Eastside
Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki Beach
- This beach is located within Kalapaki Bay and offers safe swimming conditions and excellent surfing just offshore. The break is pretty good for most skill leveling including beginners and our surf lessons are offered here most day. Lots do in the area with plenty of restaurants, shopping and a major resort located just off the sands. The parking lot got redone too! Mahalo Kauai County.
Lydgate Beach
Kalapaki Beach
Kalapaki Beach
- This is the best beach for families with young kids and ANYONE not experienced in the water. Giant boulders were placed around the shallow water to create a safe swim area for everyone. If you've never snorkeled, swam, or experienced ocean swimming, go here first. There is lots to do nearby as well with playgrounds, disc golf and a bar located nearby.
Kealia Beach
Kalapaki Beach
Kealia Beach
- You'll find Kealia Beach directly off highway 51 jur north of Kapaa. There is ample parking along the entire beach and although busy, is never so packed you can't create your own space. Swimming should be done between the lifeguard station and breakwater as it's safest. It's less rocky and the waves are calmer but still great for bodysurfing or boogie boarding Be careful along the rest of the beach which has a strong break near the shore. This also makes it one of the best beaches for watching surfers since they are so close!
Westside Beaches
Polihale Beach
Salt Pond Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park
- Polihale Beach is the longest beach in Hawaii at over 17 miles. It ends rather dramatically at some 2,000ft cliffs that are the start of the Na Pali coast. It's a long drive down a dirt road and a SUV is advised. If you have that drive down to the end and be amazed! This beach is super wide and you'll see trucks out there most days. The swimming is great but be careful as strong surf and waves often pound this shoreline.
Salt Pond Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park
- Located next to native Hawaiian salt fields, this beach is ideal for almost everyone. The nearby reef shelters most of the beach from high surf. It's especially calm on the far right side where the park is located. Young kids can swim here easily. This is one of the top local beaches so please be respectful. This beach is one of the primo sunset viewing beaches on the entire island of Kauai.
Glass Sand Beach
Salt Pond Beach Park
Glass Sand Beach
- Nothing special about this beach except the sand is blended with many of colors of tiny glass pieces. The ocean has smoothed out the sharp points so you won't cut yourself. These pieces are here because it used be a trash dump.
North Shore Beaches
Hanalei Beach
Hanalei Beach
Hanalei Beach
- The iconic Hanalei Beach. When you think of Hawaii, this crescent shaped beach background of giant green mountains with waterfalls tumbling down is what we think of. We like hanging out at the pier but pick any location with public access if it's too crowded. The waters are generally safe for swimming with no rocks to speak of. No good snorkeling here but everything else is epic.
Anini Beach
Hanalei Beach
Hanalei Beach
- This is a great safe beach for human beings of all walks of life. A giant reef shelters the beach from rough seas and the swimming is like being in a pool on most days. This a great to snorkel or try a couple other watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. It's busy but there is ample parking everywhere and rest assured you'll find a good place to set up your beach chairs
Ke'e Beach
Hanalei Beach
Ke'e Beach
- Located at the end of the road in north shore. This beach has a nice lagoon to swim in and showcases fantastic views of Na Pali. In fact, the trailhead is nearby if you want to check it out. Decent snorkeling at this beach and it makes for a good walk in either direction if you wanna do some beach combing
South Shore Beaches
Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park
- Poipu Beach Park is perfect for kids and adults. A calm lagoon is nice for the first time snorkeler. Monk Seals and Sea Turtles often come to rest at this beach so be on the lookout. There are restaurants and a small general store close by in case you forget anything.
Shipwrecks Beach
Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park
- Parking sucks but this is wonderful beach to check out. It's located next to the Grand Hyatt and there is an epic hiking trail close by that provide some nice views. The waves can be rough here so be careful when venturing out to the water.
Kukui'ula Harbor
Poipu Beach Park
Kukui'ula Harbor
- This little bay has a small beach with calm waters. It's good for calm snorkeling and you might witness turtle or two. If there is no room on the sand there is lawn area open to the public. The grass is spongy and you barely need a towel to lie down.