Kauai belongs to the archipelago of islands that make up the state of Hawaii.
This serene beach paradise is the fourth largest Hawaiian island north of Oahu.
This famous island chain is known for being home to some of the best beaches on the planet.
Below is an overview of ten of the best beaches in Kauai and things you should know before venturing out for a day of fun and relaxation at Kauai beaches.
Contents
- Why Beachies Love Going to Kauai Beaches
- 10 Best Beaches in Kauai
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Beachies Love Going to Kauai Beaches
Naturally Beautiful Beaches
Kauai is famous for its beautiful beaches with lush landscapes, including mountainous backdrops, golden sands, and transparent waters, attracting thousands of eager coastal visitors each year.
Excellent Waves for Surfing
Surf enthusiasts flock to Kauai’s Pacific Coast beaches to enjoy the best surfing the coast offers.
In addition, surfers enjoy catching waves at many local area beaches that offer ideal surfing conditions year round.
Family-Friendly Beach Environment
Many of Kauai’s beaches offer hours of fun and entertainment for families of all sizes.
Local area beaches have water-based activities, swimming, and equipment rentals for kayaks, standup paddle boards, boogie boards, and surfboards for beach visitors who don’t have their water toys.
Diverse Marine Life
Swimming and visiting Kauai’s best beaches offers lovers a bird’s-eye-view of some of the most diverse marine life in the area.
Visitors to famous beaches can observe and swim with local maritime life like whales, manta rays, monk seals, and other brightly colored tropical fish, which makes visiting these beaches a memorable experience for all who attend.
10 Best Beaches in Kauai
If you’re considering visiting some of Hawaii’s best beaches, Kauai is home to many world-famous beaches that attract droves of beach lovers and Pacific Coast surfers each year.
Below, we provide an overview of ten of the best beaches on the Kau, along with rules, regulations, and tips that will help make your beach-going experience memorable this beach season!
1. Hanalei Bay Beach, Hanalei, HI
About the Beach
One of the most notable features of Kauai’s Hanalei Bay Beach is its stunning backdrop.
This natural beach is backdropped by grassy and moss-covered mountains that make it a memorable experience for all.
Important Information
This beach is open year-round for swimming, standup paddleboarding, and sunbathing.
Beachgoers seeking more adventure can find plenty of amenities, restaurants, and entertainment venues a short distance from the beach.
Contact Information
Address: 5424 Weke Road, Hanalei, Hawaii – 96723
Website: https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/hanalei_beach_park
2. Poipu Beach Park, Poipu HI
About the Beach
Some of the most popular beach activities at Poipu Beach Park include snorkeling in the transparent waters, surfing the waves, swimming, and paddleboarding.
Important Information
People visit Poipu Beach Park to revel in its golden sands and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and marine life with friends and family.
Sightings of sea life, including Monk Seals, are not uncommon at this location.
Contact Information
Address: 2179 Hoone Road, Poipu, Hawaii
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60625-d155138-Reviews-Poipu_Beach_Park-Poipu_Koloa_Kauai_Hawaii.html
3. Tunnels Beach Makua, HI
About the Beach
It can feel like you’ve entered a virtually private paradise when visiting Tunnels Beach at Kauai.
Tunnels Beach has a gorgeous backdrop with turquoise blue waters crashing against golden sands and a towering mossy-covered mountain.
Important Information
Sunsets at Tunnels Beach are memorable and breathtaking for beachies who would rather relax on the beach during the evening hours.
Contact Information
Address: Haena North Shore, Hawaii
Website: https://www.kauai.com/tunnels-beach
4. Ke’e Beach, Kauai, HI
About the Beach
Kee Beach is a family-friendly coastal beach ideal for individuals and families who want to relax at the beach.
Its picturesque background makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a portrait with natural scenery like palm trees, lush mountains, and sea rocks, making this an idyllic location for most.
Important Information
This public beach has onsite facilities, including restrooms and showers, to make your trip to the beach more enjoyable.
Kee Beach visitors enjoy access to swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and amazing sunsets in the evening.
Contact Information
Address: Haena — North Shore
Website: https://www.kauai.com/kee-beach
5. Polihale State Park Beach
About the Beach
Polihale State Park Beach is a part of the Hawaii Division of State Parks.
Residents and tourists enjoy land-based activities like beachcombing, camping, and picnicking at this famous Hawaiin beach.
Important Information
Visitors to Polihale State Beach should note that they must traverse down a dirt road on foot or in a vehicle that can safely cross the soft sands of the beach via the access road.
Contact Information
Address: Waimea, Hawaii
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/polihale-state-park/
6. Lumahai Beach
About the Beach
Hawaiin beachgoers visit Lumahai Beach to bask in its natural beauty and enjoy land-based activities like hiking, beachcombing, and sunbathing.
This gorgeous beach has been featured in at least one Hollywood movie because of its natural beauty and serene location.
Important Information
Newcomers to the beach should note that there are no lifeguards on duty at Lumahai Beach, and swimming is ill-advised because of the high and hazardous surf surrounding the beach.
Contact Information
Address: Lumahai Beach – Hawaii 96746
Website: https://www.kauai.com/lumahai-beach
7. Anini Beach
About the Beach
If you and your beach crew are looking for a tranquil place to snorkel, fish, or get away from the everyday — Anini Beach in Kauai is an ideal location.
This beach allows water-based activities, including surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Important Information
Anini Beach visitors should note that there is no lifeguard on duty at this beach.
Unfortunately, this means swimmers are at their own risk, and wintertime currents in the waters of this beach have proven to be very strong.
Contact Information
Address: Anini North Shore, Hawaii
Website: https://www.kauai.com/anini-beach
8. Kalapaki Beach
About the Beach
Kalapaki Beach is on the east side of the island of Kauai and is fun for singles and families alike.
Excited beachgoers enjoy having fun in the Hawaii sun by swimming, body boarding, paddle boarding, and sunbathing on the beach.
Important Information
This beach is in front of a local hotel, making it easy for guests to access the beach.
In addition, Kalapki Beach offers a wide variety of amenities and concessions, including surfboard and standup paddleboard rentals.
Contact Information
Address: Kalapaki East Side – Hawaii
Website: https://www.kauai.com/kalapaki-beach
9. Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach), HI
About the Beach
Secret Beach got its name from its clandestine location, which makes it ideal for beachgoers seeking privacy and seclusion on the beach.
Coastal visitors appreciate the sense of solitude, the sounds of lapping waves, and maritime watching while fishing and picnicking at Kauai’s Secret Beach.
Important Information
Beachgoers will need to hike down an incline to access Secret Beach.
This beach has a designated “clothing optional” area.
However, swimmers are at their own risk as Secret Beach doesn’t have a lifeguard on duty.
Contact Information
Address: Kauapea Beach, Hawaii
Website: https://www.kauaitravelblog.com/secret-beach-kauai/
10. Shipwreck Beach
About the Beach
If you’re new to Kauai’s best beaches, you’re in for a treat when you visit Shipwreck Beach.
This unique beach has an actual shipwreck jutting out of the Pacific waters, making it a beautiful spectacle for beachgoers.
Important Information
Shipwreck Beach is a great way to spend the day doing land-based activities like photography, sunbathing, picnicking, or walking along the beach.
Swimming is not advised.
Contact Information
Address: Shipwreck Beach Kauai, Hawaii 96763
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/lanai/regions/north-lanai/kaiolohia
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Kauai area beaches have lifeguards on duty during operating hours?
No.
While some of Kauai’s gorgeous family-friendly beaches have year-round lifeguards on duty during scheduled hours, this isn’t the case at all Kauai area beaches.
The best way to learn if your preferred beach has a certified lifeguard on duty when you and your family plan to attend is to read more about the beach rules and regulations online.
Are the best beaches in Kauai open year-round?
Yes!
One of the best things about beaches on the coast of Kauai is that they are generally open year-round.
However, it’s important to check with your preferred location to ensure the opening hours and days remain the same because of inclement weather or construction.
What kind of sea life can I find at Kauai's best beaches?
Kauai’s coastal beaches are teeming with a wide variety of marine life that you may encounter while swimming, surfing, or sunbathing on the beach.
Snorkelers can get an eyeful when they dive beneath the waves to discover the bright tropical sea life just beneath the surface.
It’s not uncommon for coastal visitors to have close encounters with manta rays, humpback whales, and monk seals while enjoying the waters of the Pacific at Kauai.
Can I swim at the beaches in Kauai?
Yes!
Many of Kauai’s most popular beaches allow water-based activities, including swimming, paddleboarding, boogie boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Each beach location has a different offering for its guests, so it’s essential to check the beach website to learn what amenities and features are available at your favorite site.
Important Note: Some Kauai area beaches are suitable for land-based activities only!
Kauai’s beautiful beaches with stunning backdrops, excellent waves for surfing, family-friendly environments, and diverse marine life make them a must-visit destination.