| My Three Favorite Beaches in Kauai | ||
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Like any Hawaiian Island, Kauai has a multitude of amazing beaches. Whether you are spending 3 nights of a multi-island vacation there or have 10+ nights to explore, the beaches of Kauai will not disappoint. While I can confidently say there was not a beach in Kauai that I disliked, I’ve got my three favorites below. Quick disclaimer: we were in Kauai in late spring, and beaches that are relatively safe for swimming in spring/summer can be extremely dangerous in the winter months. Always use caution and be aware of lifeguards and warning signs! Ke’e Beach Located at the start of the Napali Coast. Ke’e beach is protected by a reef, which makes for easy swimming and snorkeling. Ke’e beach is lifeguarded. Currents near the reef entrance are strong, when we were there a lifeguard had to rescue a swimmer who couldn’t get back into the protected area so use caution! Ke’e Beach is at the start of Kalalua Trail, so if you’re planning to do a day or overnight hike there make sure you stop and check it out! It’d be the perfect place to relax after a long hike and watch the sunset. Cell reception is sketchy at best so you can disconnect from the world and fully enjoy the surroundings Parking is limited so you may have to hike a bit to get there. There is an overflow parking lot about a quarter mile from the beach, the lot directly next to the beach fills up early.
Shipwreck Beach Shipwreck Beach is located on the southern part of the island in Poipu. While it is not an ideal swimming spot due to strong currents, it is a perfect place to watch surfers and boogie boarders in the waves and stick around for the sunset. If the weather is right, you might even see locals jumping off of Makawehi Point on the east side of the beach. Pro tip: don’t bring your husband up there if he’s anything like mine. I had to convince him that he wasn’t a local and shouldn’t jump without knowing the ropes. (I also had to convince him not to jump in the Secret Lava Pools AFTER all the locals had left due to high tides, but that’s a story for another day!)
Polihale Beach Polihale Beach is located at the end of a long, bumpy gravel road but worth every mile! Are you planning on renting a Jeep to explore the island? If so, this is the perfect place to test it out! Although it has strong currents and isn’t ideal a safe swimming beach, we didn’t see a soul for the half day we spent there and that alone was worth the drive! Where else in the world can you spend a day on miles of empty white sand beaches? Pack a picnic lunch, plenty of water & an umbrella if you want shade by the water and you are set for an amazing day! Or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, permits for overnight camping are available.
Honorable Mention: Secret Beach & Lava Pools, Tunnels Beach and Poipu Beach Park. No matter if you find these beaches or any number of the seemingly endless beaches in Kauai you are sure to find amazing views, crystal clear waters and relaxation like nowhere else. Want to learn more about Kauai or any other Hawaiian island? As an official Hawaii Destination Expert (as designated by the Hawaii Tourism Authority) I can help! Give me a call at (763) 463-5856 or contact me here. Take care, Amanda |
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