If you are visiting Kauai, chances are you’re planning to spend some time relaxing on one of the many pristine beaches. Each beach is beautifully unique and we’re here to share 7 of the best beaches in Kauai!
7 of the Best Beaches in Kauai
Table of Contents
- 1. Salt Pond Beach
- 2. Lydgate Beach Park
- 4. Kalapaki Beach
- 5. Hanalei Bay
- 6. Poipu Beach
- 7. Ke’e Beach
1. Salt Pond Beach
Salt Pond Beach is located on the Southwestern shore near Waimea Canyon. It has a protective barrier reef that keeps out the big waves and provides a safe lagoon for kids to swim.
The smaller rolling waves are perfect for boogie boarding and it’s a great spot for snorkeling (the left cove is best).
As an added bonus, it also sees more sun than most of the other beaches on the north and east shores.
If it’s raining up north, just drive down south and chances are you’ll have clear skies!
There is plenty of parking, as well as a lifeguard on duty. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and ramadas.
The palm tree lined shores provide the beautiful quintessential Hawaiian backdrop. It is also the perfect spot to watch the sun sink into the ocean.
2. Lydgate Beach Park
Lydgate Beach Park is located on the East Shore and is another great kid-friendly beach.
You’ll find two ponds completely enclosed by a rock jetty that provides safe calm waters for kids of all ages to splash around in.
Small reef fish fit in through the crevices in the rocks and are fun for beginner snorkeling.
You’ll also find a fantastic playground as well as picnic areas and a 2.5-mile paved coastal track.
4. Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki Beach is centrally located in Lihue and is easily accessible. It has a large break wall that creates a nice calm bay perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and beginning surfing.
For beginner surfers, the East Shore beaches like Kalapaki Beach generally have consistently smaller waves perfect for first-time surfers.
The shores are lined with beachfront cafes, restaurants, and sand volleyball courts. Surfboards and surf lessons are also available.
There is also a large grassy area under the palm trees that is perfect for lounging or having a picnic.
5. Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is a beautiful crescent-shaped bay surrounded by mountains covered in rich vegetation. This is also our favorite beach for boogie boarding.
You can also jump off the nearby Hanalei Pier or take a stroll through the charming town. Be sure to stop by Pink’s Creamery for some delicious homemade ice cream!
Pro-surfers and beginner surfers alike flock to the beaches of Kauai to catch a wave.
In the winter from November to February, the North Shore is where it’s at. The waves are much larger in the winter and Hanalei Bay attracts surfers from all over.
6. Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach was voted “America’s Best Beach” by Travel Magazine, and for good reason!
The beach has a narrow sand spit (where endangered Hawaiian monk seals love to hang out) that extends from the shore to a small sandbar and divides the beach into two separate crescent lagoons.
The right lagoon is perfect for boogie boarding and jumping in the waves. The left side is protected by lava rock and is great for swimming with families.
The wide variety of sea life and warm clear water make Poipu Beach one of the best spots for snorkeling. Just swim around to the right of the underwater rock line to find the best snorkeling.
There is also a fun playground right on the shore along with a lawn area and picnic tables. It’s the perfect spot to grab dinner and watch the sunset. Poipu is one of the best spots on the whole island to watch the sunset.
The only downside to Poipiu Beach is that it is often crowded due to the large resorts nearby.
In the summer between May and October, the best surfing is found on the South Shore along Poipu Beach. The waves don’t get quite as big as the north shore, but it is still a popular surf destination.
See our 7 Day Kauai Itinerary for more recommended things to do while on the island.
7. Ke’e Beach
Ke’e Beach is nestled in a beautiful cove at the very end of the road on the North Shore.
The beach is fairly small with limited parking, so you’ll need to make a reservation for the shuttle or a parking permit.
Ke’e Beach is a great spot for snorkeling in the summer months but can be too dangerous in the winter. Be sure to check the lifeguard station for conditions before entering the water.
There is a barrier reef with a variety of fish and marine life including sea turtles and even white-tipped reef sharks.
Just stay within the reef and be aware of the strong rip current on the left side of the reef where it opens up to the ocean.
We hope you make the most of your time in Hawaii and that this guide will help you find the best beaches in Kauai!
KAUAI TRAVEL TIPS:
- 13 Best Places to Eat in Kauai
- 29 Bucket List Things to Do in Kauai
- 8 of the Best Hikes in Kauai With Kids
- Tips For Hiking the Kuilau Trail
- What is the Best Island in Hawaii to Visit?
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