The best beaches in Kauai: surfing, snorkeling, or relaxing

Napali Coast seen from the doorless helicopter, Kauai

Did you know that the best beaches in Hawaii are on the island of Kauai?

You might find the beach of your dreams here.Which one will it be?

No matter what your hobbies are, the weather, your desire to walk or your mood.

In Kauai you will find the perfect beach for you.

To make your decision easier, I have prepared this comparison table with the best beaches in Kauai.

Do you want to know more about them?

Here I list them by zones. And remember that all of them are marked on the map at the bottom of this page, so you won't miss any of them.

West, the Napali coast

Due to the orography of the island, with its spectacular spectacular Napali Coast separating land and sea, this is the most inaccessible part of Kauai. And its beaches were not going to be less...

Hanakapiai Beach

After covering the first two miles (3.2 km) of the Kalalau Trailyou will find Hanakapiai Beach.

Although it is not necessary to obtain permission to stay overnight to reach it, the access is very complicated. And not only because of the difficulty of the route itself, but also because you will have to cross the Hanakapiai River. Don't you believe it? Take a look at the video we recorded on our adventure on the Kalalau Trailand you'll be amazed.

Currents are very strong in this area. In winter, it is likely that all the sand disappears under the water and you will not even be able to see the beach. Due to these conditions, for safety reasons, bathing is prohibited.

Kalalau Beach

The Kalalau Trail ends at this paradisiacal beach, after 11 miles (17.6 km) of one of the most demanding treks on Kauai.

As a reward for your effort, and with an overnight permit in hand, you can swim here. But don't be too confident, the currents are very dangerous on the west coast of Kauai.

In high season, another alternative to get here is to take a boat.

Polihale Beach

This beautiful beach, with side views to the cliffs of the Napali coast, enjoys one of the best sunsets on the island. However, it has a very complicated access, through an unpaved dirt road, which worsens if it has rained.

Remember that most car rental agencies do not allow driving on this type of road. Moreover, it is not even easy to walk along it, since it is too long and has no shaded areas.

If, despite this, you decide to venture out, drive slowly, keep an eye out for holes in the trail and remember to park away from the sand. Many vehicles get stuck on this beach.

North: Snorkeling and currents

In the north, the weather tends to complicate beach days a little more:

The sea currents are always very strong. Therefore, if you are not an experienced swimmer, I recommend you to swim only where there is a coast guard and always following their safety instructions.
The sea is usually rough. This can be good for surfers, depending on the beach, but not for divers or bathers.
Here it rains more than in the south. As in almost all the islands where I have been (there are some exceptions...), the north is always wetter.

Here are the best beaches you will find north of Kauai.

Ke'e Beach

This small beach is a jewel. It forms the beginning of the Kalalau Trailso you can reach it by car. Of course, the parking spaces, apart from being limited, are mostly in a land full of potholes and holes.

It offers one of the best sunsets on the island. If the waves allow it, it is also a good place to snorkel or spend the day enjoying the sea. Of course, you will have to bring diving equipment with you, as there is no diving store in the area. Be sure to ask the coast guard about the currents before jumping into the water.

Next to the beach there are restrooms, cold showers and a drinking fountain. In addition, it is common to find Hawaii's wild chickens, which will delight animal lovers.

Tunnels Beach

This is among the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai. When the sea is calm, it is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. However, because the reef is very shallow, you should avoid entering the water when there is swell.

It is known for surfing, although this is only suitable for professionals. Forget about learning to surf at Tunnels Beach.

From here you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset. The public baths are located on the west side of the beach, known as Haena Beach Park.

Note: Before reaching Tunnels and Ke'e Beach, you will cross a small creek that crosses the road. Its flow depends on rainfall. Therefore, if it is pouring down and you are not driving a 4×4, opt for a plan B. It will be the best.

Hanalei Bay

This beautiful bay located north of Kauai is an ideal place to spend a relaxing day at the beach. It offers its more than 3 km of length for strolling and a photogenic pier from which you can enjoy the view.

It is a good place for families with children and people who want to learn or practice surfing, bodyboarding or SUP (Stand-up Paddle), thanks to the protection provided by the semicircular shape of this beach. You will also find public restrooms and several watchtowers.

Pali Ke Kua Beach

I did not see with my own eyes this small almost secret beach. And I say almost because, if I found it on the internet before arriving in Kauai, it means that many already know of its existence.

It is descended by a steep path and, they say, not suitable for the elderly or people with mobility problems. I can imagine something like the descent to the Queen's Bathwhich is not far away, and I don't feel like going to see it. Especially having Ke'e, Tunnels or the next one, Anini Beach, in the same area. And that's exactly the reason why I didn't go to visit it.

However, the difficulty to reach it means less concentration of swimmers. If you want to enjoy the beach almost all to yourself and discover one of the best snorkels on the island, give it a try. However, be very careful with the strong currents that exist in this area.

Anini Beach

This beach lacks a coast guard but does have restrooms and even picnic tables. It is a beautiful stretch of white sand that stretches in front of one of the most beautiful and accessible coral reefs on Kauai.

The currents are usually strong, although the reef protects the coast from the swell. Therefore, it is ideal for confident divers. However, if you do not have much experience snorkeling or the sea is too rough, I recommend choosing a beach where there are lifeguard teams that can look after your safety.

It is also famous among windsurfers and kite surfers, as the reef provides a shallow calm in the water that simulates lake conditions.

Secret Beach

Don't let the name fool you, it's no secret to anyone. This beach, originally named Kauapea Beach, has a complicated access through a dirt road, so it receives fewer visitors than others in the area.

Although I did not see it with my own eyes, they say it is as beautiful as it is dangerous.

It does not offer snorkeling, but surfing and bodyboarding. However, it is only suitable for very experienced people, as the currents are very strong.

South, relaxation and sunsets

Although Kauai's beaches are characterized by a humid tropical climate, there is somewhat less rainfall in the south of the island than in the north, and the sea is generally calmer.

These are some of the best beaches you'll find in South Kauai:

Mahaulepu Beach

This beach has a complicated access. It is reached by an unpaved road, which is therefore off-limits to most car rental companies.

On the other hand, you can also reach it on foot, through the Mahaulepu Heritage trailan easy trail that runs along the coast from Shipwrecks Beach to Mahaulepu Beach.

It is very windy, so it is well known among windsurfers. However, due to the strong currents, it is only recommended for experienced sportsmen. At the northwest end of the beach, when conditions are very favorable, there is the possibility of snorkeling and sometimes even to see Hawaiian seals resting on the sand.

If you are lucky enough to see them, remember, it is forbidden to approach these seals at a distance of less than 30 meters.

This rule is not there to make your life more difficult, but for their sake. When a seal comes to the sand, it is there to rest. If you disturb that moment, you will force it to return to the sea prematurely. In addition to decreasing her chances of feeding and surviving predators, you will be teaching her that the beach is not safe for her, so she may not return. On behalf of everyone, thank you for respecting them.

We hiked the Mahaulepe Heritage Trail on a day that was not suitable to enjoy Mahaulepu Beach as it deserved. Take a look at the post I wrote about our experience on the Mahaulepe Trail and you will understand why I say this.

Shipwrecks Beach

A good beach for surfing and body-boarding; yes, not suitable for beginners. The waves are usually very strong, as well as the currents.

It is located in front of the Grand Hyatt Resortbut thanks to a Hawaiian law that applies throughout the archipelago, it is not the private property of the establishment. You will find free parking next to it, public restrooms and showers.

It forms the starting point of the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail.

Poipu Beach

This beach is very comfortable. It has toilets, a coast guard and a good and safe snorkeling area. It does not suffer from strong currents, although the surfing area is only suitable for experienced surfers. It is also an ideal place to enjoy the sunset.

All these characteristics, together with the fact that the weather is usually more benevolent than in the north, make Poipu one of the most crowded beaches on the island in high season.

We even saw a green turtle resting on the shore of this beach. By the way, with turtles, behave the same way as with seals. Don't get too close to them, let them rest in peace. Use the zoom of your camera to enjoy the details.

East, wind and surf

Because I don't surf, the beaches on the east side of the island were not the ones that caught my attention the most during our trip to Kauai.

But, hey!

To each his own, you can have different colors, don't you think?

So, if you want to surf or learn to surf, take a look at the following:

Kealia beach

When the wind is not too strong, it is a good beach to learn to surf. However, during very rough sea states, if you are not almost professional, it is better to stay out of the water. Due to the strong currents, it is preferable to talk to the coast guard before launching.

It has restrooms, picnic area, and easy parking.

Wailua beach

This beach is suitable only for experienced surfers. If this is not your case, better stay away from it. It has no services or coast guard, and has a very limited parking area next to the road.

Kalapaki Beach

This beach is perfect for families with children, swimmers and anyone who wants to learn to surf or bodyboard, thanks to the fact that it is protected by a small harbor or natural bay.

It has restrooms and a large parking area, but lacks security.

Tips

One of the great beauties of Kauai's beaches is that, in most of them, you won't find big buildings, beach bars or souvenir stores.

In the best beaches of Kauai you will enjoy nature in its purest form.

Therefore, remember to bring the essentials:

Water.
Food.
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat...
Equipment for the activities you have planned: snorkeling, surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing...

And if you need to cross a more or less long trail to get to the beach, don't forget to wear good hiking boots to walk safely. In these cases, you can leave your cholas at home!

Conclusion

My favorite beach on Kauai?

Anini, for its beauty and for how much I enjoyed snorkeling and diving among turtles.

And you, what do you value in a beach?

Water sports: surfing, windsurfing...
Underwater sports: snorkeling, scuba diving...
A tongue of white sand, the longer the better.
Unforgettable sunsets.
Avoid crowds.
Coast Guard and services.
…

There is something for everyone, you choose! Don't hesitate and tell me which one is your favorite in the comments.

And, once on the island, don't even think of leaving without visiting the Napali Coast, either by sea or flying over Kauai by helicopter .

You can also enjoy it from one of the treks that start from Kokee Road, in the heart of Waimea Canyon, such as the Awaawapuhi trail.

I'll be honest: Kauai is not to be missed.

Wherever you go, wherever you look, you will fall in love with the landscape around you.

And if you are one of the more adventurous ones, will you dare with the Kalalau Trail? Let me know...

Also, if you are looking for inspiration, take a look at my Kauai roadmap, the trip we made step by step. And don't forget to check out the tips to prepare your own trip to this beautiful Hawaiian island.

Do you want to know another island of Hawaii? Take a look at our experience in Maui:

Useful Links

Online site to apply for a camping permit along the Napali Trail.
All the beaches of Kauai, in English.
Booking offers in Kauai.
ESTA application.
International flight deals to Hawaii: Trabber, eDreams, andMomondo.
Get 5% off your IATI travel insurance.

The best beaches in Kauai: surfing, snorkeling, or relaxing—which do you prefer?