To visit Kauai is to quickly lose yourself in the quiet majesty of the island's lush tropical setting and extraordinary natural heritage. Come, discover the legendary aloha spirit that abounds in this friendly garden island paradise.

North Shore Beach


Anini Beach

'Anini (stunted) Beach Park offers restrooms, showers, tables and barbecue facilities. Camping requires a County permit. About a mile down the road is 'Anini Beach. No one seems to know why the two aren't together in once place.

Hanalei Bay
Famous for its spectacular beauty, Hanalei Bay is a long half-moon of sandy beach carved into the base of a sheer cliff on one side and narrowing into a rocky point on the other. The beach is a great spot for walking or throwing a Frisbee around. At the westernmost curve of the bay, you'll find a calm shoreline where the water is relatively quiet even when most of the north shore is too rough for safe swimming.


Kee Beach
This is a famous movie location and excellent snorkeling area, located at the foot of the Na Pali Coast Trail. Kee Beach appeared in the popular television mini-series, The Thorn Birds. Click here for an additional image.




Lumahai Beach
Between Haena and Hanalei Bay is the most photographed beach on Kauai. Lumahai Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of her hair" in South Pacific.



Honopu Valley
The densely jungled valley of Honopu was thought to be the last home of the Menehune and is often referred to as the "Valley of the Lost Tribe."



The West/South Side Beaches

Polihale State Park
The park has a beautiful 3-mile long beach. However, the ocean here can be dangerous, with a severe shore break and rip currents, but if you drive another 3.4 mile mark along the cane road, where the road curves near a large monkeypod tree. Take the fork to the left and park. Walk north along the beach until you come to a hollow in the coral. This is Queen's Pond. It's usually calm here except when high winter surf comes over the reef.


Kekaha Beach Park
The sunsets from Kekaha Beach Park are spectacular, and the beach itself is beautiful. A great place for picnics and strolling the shore.




Salt Pond Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park is a place where the swimming is usually safe year around. Camping is allowed with a County permit.




Kipu Kai Beach
The majestic "Hoary Head" mountain ridge frames the golden sands of Kipu Kai beach, which is only accessible by boat.

Maha'ulepu Beach
Maha'ulepu Beach is great spot for exploring. There are petroglyphs in the area, and the water is usually calm due to a protective reef and shallow water. The name Maha'ulepu means "falling together," as in two warriors falling in battle.



Shipwreck Beach
For many years this was one of the best "hidden" beaches on Kauai. Today, the sandy, rock-studded beach is still beautiful. But it is no longer hidden. A major resort now borders the beach, which means it's harder to have the beach all to yourself - but easier to find a cool drink when you tire of beachcombing.

Lihue/Kalapaki:


Hanama'ulu Beach Park
about six acres in area with tables, restrooms, barbecue facilities and showers. The surf is gentle and swimming is safe. Camping is allowed with a County permit.




Kalapaki Beach
The white sands and gentle waters of Kalapaki Beach are ideal for sunning, swimming, and sailing. Kalapaki Beach also is the home of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, and Kauai Lagoons--40 acres of freshwater tropical lagoons that serve as a sanctuary for exotic wildlife.



Ninini Beach
It's a good spot for swimming and getting an excellent view of nearby mountain ranges and ships coming in and out of Nawiliwili Harbor



Wailua River State Park
Wailua River State Park ranges over 1,000 acres and includes Lydgate Park, some archeological sites, and a picnic area at the south side of the river.