Kauai Beaches
Kauai, the Garden Isle, is home to some of the world's most beautiful and pristine crystal blue water and best beaches in Hawaii. From the golden sand beaches of Poipu and Hanalei Bay to the hidden coves and lush landscapes of Tunnels and Ke'e Beach, Kauai offers the perfect tropical vacation getaway for beach lovers.
Whether you're looking for world-class surfing, snorkeling, proposing to your loved one, hosting an intimate wedding, or just a peaceful place to relax and soak up the sun, Kauai has a beach that's just right for you. Discover why Kauai is known as one of the top destinations in the world and home to some of the best beaches to soak up the sun and create unforgettable memories
Adventure-seekers will be drawn to the surf beaches of the North Shore, where Southerly winds create perfect waves for all levels from beginner to expert. Travelers to the southern beaches can relax on the sandy shore and spot whales and sea turtles swimming by.
But before you pack your bags and visit our beautiful island, let's get familiar with some of the top beaches across Kauai to visit during our stay. And if you run out of ideas what to do when visiting Kauai's beaches, consider our Kauai vacation packages where you'll find our Aloha, Romance and Picnic packages perfect to make the most memorable stay you've ever experienced.
What are the best beaches in Kauai?
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Ke'e BeachRight at the end of the road and the last beach that you can drive to on the North Shore, Kauai’s Ke'e beach offers a gentle ocean lagoon is best during the summer when the ocean conditions are calm. The lagoon is protected from waves by reefs which makes it family-friendly and provides good snorkeling during these seasonal calms. It’s also stunning: a view of the entire Na Pali coast stretches westwards from this point. There is public parking, bathrooms, and showers. |
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Hanalei BayOne of Kauai’s most famous beaches, Hanalei Bay is a 2-mile crescent-shaped bay with white sand set between soaring green mountains. More than just beautiful, Hanalei is also an amazing ocean playground offering world-class surfing and snorkeling conditions. Enjoyed by visitors and residents alike, there is no place like Hanalei. Hanalei offers a stunning and popular beach known for its clear waters and lush surroundings, with numerous vacation rentals in Hanalei near the bay for travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay. |
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Tunnels BeachAlso known as Makua Beach, Tunnels Beach in Kauai offers an incredible view of the mountains featured in the movie South Pacific and known for its colorful marine life and crystal clear waters. Tunnels Beach is located between Haena Beach Park and Kepuhi Point, and is a wonderful beach for snorkeling, picnics, surfing and good for all ages. The inner reef is great for beginners and children, while the outer reefs are beloved by surfers, divers, and snorkelers. Public parking, bathrooms, and showers are available at Haena Beach Park, just west of Tunnels. There are numerous vacation rentals in Haena nearby for tourists looking for a comfortable and convenient stay.
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Lumahai BeachLumahai Beach is one of the most beautiful – and most dangerous – large white sand beaches on the north shore of Kauai. Lumahai Beach is a must-visit for beach enthusiasts, known for its stunning turquoise waters and pristine golden sand. The breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere make Lumahai Beach a top destination for photography and peaceful relaxation. The waters at Lumahai beach has a strong undertow and powerful waves, creating a steep sand slope that causes the waves to break directly on the shore. Like most North Shore beaches, summertime usually provides the best conditions for enjoying this beach, if you’re comfortable in big surf. Note that Lumahai has no facilities. |
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Anini BeachA serene and tranquil stretch of sandy beach protected by Hawaii's largest coral reef, Anini beach is popular with return visitors to Kauai. Expect to see windsurfers enjoying the calm water and strong offshore breezes. Anini Beach stunning to say the least, and among the most peaceful beach in Kauai, Hawaii. Among one of the best beaches in Kauai, Aninni Beach is known for its clear and calm waters, and surrounded by lush green landscapes, with Princeville vacation rental options nearby for those seeking convenience with an incredible view. A fun fact: the actual name of this beach is 'Wanini', but the "W" fell off the name sign. Rather than fixing the sign, the name was permanently changed. Anini has public parking, bathrooms, and showers. |
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Secret BeachThough it’s not much of a secret anymore, Secret beach in Kauai still off the beaten path and mostly visited by adventurous types. Its vertical cliff walls, long beach, and a view of the Kilauea lighthouse make Secret Beach one of Kauai's secret treasures. While Secret Beach is a secluded paradise for travelers looking for a peaceful escape, there are vacation rentals near Kilauea that offer access to this idyllic location. Note, there are no facilities and it’s hard to access the beach – visitors must hike for 15 minutes down a dirt path to reach the beach.
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Poipu BeachLocated on the South Shore, Poipu beach is one of Kauai’s most popular sandy beaches. With crystal clear water, white sand, and a natural wading pool for young swimmers, it’s a perfect place for a family day trip. Kauai’s Poipu Beach is a renowned sun-soaked destination known for its calm waters and abundant marine life, while Poipu vacation rentals provide easy access to this tropical paradise. There are lifeguards on duty, a large car park, a grassy area, and showers. |
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Ke'e BeachRight at the end of the road and the last beach that you can drive to on the North Shore, Kauai’s Ke'e beach offers a gentle ocean lagoon is best during the summer when the ocean conditions are calm. The lagoon is protected from waves by reefs which makes it family-friendly and provides good snorkeling during these seasonal calms. It’s also stunning: a view of the entire Na Pali coast stretches westwards from this point. There is public parking, bathrooms, and showers. |
Are beaches in Kauai safe for swimming?Just like every other island in the Pacific, Hawaiʻi's ocean and beach conditions are unique and at times unpredictable. Please be mindful at all times, and use common sense before entering the rivers and oceans in Hawaii. We care about the safety of all our guests, so please visit Hawaii Ocean Safety which constantly monitors the surf, wind, and reports from public safety officials that directly affect the conditions for the safety of Hawaiian beaches. |
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