12 Best Beaches on Kauai, Hawaii

Google Maps
Facilities: None at the beach, but bathrooms, showers and picnic tables are at the trailhead
Lifeguards: No
Activities: Hiking and picnicking on the beach. Swimming is NOT recommended!

One of the best beaches on Kauai, and a must-see in our opinion, is Hanakāpīʻai Beach, located in Hāʻena State Park. However, there is a lot to know before you go, which we’re covering below!

You must hike to get to it

To get here, you have to hike part of the Kalalau Trail! This is one of the best hikes on the island, taking you along the Na Pali Coast. The entire hike is a 22 mile round trip hike and is done as a multi day camping trip. But to get to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, it’s only about 4 miles round trip. You can also continue the adventure by hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Falls (8 miles round trip)!

However, if you plan to hike or camp beyond Hanakāpīʻai Beach or Hanakāpīʻai Falls, you will need a wilderness permit, in addition to buying an overnight parking permit. These are available 90 days in advance and do sell out!

Reservations are required 

You need a reservation to visit Hāʻena State Park for the day hike portions mentioned above (Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Falls). These permits are available up to 30 days in advance and must be purchased at least 1 day before you visit. However, these sell out, so get them early!

The pricing for the reservation depends on how you get to the state park. You can either park at the state park itself (parking is limited!), take a shuttle from Hanalei or Princeville, or Uber/walk in.

Google Maps
Facilities: Bathrooms and showers
Lifeguards: Yes
Activities: Swimming, kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding

Another one of the best beaches on Kauai’s North Shore is Hanalei Bay. This bay is actually home to two beaches, Hanalei Beach and Black Pot Beach, which sit right next to each other in this crescent shaped cove.

This is a great spot for any visitor because it’s easy to get to and has ample free parking! We especially love this beach since there are beautiful mountains in the distance and a pier that jets out into the water. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset!

The small town of Hanalei is also super close by and has many food options to bring with you to the beach for a picnic.

Want a more active beach visit? There’s a river that connects to the ocean right at Black Pot Beach and is a great place to go kayaking! Book a kayaking tour for rentals and a guide, it’s a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on Kauai.

Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Join Tripadvisor Rewards to earn 5% Trip Cash on any hotel or experience booking made in their app, which can be applied to future in-app bookings!

Google Maps
Facilities: There are bathrooms and showers at nearby Ha’ena Beach Park 
Lifeguards: No
Activities: Swimming and snorkeling

Tunnels Beach is a gorgeous, secluded beach (although not a secret by any means) located right by Ha’ena Beach Park. The views of the green, rugged cliffs are jaw dropping and it’s a great spot to snorkel if the water is calm. Plus, there’s tons of trees providing shade!

We parked at Ha’ena Beach Park and walked to the beach from there. It’s not a bad walk along the beach, but during our visit the sand was crazy hot, so our feet were burning a bit during the walk.

The parking lot fills up early, so try to arrive before 9 AM if you can! You can also take the North Shore Shuttle, which costs $15/person (for a reservation) if you do not want to deal with parking.

Google Maps
Facilities: None
Lifeguards: No
Activities: Swimming and snorkeling

Want a more adventurous beach experience? Make the steep hike down to Hideaway Beach! This beach is absolutely gorgeous and getting down to it is half the fun. 

But first, you will need to find parking. There is a very small parking lot to park at (you may have to be patient), but we hear you can also valet at the Princeville Resort and then walk to the parking lot. Just beware, this is pricey, but you can get it validated by buying something at the resort’s cafe or restaurant.

At the parking lot there is an entrance to a trail, which is full of roots, mud, and even ropes to help you down. But once you get down, you’ll be treated to clear, blue water and a nice smaller beach to enjoy! There’s a great chance you can spot sea turtles in the water as well, so bring your snorkel gear.

Google Maps
Facilities: None
Lifeguards: No
Activities: Hiking

Tucked between Kilauea Point and Kalihiwai Bay, Secret Beach is not exactly secret anymore, but it still feels wonderfully secluded thanks to the short, steep, and unmarked trail you have to hike down to reach it. (Tip: Wear hiking sandals, like Chacos, because the trail can get muddy!)

While officially known as Kauapea Beach, it’s affectionately called Secret Beach for a reason. t’s much less crowded than most of the other beaches on Kauai, so it’s perfect for those looking for a quiet escape.

Parking is limited here, but since it’s not super busy you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting a spot. The waves can get huge here, and it can be very dangerous to swim. Since there are no lifeguards, we don’t recommend swimming here. 

Google Maps
Facilities: Bathrooms and Showers
Lifeguards: Yes
Activities: Swimming, walking, and biking

Located on Kauai’s East Side near Kapaʻa, this long, golden-sand beach stretches for about half a mile and is a favorite among locals for its strong surf and wide open space. On calm days, you’ll see people swimming and boogie boarding, but when the waves pick up, it’s a popular spot for surfers. Make sure to check conditions before jumping in, since the current can be strong!

But what we love most about Keālia is how easy it is to access. There’s plenty of parking right off Kuhio Highway, restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty, so it’s a great stop even if exploring with kids or just want a quick beach trip. 

Google Maps
Facilities: Bathrooms
Lifeguards: Yes
Activities: Walking, biking, picnicking, and watching the sunrise

Kapa‘a Beach Park is right in the heart of Kapa‘a town, so you can grab a coffee or shave ice nearby (we love Java Kai and Hee Fat General Store) and walk straight over to the sand!

Google Maps
Facilities: Bathrooms, showers, picnic tables and a charcoal grill
Lifeguards: Yes
Activities: Swimming, walking, and biking

Lydgate Beach is another one of the best beaches on Kauai! Located just south of Wailua, this spot has everything you could possibly want for a fun, easy beach day. There’s protected swimming areas, picnic tables, shady trees, and even a playground if you have kids with you. 

The highlight is the enclosed swimming lagoon, created by large boulders that keep out big waves while still letting the ocean water flow through. It’s calm, shallow, and full of colorful fish, making it a perfect place for anyone to safely explore.

There are also lifeguards on duty, restrooms, and plenty of parking. When you need a break from the water, there’s a paved path for walking or biking, and lots of open grassy space for a picnic.

Google Maps
Facilities: Bathrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals and a restaurant
Lifeguards: No
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing

Kalapaki Beach is located right in front of the Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort in Līhu‘e, and just 5 minutes from the Lihue Airport. So you can land in Kauai and be on the sand in no time! It’s super easy to access and protected by Nawiliwili Bay, so the water is almost always calm. This makes it an awesome spot for swimming, paddleboarding, or trying out a surf lesson if you’re new to the waves.

This beach has a relaxed resort vibe without feeling overly crowded. You can rent boards or kayaks right on the beach, grab a bite to eat and Hula Pie from Duke’s, and spend the whole afternoon here. The mountain views across the bay make it one of the prettiest spots on the east side. Whether you’re staying nearby or just passing through, Kalapaki Beach is worth a stop!

Google Maps
Facilities: Bathrooms and showers
Lifeguards: No
Activities: Hiking and relaxing on the beach

Shipwreck Beach, on Kauai’s south shore in Poipu, is a long, wide stretch of sand that sits right in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs and pounding waves. You’ll often see experienced surfers on the waves here, which are so much fun to watch!

But one of our favorite things to do at Shipwreck Beach is hike the Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail, which starts right at the beach and is a beautiful trail that takes you along the coast (and even a golf course)! The trail is 2 miles each way and relatively flat, but rocky, so wear good shoes. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset!

Swimming isn’t recommended because of strong currents, but it’s still an incredible spot to spread out a towel, listen to the crashing waves, and maybe even spot some sea turtles offshore.

Google Maps
Facilities: Bathrooms, showers and pavilions with picnic tables
Lifeguards: Yes
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and wildlife spotting

Poipu Beach is easily one of the best beaches on Kauai and one of our personal favorites!

Poipu Beach is extremely scenic, with golden sand lined with palm trees and bright blue water. It’s the classic beach experience that many people visit Hawaii for! But what makes it a bit unique is its shape. The bay is split into two coves by a cool sandbar, which you can walk out on. There’s a protected swimming area that’s great for kids, calm waters for snorkeling, and even a surf break for beginner surfers. Plus the chance to see wildlife, like monk seals, turtles, and chickens. It really has it all!

However, compared to some of the other best beaches in Kauai, Poipu is a pretty popular tourist beach. There are quite a few condos and hotels nearby, so it will be a bit busier, but we still loved it!

The park has lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground, so you can easily spend the entire day here. Find a good spot on the sand in the morning, walk over to Puka Dog for a lunch break, check out the nearby Spouting Horn, and then head back for sunset (one of the best on the island)!

Google Maps
Facilities: None
Lifeguards: No
Activities: 4×4 driving, walking, and relaxing on the beach

Polihale State Park is the most wild part of Kauai, a stretch of golden sand at the end of a long, bumpy dirt road. It’s the westernmost beach in Hawaii, sitting right where the Na Pali Coast begins, and the views are unreal, with towering cliffs and endless dunes.

Because it’s so remote, Polihale isn’t for everyone. The road to this beach is 5 miles and is very rough, with potholes, plus some driving on sand. You should only attempt it if you have a higher clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive. Some rental car companies prohibit you from driving to this beach because of its rough conditions. So make sure to check in advance and rent a suitable car! 

There are also no lifeguards or amenities, just miles and miles of sand and sea. Swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents, but it’s an incredible place for beachcombing, picnicking, and simply soaking it in. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and an umbrella, as there is NO shade here!

Wear reef safe sunscreen

As of January 2021, you cannot wear sunscreen that includes coral harming chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Not sure if your sunscreen is safe? Here are a few great reef-safe options, including a few that are made right in Hawaii! 

• Kokua Sun Care
• Raw Love
• Thinksport

Respect wildlife

You may encounter wildlife at some of these Kauai beaches, including sea turtles and seals. Make sure to give them plenty of space and DO not try to touch them!

Not all beaches have lifeguards

If you’re not a strong ocean swimmer, you may want to stick to beaches with lifeguards. Or choose a beach with calmer waters. Just to be safe! 

Check the beach conditions

You can check the conditions of the beaches on Kauai on Hawaii Beach Safety. Including surf and wind reports, as well as safety information. Make sure to listen to the flags on the beach (if applicable)! 

Keep an eye on your belongings

A common question we have gotten on some of our Hawaii videos is “what do you do with your personal items when you’re on the beach and in the ocean?”. While Kauai is very safe, there can be car break-ins at the beach parking lots. Here is what we do when visiting beaches in Hawaii:

• We do not leave valuables in the car.
• We typically have a lot of camera gear, but we try to bring the least amount of items possible to the beach.
• Since we aren’t big ocean swimmers, we usually are just on the beach with our items. But if we want to go into the water, we either take turns or stay close to our stuff and keep an eye on it (assuming things feel safe enough). You could also bring a waterproof pouch for your phone to keep it with you!

Want more Kauai tips? Check out our 7 Days on Kauai guide. We share where to stay, when to visit, and how to get around. Plus an itinerary to help you make the most of your time there!