To be honest it’s was hard to pick only 7 beaches, but since we’ve been to Kauai 4 times now somehow we always end up going to mostly these ones.
We hope you will enjoy this photo guide.
1. HIDEAWAY BEACH – One of our ultimate favorite.
This little secluded beach is a true gem in Princeville. Accessed by a very steep path and with its crystal clear water offers good snorkeling during the summer months and sometimes a great surf break along the reef. it’s not suitable for beginner surfers though.
Parking and access to Hideaways can be found just before the gate house of the Princeville St Regis Hotel but keep in mind that it can only fit 8-10 cars. When it’s full we usually wait or loop around and there’s always someone leaving. Totally worth it.
When the surf is flat we like to play some music and enjoy the views.
Best part, there’s hardly any people.
When surf’s on, it’s ON!
2. LARSEN’S BEACH
Honestly, we don’t know is it because we’ve always been there in April-May ( not the high season ) or we are just too lucky but we are mostly always by ourselves there. It’s such an amazing remote and secluded beach that we love going back there every time.
It’s located between Moolaa Bay and Pila’a Beach. You can follow any GPA maps and would lead you to the unpaved road that would come to an end then, a short narrow but easy hike down and you are there. Keep in mind that conditions are simply too deceptive and dangerous sometimes. There are strong currents channeling through the reefs so make sure you use common sense for your safety.
3. KAUAPEA BEACH also known as SECRET BEACH – we love this one.
Located in the North Shore Secret, this beach is know for its size ( one of the longest and widest ), secludedness and unbelievable beauty. There is a road that would lead you there but then you will have a 10-15 minutes hike down to the beach, worth spending at least half of your day there. If the ocean is calm during the summer months you can enjoy swimming but be aware of strong currents that can occur sometimes. In the winter there’s big wave crashing into the shore and surf’s up, not recommending for swimming.
If you get thirsty you can sometimes find fresh coconuts that have just fell from the trees or get creative ( like Mikey likes to do ) find a long stick and try to knock them off, or climb.
Use a rock to brake them open…
… and enjoy the coconut water.
What can we say, we like entertaining ourselves. So why not putting a slack line over the water.
Fun and refreshing after falling.
4. POLIHALE BEACH – an ultimate must visit beach.
Polihale State Park is on the west side of Kauai. Remote wild beach with many sand dunes and it’s accessed via rough, five mile road. One of the longest sand beaches in Kauai, with untouched beauty, extraordinary sunsets but extremely strong currents and dangerous shore break.
Since we usually stay on the North Shore coming to Polihale requires a day. On the way there we like to stop in Kalaheo to grab some lunch and coffee then continue. Make sure you bring beach chairs, umbrella and stay for the sunset, you will be amazed by the colors of the sky.
5. LUMAHAI – Paradise.
One of the most picturesque beach of all. Located again in our favorite North Shore with turquoise water and lava rocks. Unbelievably beautiful but as well can be very dangerous. The steep sand slope creates a strong undertow and powerful waves that break directly on the sand. Enjoy its beauty but always keeping in mind the power of the ocean.
6. HAENA BEACH PARK
Spectacular beach with magnificent view of the Mount Makana ( Bali Hai ), great for swimming and snorkeling but way more crowded. Surfing is good but only for those who are very experienced, long paddle and shallow reefs. You can also camp there ( as we did ) but you will need to purchase a permit in advance.
Back in 2010.
We truly enjoyed camping a night there.
7. MALOA’A BEACH
Don’t miss this secluded beach, a true gem in Kauai. There’s not many people there which we love, maybe due to the limited parking or people just like more popular touristy spots. But for us this beach is a heaven and we can chill all they long.
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