Your next Kauai vacation promises to be full of fun outdoor activities, delicious local food, fascinating history, and so much more. But no vacation to Hawaii would be complete without spending plenty of time on the beach! During your stay in one of our Kauai rentals, you’re going to want to know all the inside scoop on the best beaches of the island. We’ve got it all right here! This is your complete list of every single one of the incredible Kauai beaches.
Kauai Beaches
Kauai as a whole has 50 miles of gorgeous shoreline for you to explore, and you can get an absolutely breathtaking view no matter which side of the island you’re on. Some beaches are better for relaxing on the sands and watching the waves roll in; others offer exciting opportunities for watersports and whale watching. It all just depends on what you want to get out of your vacation! All in all, Kauai has 19 beaches for visitors to enjoy.
North Shore
Often considered the best beach in Kauai, Hanalei Beach Park is popular for surfing (for all skill levels) in the wintertime and swimming or playing in the sands in the summer. Boogie boarding and kayaking are popular activities here as well. Amenities include lifeguards, restrooms, picnic areas, and an outdoor shower.
Puu Poa Beach offers good swimming and snorkeling opportunities with a stunning backdrop of the Kauai mountains. There are no facilities or lifeguards, so visit at your own risk. This beach is located at the end of Ka Haku Road with access near the Princeville Hotel’s gatehouse.
Lumaha’i Beach actually encompasses both Lumaha’i Beach and Kahalahala Beach. This beach is only recommended for strong swimmers. Most people come here to swim in the summer but the conditions are extremely dangerous in the winter months and should be avoided. There are no lifeguards or facilities.
Makua “Tunnels” Beach is considered the best place for snorkeling and scuba diving in North Kauai. The coral reef here is so large, it can be viewed from space! This beach is located across from Mile Marker 8 on Highway 560, headed east toward Ha’ena (just don’t park on the street).
Kalihiwai Beach is good for swimming during the summer months, though conditions can be very dangerous in the winter season. This beach is located on Kalihiwai Road before Mile Marker 24. No lifeguards or facilities are present here.
Anini Beach is great for windsurfing, diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and is even one of the most popular Kauai beaches for weddings!. This is a gorgeous 2-mile beach with tons of beautiful reefs. There is no lifeguard, but restrooms and showers are available.
Ke’e Beach is the starting location of the island’s famous NaPali Coast. This destination is popular for families and snorkelers. Restrooms and showers are available, and a lifeguard is on duty. Take Highway 560 east past Haena to get here.
Pali Ke Kua (Hideaways) Beach is a hidden gem that can be reached by hiking down the hill near the St. Regis Hotel in Princeville. It is popular for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling (for experienced snorkelers). No lifeguards or facilities are present.
Ha’ena Beach Park is one of the most popular North Shore beaches, great for surfing (only recommended for advanced surfers). There is a lifeguard on duty, and facilities include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. This beach is on Highway 560 West near Mile Marker 9.
East Shore
Lydgate Beach is incredibly popular with families and offers tons of amenities like an enclosed rock pool for children, a nearby playground, restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and hiking near the nearby Wailua River. This beach is located on Leho Drive.
Kealia Beach is great for experienced boogie boarders and surfers, as well as sunbathers and swimmers. There are facilities with bathrooms and showers here as well as lifeguards on duty. This beach is located near Mile Marker 10 on Highway 56 North.
Anahola Beach is popular for swimming, paddling, and sunbathing. Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are all present as well as a lifeguard on the south end of the bay. There are multiple access points along Anahola Road.
Nukolii Beach is a typically calm (read: less crowded) spot near the Wailua Golf Course. There is no lifeguard or facilities, but visitors can still enjoy swimming and surfing.
South Shore
Poipu Beach Park has been named among the best beaches on Kauai (and all of America!) and has stunning golden sands, magnificent wildlife, and plenty of activities. There are equipment rental facilities for boogie boarding and surfing and bathrooms, showers, and a lifeguard. To get here, travel past the Poipu Shopping Village and turn on Hoowili Road to find beach access.
Shipwreck Beach is best known for its proximity to Makawehi Point and the nearby hiking opportunities. Windsurfing, surfing, and boogie boarding are also popular. There is no lifeguard, but there are showers and restrooms. Enter the beach between the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course and the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
Lawai Beach is typically a calm spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming, but it’s not a place to visit when the tide is high. This is quite an underrated beach with no major facilities, but there is a restaurant nearby. Lawai Beach is located across from Prince Kuhio Park.
West Shore
Salt Pond Beach Park offers all kinds of activities, including windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing. Facilities include picnic areas, showers, and restrooms. This beach is located on Lokokai Road.
Polihale Beach as a whole is popular for swimming, picnicking, kayaking, and admiring the beautiful surroundings. That said, it is only safe for swimming and water activities during the summer. October to April bring strong rip currents and high surf. With more than 12 miles of shore, there’s plenty of room for everyone! There are no lifeguards, restrooms, or showers available here.
Kekaha Beach is a smaller portion of the bigger Polihale Beach. Only experienced surfers and windsurfers are encouraged to enter the water here. Lifeguards are on duty, and restrooms are available. Access can be found on Highway 50 West between Mile Markers 26 and 27.
Beachfront Kauai Resorts
When you stay in one of the many beachfront Kauai condo rentals, you’ll never be far from one of these amazing stretches of shoreline!
Waipouli Beach Resort is located on the eastern shore, also known as Hawaii’s Royal Coconut Coast. This resort offers rentals big and small, all with a stunning view of the golden beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Another popular East Coast destination is Lae Nani Resort, with a wide range of the most desirable Kauai rentals surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. This resort is just 15 minutes from the airport in Historic Kapaa Town.
Finally, Kapaa Shore provides everything you might need for your dream Kauai vacation, from breathtaking views of the water to luxurious resort amenities. This resort offers plenty to see and do at an incredible price point.
Also on Kauai’s eastern shore is Islander on the Beach, offering cozy studio resort rentals in the heart of Kapaa. You’ll be just minutes away from the best beaches, shopping, and dining on the island.
Kauai Accommodations
With so many amazing Kauai condo rentals to choose from, there’s no excuse for you not to plan your vacation right away! Contact us today to get some help deciding which Kauai rental is right for you.
