This is a nice family beach park with plenty of amenities. Located in Kapa’a, Lydgate offers showers, restrooms, aplayground, lifeguards, and a picnic area. Another unique feature are the two rock-enclosed pools (the smaller one is for the kids) which allow for a nice dip without being exposed to the ocean’s pull.
The ponds allow you AND the fish in, which means this is a good…

Lumaha’i Beach on the north coast is the epitome of the picture perfect beach with a crescent of golden sand ringed with greenery. The blue fury that laps its shores, though, is completely different. While Lumaha’i may be a nice place to lounge and drink in the scenery. It is almost never safe to swim …

This used to be a fairly secluded beach but not so much anymore. In the past, the short hike to the beach ensured some privacy for nude sunbathers. However, since more people are visiting Donkey Beach, there is more enforcement of the anti-nudity laws on Hawaii’s beaches. Donkey Beach got its name from the mules …

Pu’u Poa Beach makes you do a little work to earn the privilege of lounging on its sands. You must descend a 191 steps to reach the beach but the journey is well worth it to see the dark green Kauai mountains as the backdrop for the cream colored sands of Pu’u Poa. There is …

In the summer you can have a picnic underneath the Ironwood trees and in the winter you can catch a good wave at Kalihiwai Beach in north Kauai. The swimming is usually good here. Even the kids should be safe, just monitor conditions carefully. Waves tend to be harsher during the winter, there are also …

Kekaha is the first portion of the 15-mile long stretch of beach in West Kauai called Polihale Beach. The sand here is comfortable but the water is raucous. Never go in unless it looks very calm. It is a nice spot for experienced surfers and wind surfers. Only occasionally is there a lifeguard on duties. …

We LOVE Poipu Beach and the area surrounding it.  We have stayed there several times and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves every time.  The weather seems to be nicer in Poipu and the condos we’ve rented have always been right on the water (like 30 feet away…there are some serious beach properties in Poipu Beach…)  It’s just …

Kealia Beach is known for its wicked waves and you’ll see plenty of boogie boarders and surfers there on a good day. Summer is the best time to try to swim at Kealia. If the ocean doesn’t seem inviting the 150-foot wide, .5 mile long beach is good for sunbathing or a stroll. In the…

This two-mile stretch of sand backing the Wailua Golf Course near Kapa’a is rarely crowded. Swimming is generally good but currents and surf have to be monitored. This is a nice spot to get a spot all to yourself. There is no lifeguard and the only facilities are at the southern end of the beach…

This little speck of a beach can disappear during high surf. But when the ocean is calm Lawa’i is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and snuba. To get to Lawa’i take Highway 50 from Lihu’e. Turn right on Maluhia Road just before mile marker 7. At the end of the road, turn left on Koloa…

The road to Polihale may seem a little less like a tropical island and a little more like a desert highway. On a bright sunny day the flat stretch of Highway 50 between Highway 552 and Polihale Beach can create a mirage that looks more suited to Arizona than Hawai‘i…

This beach really has a lot to offer. Windsurfing, lounging, protected swimming, snorkeling and a lesson in ancient Hawaiian salt production – hence the beach’s name. There is a natural salt pond near the beach that is used by descendants of Hawaiians to collect salt. Make sure not to poke…

This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. However, don’t give in to the temptation to take a dip following that hike. As the sign on the way down to the beach says…many people have drowned at this beach because of its treacherous and unpredictable …

Ke’e Beach marks the end of Highway 560 and the portion of Kaua‘i that can be seen by car. The rest of north Kaua‘i is occupied by the Na Pali Coast, a series of rugged seaside cliffs stretching along the northwest shore that is not navigable by vehicle. Parking is available on either side of …

If you are looking to try your hand at snorkeling, this is a great place. It is such a supreme snorkeling location because it has a massive reef that is so large it can be seen from space. As can be seen on the following page, even the view from a helicopter is impressive and …