Kauai’s Beaches

Always monitor ocean conditions closely and obey all postings and warnings.

Makua (Tunnels) Beach- Snorkeling and diving in the midst of gorgeous beach and surrounding mountains.  Beach park available for permitted camping.  Location:  North Shore

Hanalei Bay - A 2 mile long bay offering beach activities for the whole family. Within walking distance of Hanalei town. Location: North

Polihale Beach - A very remote sunny span of white sand resting at the end of the Kauai's paved road on the West side. Camping by permit. Location: West

Ke’e Beach - A picturesque beach at the end of the road that marks the beginning of the Kalalau trail. Offers great sunsets and views of the Napali Coast. Location: North

Lydgate Beach Park - Family fun at this protected beach bordered by a 2.5 mile coastal paved path. Location: East

Poipu Beach Park - A beach for the whole family offering a variety of water activities. Beach park facilities for picnics and barbecues. Location: South

Kalapaki Beach - This harbor offers a beach activities for the family within walking distance of Nawiliwili's shop and restaurants. Location: East

Anini Beach - Hawaii's largest coral reef provides beach activities for families and windsurfers. Beach park is available for permitted camping. Location: North

Kealia Beach - A long span of beach on Kauai's East side offering a variety of beach activities. On calm days, there's water fun for the whole family. Location: East

Prince Kuhio - A short beach best suited for snorkeling when calm and more advanced water activities during the summer. Location: South

Salt Pond Beach Park - A protected reef offering water and beach activities for the family. Beach park is available for permitted camping. Location: South

Kauapea (Secret Beach) - An isolated stretch of pristine beach accessed by a steep trail, with views of Kilauea Lighthouse. Location: North

Lumaha’i Beach - A long, remote stretch of beautiful beach with a river. Enjoy this beauty with caution. Location: North

Shipwrecks Beach - This beach marks the beginning of the Mahaulepu Heritage trail and offers a good boogie board break for those with experience.  Location: South

Napali Coast - One of the most remote coastlines on Kauai. A cliffside hike that spans 11 miles of rugged trail, ending at infamous Kalalau Valley. Location: West

Wailua Beach - The sacred Wailua river feeds into this windward beach. Ocean conditions best suited for the novice.  Location: East

Maha’ulepu - A large expanse of undeveloped beach that reveals Kauai's history in its geological landscape. Location: South

Kekaha Beach - A long roadside stretch of sandy beach good for West side sunsets.  Location: West

BEACH SAFETY:

Hawaiian Lifeguards and locals know to keep a close watch on ocean conditions. Wind, tides, and swells can cause the weather to change quickly – even in a matter of hours. If you want to find the best conditions for snorkeling, surfing, or any other beach activity, follow these important weather safety guidelines:

1. 1Observe the ocean. Take the time to observe the ocean for at least 20 min. before entering. Waves come in sets - it can look calm for up to 20 minutes between dangerous sets of huge waves. Ask: Are there currents and waves? Is there anyone else out? If I get in trouble is help available?
   

2. 2Wind moves the ocean. As the winds strengthen, expect currents and surface chop to increase.
   

3. 3Look for calm conditions in protected coves, bays, and areas where the wind is blowing from the land towards the sea.
   

4. 4Tidal Awareness. Many snorkeling and swimming spots are protected by coral reefs. Expect more surf to move into these areas during high tide.
   

5. 5Waves on Rocks. Many unsuspecting locals and visitors have been swept off rocks when periodic large ‘sets’ of waves wash much higher than the apparent ‘safe zone’.
   

6. 6Ask a Lifeguard or a Local! We are probably your single best source for weather information.
   

Rip currents can be powerful and dangerous. It is important to understand what a rip current is, how to spot them and what to do if you are caught in one.

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They generally begin from the shoreline and head through the surf zone – past the line of breaking waves. Some people mistakenly call this undertow. It is important to understand that there is no undertow, just water moving away from the beach.

Rip currents are created by wind and waves. Waves that break over shallow sandbars and reefs push water towards the shore. Water builds up near shore and must get back out to sea. This pressure creates concentrated rivers of water to move away from the beach to calmer deeper water. The water forced away from shore is otherwise known as a rip current.

How to spot a rip current

Look for waves breaking over shallow reefs and/or sandbars. Then look for deeper channel(s) without waves breaking. This is where water will be moving away from shore. Rip currents will look similar to a moving river with little chops breaking against the flow of water.

What to do if you find yourself in a rip current

The best thing to do is learn to spot rip currents and avoid them. However, if you do find yourself in a rip current, remember the following. It could save your life!

1. 1Don't Fight The Rip Current - Conserve energy, keep calm, float, breathe, don’t panic, and wave for help
   

2. 2Go With The Flow - You can easily float in the current, there is no undertow. Allow the current to take you away from the beach. In weaker rips, swim parallel to the shore until the current has completely relaxed. Otherwise, the current will eventually release you offshore. Once this happens swim perpendicular and towards the beach
   

3. 3Wait For Help - If there is large surf or shoreline hazards, wave your hands for help and wait for assistance
   

Hawaii has seasons?

Instead of dramatic temperature changes, seasons in Hawaii bring drastic changes in ocean conditions. Ocean waves are created by wind. The strength and duration of wind over the ocean dictates the size of the waves that arrive along our coastline. The ocean is a dynamic creature that not only changes by the season, but by the hour. So many variables like ocean typography, tides, and local winds effect how these swells unfold at each beach. Knowing seasonal patterns can help you plan your visit, but with conditions constantly varying- check the ocean report for the daily update and always consult a lifeguard before you jump in!

Summer

Summer brings large waves predominately to the south side. Winter storms in the Southern Hemisphere generate swells that create breaking waves on south facing shores. Trade winds (northeast) and passing trade showers are typical summer weather.

1. 1North - usually flat to small waves except for areas exposed to trade wind waves
   

2. 2East - surf can get large and rough with strong trade winds
   

3. 3South - large south swells arrive frequently
   

4. 4West - south swells wrap around to the west side and can create high surf
   

Winter

Huge, powerful swells pound the North and West facing shores. Storms originating in the Aleutians that dump snow on the Rockies, cause freezes in the Midwest and reek havoc on the Eastern seaboard are the same storms that create gargantuan surf on Hawaii's northern and western shores. The waves generated from these powerful storms are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Never underestimate the power of the ocean. Winter weather brings more variable winds and increases chances of encountering longer spells of rain.

1. 1North - huge, dangerous swells consistently
   

2. 2East - surf can get large and rough with strong trade winds
   

3. 3South - usually flat to small surf during winter, can be sunny even if it is raining up north
   

4. 4West - north swells wrap to the west side creating high surf, your best bet for sun and dry weather
   

50 miles of White Sand Beaches Ring Kauai

Consider your interests and that will help a little when making the difficult decision of which Kauai Beaches to visit, unless you're fortunate to have the time to visit them all! The island's beaches are idyllic for walking,sailing, surfing, sunbathing,fishing, picnicking, hiking, snorkeling, people-watching, swimming or snoozing -- and the list continues, as you will quickly discover.

While the many beaches offer their own distinct advantages, it is important when visiting Kauai to adhere to safety guidelines whenever you go to the beach. Kauai’s central Pacific location provides some of the largest waves on the planet breaking on her shores, so we strongly recommend that you to swim only at beaches with lifeguards on duty. These beaches include Hanalei Beach Park, Waioli, Anahola, Wailua, Lydgate, Poipu, Salt Pond, and Kekaha. A great advantage to kauai’s beaches is that all of them are public; some hotels may have private areas that include some beach facilities for guests, but as long as you walk along the public access walkways, you are free to explore all of these special beaches.

Some of the fun choices you'll need to ask yourself are whether you want transparent or sapphire waters, rocky reefs or quiet sands, foamy waves or patient seas; regardless, you'll bask in glorious sunshine, fresh air, nearby mountain cliffs in some areas, and happy times. And when exploring Kauai's amazing beaches, be sure to exercise the following safety tips:

1. Swim at lifeguarded beaches ONLY – ask lifeguards for safety and swimming tips.

2. Lifeguards post warning signs – Don’t ignore them! Read them and heed them!

3. Conditions constantly change – daily and seasonal changes must be monitored closely.

4. Waves come in sets – it can look calm for up to 20 minutes between dangerous sets of huge waves.

5. Hazards can exist in ANY coastal area - not just in the water. Be careful on wet sand and rocks.

6. Do not fight a rip current – if caught in a current keep calm, float, breathe, don’t panic, and wave for help. Go WITH the current and conserve energy.

7. Use the buddy system – never swim alone & know your limits.

8. When in doubt – don't go out!

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