Kauai is often seen as the most exquisite and exemplary paradise on Hawaii – an island of majestic mountains and seemingly real magic. This can all be seen at Kauai’s many beaches.
There are about 30 beaches to consider!
While we can’t cover them all, below is an introductory guide to the best beaches on Kauai and the features that set them apart.
Lydgate Beach Park
Lydgate Beach is located on the east side of the island. The beach has this lovely and cozy design. Two huge rock formations keep the beach relatively enclosed and protected from the open ocean. Yet there’s still plenty of fish floating in the cove-like layout of the beachside. Lydgate has posted lifeguards and full facilities.
Kealia Beach
Kealia Beach is a very popular local spot for some serious surfing. The winter can provide some intense swells, perhaps not suitable for families, but the north end of the beach during the warmer seasons is an ideal place for some low-key boogie boarding. Kealia has a posted lifeguard and a modest restroom area, but it is mostly a quiet waterside nook.
Hanea Beach
Hanea is perhaps most well-known for its iconic Hawaiian view. Mount Makana rests in the background. The beach’s openness and sprawl makes for a picturesque backdrop. Popular activities include snorkeling, but Hanea’s shore-break and seasonal currents make epic trips precarious at best. While the surfing is not ideal, Hanea is the choice beach for the pure-hearted sightseers out there.
Lawai Beach
Lawai Beach is a wonderful place to just stroll along. It’s a common spot for surfers, welcomed by its big waves and smaller size. Lawai Beach is a common stop-over for the Hawaiian monk seal. The beach is right outside some amazing places to eat, including the Beach House Restaurant, which makes it an easy beach to explore after dinner.
Mahaulepu Beach
Mahaulepu is for the experienced and eager adventurer out there. It isn’t close to a lot, so you will have to head off the beaten path. There’s no lifeguard or facilities.
What you get in exchange is a breathtaking haven, filled with tide pools, lava tubes, and epic sand dunes. The trail to the beach is equally as magical. Mahaulepu is an ideal spot for experienced swimmers seeking a journey to the furthest reaches of Kauai.
Wailua Beach
Wailua beach is a bit of a mixture between accessible and isolated. While parking and access are both easy, swimming conditions are sporadic and sometimes challenging. The beach is in the mouth of Hawaii’s only swimmable river. Wailua Beach, however, is a great spot for surfers.
Plan Your Visit!
Come experience the natural beauty that Kauai’s beaches have to offer! Book your unforgettable vacation today!
Kalapaki Beach
This east side escape is a wonderful all-around beach. You can find families soaking in the sun all day long. Rental providers are here offering canoes and other beach gear. The close proximity to Kauai Marriott Beach Resort means you always have something going on here. Kalapaki is a nice family-friendly choice, with views of cruise ships entering the harbor and nice facilities.
Hideaway Beach
Hideaway Beach is a reclusive spot that lives up to its name. While there are no lifeguards or facilities, Hideaway Beach is famous for its inaccessibility. You have to trek through a steep part of the jungle to get here. The pristine waters seem designed for snorkeling. It isn’t easy to get to, but it is worth the extra trouble for anyone wanting to knock the challenge off their bucket list.
Visit Kauai on Your Next Vacation!
Reach out to our team to book your stay at the Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa or one of our other oceanfront accommodations. You will have plenty of options! Our Kauai beachfront condo rentals are right by the water, giving you instant access to some of Kauai’s most gorgeous beaches.
