i, Ke‘e Beach. The beach marks the end of Highway 560 and the portion of Kaua‘i that can be seen by car. The rest of north Kaua‘i is occupied by the Na Pali Coast, a series of rugged seaside cliffs stretching along the northwest shore that is not navigable by vehicle. Parking is available on either side of the road and near the coast. We’ve seen Ke‘e at many times of day, and it is equally crowded. Parking may be difficult, but usually is not too much of a problem.
Ke‘e is very popular with snorkelers and families. One of the most striking aspects of this beach is its breathtaking view of the Na Pali Coast, which begins here. When you are facing the ocean, Na Pali can be glimpsed to your left. The best time for photographs is early morning (on a clear day) or right at sunset. The last time we were there, we saw a couple taking advantage of a gorgeous sunset to exchange their vows.
... Ke’e Beach details continued
Location: North Kauai
This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. However, don't give in to the temptation to take a dip following that hike. As the sign on the way down to the beach says...many people have drowned at this beach because of its treacherous and unpredictable nature. Last time there were a lot of notches on that sign.
Total elevation gain is about 1060 feet between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai (that's coming and going) and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace. ... Hanakapiai Beach details continued
This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. However, don't give in to the temptation to take a dip following that hike. As the sign on the way down to the beach says...many people have drowned at this beach because of its treacherous and unpredictable nature. Last time there were a lot of notches on that sign.
Total elevation gain is about 1060 feet between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai (that's coming and going) and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace. ... Hanakapiai Beach details continued
Location: West Kauai
This beach really has a lot to offer. Windsurfing, lounging, protected swimming, snorkeling and a lesson in ancient Hawaiian salt production - hence the beach's name. There is a natural salt pond near the beach that is used by descendants of Hawaiians to collect salt. Make sure not to poke around there without permission. ... Salt Pond Beach Park details continued
This beach really has a lot to offer. Windsurfing, lounging, protected swimming, snorkeling and a lesson in ancient Hawaiian salt production - hence the beach's name. There is a natural salt pond near the beach that is used by descendants of Hawaiians to collect salt. Make sure not to poke around there without permission. ... Salt Pond Beach Park details continued
Location: West Kauai
The road to Polihale may seem a little less like a tropical island and a little more like a desert highway. On a bright sunny day the flat stretch of Highway 50 between Highway 552 and Polihale Beach can create a mirage that looks more suited to Arizona than Hawai‘i.
Near mile marker 30on Hwy 50 take a look to your left and observe the high security of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (yet another thing that isn’t quite so “tropical”). Once you pass mile marker 32, the highway ends and you will have to take a right inland. The first road on your left will take you to Polihale. Be warned, this is no pleasure ride in a small vehicle. The drive is a long, bumpy sand road which can be a bear in a normal car. Fragments of front bumpers are strewn along the road as testament to motorists who were ill–prepared for some deep ditches. Keep your eyes on the road, and you should be fine. After a little over three miles, the road ends at a massive monkeypod tree which is rumored to be haunted. One local tale is that the ghost of a man who was hung there haunts the tree.
... Polihale Beach details continued
The road to Polihale may seem a little less like a tropical island and a little more like a desert highway. On a bright sunny day the flat stretch of Highway 50 between Highway 552 and Polihale Beach can create a mirage that looks more suited to Arizona than Hawai‘i.
Near mile marker 30on Hwy 50 take a look to your left and observe the high security of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (yet another thing that isn’t quite so “tropical”). Once you pass mile marker 32, the highway ends and you will have to take a right inland. The first road on your left will take you to Polihale. Be warned, this is no pleasure ride in a small vehicle. The drive is a long, bumpy sand road which can be a bear in a normal car. Fragments of front bumpers are strewn along the road as testament to motorists who were ill–prepared for some deep ditches. Keep your eyes on the road, and you should be fine. After a little over three miles, the road ends at a massive monkeypod tree which is rumored to be haunted. One local tale is that the ghost of a man who was hung there haunts the tree.
... Polihale Beach details continued
Location: East Kauai
This two-mile stretch of sand backing the Wailua Golf Course near Kapa'a is rarely crowded. Swimming is generally good but currents and surf have to be monitored. This is a nice spot to get a spot all to yourself. There is no lifeguard and the only facilities are at the southern end of the beach. ... Nukolii Beach details continued
This two-mile stretch of sand backing the Wailua Golf Course near Kapa'a is rarely crowded. Swimming is generally good but currents and surf have to be monitored. This is a nice spot to get a spot all to yourself. There is no lifeguard and the only facilities are at the southern end of the beach. ... Nukolii Beach details continued
Location: South Kauai
This little speck of a beach can disappear during high surf. But when the ocean is calm Lawa'i is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and snuba. ... Lawai Beach details continued
This little speck of a beach can disappear during high surf. But when the ocean is calm Lawa'i is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and snuba. ... Lawai Beach details continued
Location: East Kauai
Kealia Beach is known for its wicked waves and you'll see plenty of boogie boarders and surfers there on a good day. Summer is the best time to try to swim at Kealia. If the ocean doesn't seem inviting the 150-foot wide, .5 mile long beach is good for sunbathing or a stroll. ... Kealia Beach details continued
Kealia Beach is known for its wicked waves and you'll see plenty of boogie boarders and surfers there on a good day. Summer is the best time to try to swim at Kealia. If the ocean doesn't seem inviting the 150-foot wide, .5 mile long beach is good for sunbathing or a stroll. ... Kealia Beach details continued
Location: West Kauai
Kekaha is the first portion of the 15-mile long stretch of beach in West Kauai called Polihale Beach. The sand here is comfortable but the water is raucous. Never go in unless it looks very calm. It is a nice spot for experienced surfers and wind surfers. Only occasionally is there a lifeguard on duties. Restrooms are available. ... Kekaha Beach details continued
Kekaha is the first portion of the 15-mile long stretch of beach in West Kauai called Polihale Beach. The sand here is comfortable but the water is raucous. Never go in unless it looks very calm. It is a nice spot for experienced surfers and wind surfers. Only occasionally is there a lifeguard on duties. Restrooms are available. ... Kekaha Beach details continued
Location: North Kauai
In the summer you can have a picnic underneath the Ironwood trees and in the winter you can catch a good wave at Kalihiwai Beach in north Kauai. The swimming is usually good here. Even the kids should be safe, just monitor conditions carefully. Waves tend to be harsher during the winter, there are also a few slippery rocks and some coral you should watch out for. ... Kalihiwai Beach details continued
In the summer you can have a picnic underneath the Ironwood trees and in the winter you can catch a good wave at Kalihiwai Beach in north Kauai. The swimming is usually good here. Even the kids should be safe, just monitor conditions carefully. Waves tend to be harsher during the winter, there are also a few slippery rocks and some coral you should watch out for. ... Kalihiwai Beach details continued
Login or Register Here
to remove these ads.
79°F
