Known as the ‘Garden Island’, this slice of paradise is blessed with epic cliffs, forests, and, of course, some of the best beaches in Kauai.
When it comes to idyllic beach vacations, you’d be hard-pressed to find the level of picturesque beaches on offer here. This unspoiled, sandy coastline offers a variety of Kauai’s best beaches to suit every type of traveler.
More resources to plan your trip to Kauai
- Top Beaches in Kauai for Snorkeling
- Neighborhood Guide – Places to stay in Kauai
- How to plan Kauai in 3 days
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Kauai’s Best Beaches On The Island
When it comes to planning a day at the beach, Kauai offers a wide variety of beach experiences. What’s interesting about beaches is that they’re used for a variety of activities including surfing, snorkeling, swimming, or just sunbathing on the sand.
That’s why there are so many approaches to a best beach in Kauai type of list and since we’ve already broken down the top ones for snorkeling on Kauai, this list is a bit broader and meant to be a compilation of the best overall.
To make it easier for you to plan your beach vacation and where to stay on Kauai, we’ve grouped the best beaches by their location on the island.
Map of Kauai’s Best Beaches
This map is the easiest way to figure out where Kauai’s best beaches are in reference to where you might be staying and on what part of the island.
When you’re in Kauai, you’ll learn quickly that it is not that quick to get from one island to the other so there is a bit of strategic planning involved.
TIP: To use this map, you can interact with it above and you can also maximize the map so you can make a copy onto your own account so you can layer it into your own trip planning.
North Shore
Kauai’s dramatic North Shore is characterized by rugged sea cliffs, mountains, and lush valleys. In addition, you’ll find some of Kauai’s best beaches here.
One thing that’s worth noting is that due to the strong winds coming in from the north in the winter, the water conditions can be more rough with large swells. That’s why in general, swimming in North Shore beaches are not recommended during the winter season.
Read next: Things you can do in Kauai in 3 days
Hanalei Beach
This two-mile stretch of beach is one of the most popular on the island – and for good reason. The landscape here is exceptional. With a backdrop of towering mountains, Hanalei Bay is set between two rivers and offers a fine sandy beach.
There are two gorgeous coral reefs offshore at Hanalei Beach, making this also a great beach in Kauai for snorkeling. There’s also a lifeguard on duty here so it’s great for swimming. Deeper in Hanalei Bay, you’ll also see that this is popular for surfing as well.
Some will find the beach a bit rustic and he crowd can be quite varied but there’s plenty of space to find your own spot in the sand.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: April to October. Not recommended in the winter.
Facilities: Bathrooms and outdoor showers at Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. There are only portable toilets by the pier.
Lifeguard: Yes
Parking: There is a small parking lot at Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park. There is also another lot at Hanalei Pier which is officially Black Pot Beach but the sand connects with Hanalei Beach. This gives you another option but is a mixed bag of those launching boats and beach go-ers. For both lots, you’ll want to arrive early to get a spot. There are certainly more spots at the pier-side.
Great for: Boogie boarding, surfing, and swimming (only during calm waters).
Why this is a great beach: Incredible views of the Na Pali mountains, the town is walking distance, and the area is quite calm and relaxing. The water here can be more calm than other beaches in the summer season.
Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach)
If you don’t mind the steep 10-minute walk to reach this paradise, you’ll be richly rewarded. If you have mobility issues or are lugging a bunch of gear, this beach isn’t recommended.
Once you make it down to Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach), you’ll find a long golden, sandy shore with the occasional rocky outcrop. It’s a serene and remote setting to enjoy a day on the beach.
That said, it’s not the safe for swimming due to some pretty strong and dangerous currents so be careful out here but you’ll absolutely love how tranquil it is here.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t categorized as a nude beach but you may find one or two people on the far corners of the beach.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: May to September. Not recommended in the winter.
Facilities: None
Lifeguard: No
Parking: At the end of Secret Beach Road is essentially a cul-de-sac beside two private homes and at this point, it’s pretty much free-for-all parking on the side of the road or the pseudo parking lot.
Tips: When wet, the path down through the trees can be slippery. You’ll need good shoes for this so pick up a pair of Keen Newport H2’s.
Great for: Relaxing on the beach, sunbathing, and picnic.
Why this is a great beach: While not quite as secret as it sounds, it’s still a favourite for many because of how quiet it is compared to other parts of the island. It has great views of the Kilauea Lighthouse perched on the right side. If you’re willing to work and plan for this beach, you can really make a full day out of it.
Tunnels Beach
If you’re up for a day of water sports, Tunnels Beach should be high on your list. The conditions here are great for intermediate and advanced surfers, as well as kite and windsurfers. On calm days, the waters here offer great snorkeling and scuba diving to see the large reefs.
Swimmers are protected by a lifeguard and there are picnic tables near the beach, so this is a great Kauai beach for families.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: April to October. Not recommended in the winter.
Facilities: None. Restrooms and showers can be found at Haena Beach Park.
Lifeguard: None
Parking: Easiest to park at Haena Beach Park but there are some small access roads off of Kuhio Highway where you can park off to the side but it is extremely limited.
Great for: Relaxing on the beach, swimming, surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving
Why this is a great beach: Wide open spaces of sand with excellent views of the start of the Na Pali Coast, reef, and surf break away from shore.
WHAT ABOUT THE BEST SNORKELING?
If you’re looking for the best beaches to go snorkelling?
Haena Beach
Haena Beach is a feast for the eyes. From the sparkling waters, dazzling white sands, and the iconic Mount Makana in the background.
The beach is connected and adjacent to the above Tunnels Beach so you can easily combine the two especially since the parking is easiest at Haena Beach Park.
This is also one of the best beaches in Kauai for swimming and snorkeling. The winters can see the waves getting a bit rough, which is great for surfers, but not so great for swimmers.
This beach has great facilities, including restrooms and lifeguards, which makes this a great option for families.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: April to October. Swimming isn’t recommended in the winter.
Facilities: Restrooms and showers.
Lifeguard: Yes
Parking: There is a parking lot with a decent number of spots at Haena Beach Park which is located between Mile Marker 8 and 9 on HWY 60. There are roughly 35 spots here. If this is full, there are a few side of the road spots past the beach at Mile Marker 9.
Tips: Don’t confuse this with Haena State Park which is where you go for Ke’e Beach and the Kalalau Trail. This beach does not require state park reservations.
Great for: Relaxing on the beach, swimming, surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Why this is a great beach: Gorgeous views of the mountains, clear waters, sandy beach, and snorkeling.
South Shore
If you’re looking for the best Kauai swimming beaches, the south of the island is for you. The sunny southern region of the island offers great beaches which are also visited by local wildlife, including sea turtles, monk seals, and, during the winter months, humpback whales and dolphins.
Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach is arguably one of Kauai’s best beaches for families. The waters here are protected by offshore rocks and reefs, making swimming here great for small children. Many people love to come snorkeling here as well.
The beach in reality is split into two parts. With a narrow dividing strip of sand into the water called a tombola that reaches out to a small island, you end up having two halves of the beach on each side.
This is one of the top beaches in Kauai and can get very busy. In addition, beachgoers need to share the sands with napping monk seals which is always a treat to see.
Unfortunately, during the summer months, the area can experience bigger swells making conditions a bit dangerous.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round but even better in the winter.
Facilities: Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, pavilions, showers, and bbq.
Lifeguard: Yes
Parking: There is ample parking across the street in a large lot from the beach.
Tips: The snorkel area isn’t the largest here. You’ll want to either follow the tombolo side and about 1/4 length into the bay. The other area to explore is the right side of the bay. The reef rock can also be quite close to the beach so wear water shoes if you’re worried or enter in from the beach side.
Great for: Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and playing in the sand.
Why this is a great beach: You’ll love the unique sand bar island that you’ll find on the beach. It’s overall great for families with the large stretch of sand, snorkel opportunities, facilities, and lifeguard. Since monk seals love it too, we think you’ll have a great time at this beach if you find yourself in the South Shore.
Brennecke’s Beach
Next to Poipu Beach, Brennecke’s Beach is the best Kauai beach for bodyboarders and body surfers. While the scenery here is much the same as its neighbor, the waves are bigger and better.
This is a popular beach with locals and tourists, so it can get busy. There’s a great restaurant near the beach where you can enjoy local seafood for lunch and dinner.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: The beach is good all year round but waves can be a bit rougher in the winter.
Facilities: Showers and bathrooms.
Lifeguard: No
Parking: Parking is limited here with a side-of-the-road lot that can fill up quite quickly on the weekend.
Tips: The volcanic coastline means that if you plan on walking on any of them, make sure you have water shoes or a quality sandal.
Great for: Boogie boarding, surfing, and swimming (when the water is calm).
Why this is a great beach: If you like the scenery by Poipu but looking for a smaller crowd, this is a great alternative. It’s also quite excellent for boogie boarding because the break is a little further out. While the sandy beach is small, it’s still a great spot to people watch, relax, and watch the sunset.
Shipwreck Beach
Another one of the best South Shore beaches is Shipwreck Beach, a popular spot with surfers and bodysurfers. Of course, because of these towering waves, swimming isn’t great here. There’s a tall cliff to the left of the beach and you’ll see people jumping off there into the ocean.
This beach got its name from an old wooden ship that sunk here but is now long gone.
This is a great beach for taking in a blazing sunset, sunbathing, or setting out on the meandering Mahaulepu Heritage Trail – a great combination to the beach that is an incredible scenic hike that follows the jagged coastline.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: The beach is good all year round but the strong currents and high surf means you have to be careful swimming here.
Facilities: Showers and bathrooms.
Lifeguard: No
Parking: There’s a small parking lot at the end of Ainakoa Street. When this is full, you’ll see people park on the side of the road. You can also free self-park at the adjacent Grand Hyatt Kauai.
Tips: The volcanic coastline means that if you plan on walking on any of them, make sure you have water shoes or a quality sandal.
Great for: Boogie boarding, surfing, and cliff jumping.
Why this is a great beach: While swimming isn’t recommended here, this is a superb sandy beach for beachgoers. Here, you’re treated to a show of kids jumping off the cliff, the views of the bay, beautiful sunsets, access to an amazing hiking trail, and the facilities of the Grand Hyatt.
Gillin’s Beach
Along the Mahaulepu Trail, you’ll find this isolated beach with exceptional beauty. With rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and lava landscapes, Gillin’s Beach also offers white sand and dunes.
You can access this beach by doing the 5 mile hike starting from Shipwreck Beach or you can drive the dirt road to get here.
A popular sight in the area that most people don’t get to see is the Makauwahi Cave Preserve and if you’d prefer to do a guided experience, there’s a private tour the caves and giant tortoises that you should consider.
The waters here are a bit wilder and when you arrive, you’ll see signs that say “High bacteria levels found in ocean and stream. Contact with water may cause illness”. As a result, you should not swim here and this is due to the potential run off from a nearby dairy farm.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: It’s good all year round. Swimming is not recommended at anytime.
Facilities: None
Lifeguard: No
Parking: From the Grand Hyatt, you take Poipu Road which eventually becomes a dirt road. When you reach its end, make a right and this takes you to the Gillin’s Beach parking lot. You’ll have to drive slowly but a 4×4 is not mandatory.
Tips: Google Maps might try to take you a different way to the beach. Ignore this and start from Poipu Road.
Great for: Picnic, and beach lounging.
Why this is a great beach: This is the kind of beach where there’s a nice payoff after a long hike along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail or if you’re driving here, a slice of paradise that very few get to see.
Where To Stay in Kauai?
Need recommendations on what area to stay on the island and which hotels and rentals you should look into?
West Side
The dryer west coast of the island offers a rustic underdeveloped feel, with great stretches of uninhabited coastline. This side of the island is well known for offering exceptional natural beauty, with a few great beaches too.
Polihale State Park
Picture 17 miles of glittering white sand and rolling dunes. This wild and untouched beach is on one of the longest beaches in Hawaii, even though much of the beach forms part of a military base and isn’t accessible.
To get here is a bit of an adventure. The West Side of Kauai is much more rugged and under developed and so you’ll feel like you’re driving through a mirage of a flat desert. Once you pass by the Pacific Missile Range Facility, you’ll reach the Polihale State Park. Be warned though that the road there is quite bumpy and a 4×4 is recommended.
Another way to see this area is by a Na Pali Coast kayak tour which uses this beach as a stop.
Picnic tables, restrooms, and showers are available here, however, bring an umbrella as shade is scarce. Swimmers need to be careful as currents here can be tricky, and there’s no lifeguard on duty.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: April – November. The surf can be rough in the winter so swimming is not recommended at that time.
Facilities: Showers and bathrooms.
Lifeguard: No
Parking: There is a large parking area by the beach. Do not park on the sand.
Tips: The road to this beach is not easy and many cars have gotten stuck along the way. Off-roading experience is required and while regular sedans have made it here, many have also gotten stuck. The problem is that cell signal is next to none here and if you look closely at your car rental contract, the road to Polihale State Park may be explicitly called out as being restricted. If you do attempt this, make sure you have a 4×4, drive slowly, and do not park on the sand dunes. Even if you have a service such as AAA, you will be passed along to an independent contractor in the area who may charge $1500.
Great for: Watching the sunset, swimming, snorkeling, and beach lounging.
Why this is a great beach: Locals know about this beach but for most, it’s too much work to get here so you end up with a beach that’s absolutely gorgeous and quiet as well.
Kekaha Beach Park
On the same gorgeous stretch of white sand as Polihale, Kekaha Beach is a great place to enjoy a sunset picnic in a secluded spot.
This beach is popular with surfers and local fishermen, and it offers a great beach experience with picnic areas, restrooms, and other public facilities.
Often uncrowded, the long beach on the less-travelled side of the island provides a great getaway but be mindful of the surf and wind if you plan on swimming here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: April – November. The surf can be rough in the winter so swimming is not recommended at that time.
Facilities: Bathrooms, picnic tables, and shower near the lifeguard station.
Lifeguard: Yes
Parking: There is decent amount of side-of-the-road parking for the park.
Tips: There is a sign here for “Mac Arthur Park” which is the same area so don’t be confused if you see it.
Great for: Boogie boarding, surfing, swimming, picnics, and beach lounging.
Why this is a great beach: A spacious sandy beach that those in-the-know love. The water can be rough at times but with a lifeguard there, it’s certainly suitable for swimming when the water is calmer.
East Side
The east coast is blanketed in groves of coconut palms, resulting in it being referred to as the Royal Coconut Coast. This is the more populated side of the island, with loads of attractions and some of Kauai’s best beaches.
Kalapaki Beach
Boogie boarding, stand-up paddling, swimming, and beginner surfing are great at Kalapaki Beach. The reason for this is that the beach is protected by a break wall that ensures the waters are well protected.
This beautiful beach is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach, a game of beach volleyball, or a leisurely picnic. Restrooms, gear rentals, and a variety of shops and accommodations line the shore.
The beach is shared with the Marriott Kauai Beach Club but the left third of the beach is friendly to the public where you can set up anywhere. Kalapaki is also very close to the cruise port.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round
Facilities: Bathrooms, picnic tables, and shower near the lifeguard station.
Lifeguard: Yes
Parking: There is plenty of parking in the entire area especially near shopping plazas but many prefer to park at Duke’s restaurant for free if you come early. There is also a Kalapaki Beach Access parking lot but it’s unmaintained and bumpy. To get here, turn off from Rice Road to a rough road between a surf shop and the Nawiliwili Tavern. Take it to the end to arrive at the lot.
Great for: Surfing, swimming, padleboarding, sunbathing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Why this is a great beach: A friendly beach for all that has awesome sand and friendly waters while also being close to civilization with the Marriott nearby, water sport rentals, and a number of restaurants and facilities.
Lydgate Beach
Another contender for the Best Beach in Kauai for Families title, Lydgate Beach Park has a number of small ponds and pools that are frequently visited by curious reef fish. These ponds are great for young swimmers and beginner snorkelers.
Families can enjoy protected swimming in the lagoon under the watchful eye of a lifeguard. There’s also a playground nearby and a lovely coastal trail to explore.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round as it is fully protected.
Facilities: Picnic benches, bathrooms, and showers.
Lifeguard: Yes
Parking: There’s plenty of parking at the park.
Great for: Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Why this is a great beach: The star attraction is the man-made pond that’s perfect for kids learning how to swim or want to try snorkeling. It’s a great family-friendly atmosphere.
Wailua Beach
Just north of Lydgate Beach is a long crescent-shaped that’s simply quite peaceful, calm, and breezy.
Local surfers, bodyboarders, and kiteboarders flock to Wailua Beach, which only illustrates how good the waves and wind are here. The currents here are strong and deceptive, which means beginners should stay out of the water.
While the winds can get gusty here, there are also days of relative calm where you can go swimming so it really depends on the weather. Winter if of course a bit rougher than other parts of the year.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round. The wind and surf can be rough in the winter so swimming is not recommended at that time.
Facilities: Picnic tables, shelter, and restrooms
Lifeguard: No
Parking: There is a parking lot specific for this beach right past the bridge when driving north.
Great for: Boogie boarding, kite-boarding, surfing, swimming, and beach lounging.
Why this is a great beach: A long and side stretch of beach in a central part of the East Side of Kauai that’s easy to access and is a great option for sunbathing and relaxing.
Kapaa Beach Park / Fuji Beach
These two beaches are separated by a canal, each offering a distinct vibe. It’s more of an urban type of park where there’s a boardwalk that runs through flanked by tall palm trees. Behind, Kuhio Highway is not far away which means you have access to shops and restaurants.
Kapaa Beach is a great spot to do some fishing, while Fuji Beach offers great swimming shielded by a rock wall. Enjoy a long walk or scenic bike ride along the beach path or try some yoga on the beach.
Sometimes you’ll find a bit of driftwood carried onto the beach by the trade winds but the sand quality here is excellent and an overall great beach to sunbathe, picnic, and hangout.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round with rougher water conditions in the winter.
Facilities: Picnic tables and bathroom
Lifeguard: No
Parking: There’s plenty of parking for Kapaa Beach that can be accessed from Niu Street.
Tip: Grab poke nearby and bring your food to the beach for a picnic
Great for: Beach lounging, boardwalk walking, biking
Why this is a great beach: This is certainly a simple beach but for those that are in Kapa’a, Wailua, or Lihue, you’ll enjoy walks on the beach, sunbathing, and proximity to businesses nearby.
Kealia Beach
Kealia Beach offers a varied experience. Golden sands and a great surf break are watched by a lifeguard. Rocky outcrops towards the north end offer a protected swimming area.
Outside of this protected spot, the wind swell can be intense and the currents quite strong. In the winter months, this makes for excellent surfing. Whale watching is also great during the winter months.
If you head to the north end of the beach, you’ll find the rocks protect the water a bit more, making it less rough and better for swimming.
From Kealia Beach is the Kauai Path which we recommend combining which is a great coastal hike that’s 8 miles starting from the north of Kapa’a.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round. The wind and surf can be rough in the winter so swimming is not recommended at that time. Follow what the lifeguard is allowing.
Facilities: Bathroom, showers, and picnic tables.
Lifeguard: Yes
Parking: There is plenty of parking at the lot the runs parallel to the beach. This is a dirt lot so be careful with the pot holes.
Great for: Surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, and whale watching.
Why this is a great beach: A hidden gem on the East Side of Kauai with a huge stretch of beach that isn’t too busy and great for a range of beach activities. This is great for couples, families, and singles.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time for beaches are in the shoulder season where the North Shore beaches are accessible and the rougher waters in the South Shore haven’t kicked in for the summer. If you had to pick, May-June and September to October are the absolute best times.
The most scenic beaches or on the North Shore especially those that have a view of the mountains. That said, the water conditions and fairer weather can be found on the South Shore which makes those beaches better all around.
Common sense and a general precaution is required when swimming in Kauai. Sign posts and lifeguards are there for a reason so respect them when you see them. Overall, waters are rough in the winter on the North Shore so be careful there. In general, if the water looks beyond your abilities, stay on the beach.
Jellyfish stings are most common 8 days after a full moon on south facing beaches. In Kauai, there are warning signs at Poipu Beach and Salt Pond Beach.
The chances of shark attacks are low but they have happened. What you need to know is that these shark attacks are typically are 300 yards away from shore so if you’re swimming by the beach, the chances are very low. To get a sense of how many shark sightings there are, make sure to look at the incident list.
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