Kauai Beaches
Kauai offers miles of white and golden, soft sand beaches. Unlike the other main islands, you can actually find shells on some of Kauai's beaches! The younger islands' beaches have steeper slopes that prevent shells from being washed up by the tide.
You are also more likely to see an endangered Hawaii monk seal basking on a Kauai beach then on the other visited islands. Remember because these seals are endangered, making it illegal to disturb them, so view from a distance. Mother monk seals are also very protective of cubs and any monk seal is grumpy when disturbed. So for your own safety as well, enjoy these cute but sharp toothed critters from a distance.
Some of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches are on Kauai, such as Lumahai Beach (South Pacific's "Nurse's Beach") and Ke`e Beach, back dropped by the Na Pali and South Pacific's "Bali Hai" peak. Ke`e is also known for its romantic sunsets, and when the waters are calm, it is one of the best snorkeling beaches in Hawaii.
Best Kauai Beaches
Here is a printable map to help you find the following beaches.
http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/kauai_maps.html
South Kauai
Poipu – It's easy to see why this beach made it to the number spot of Dr. Beach's best beaches in America (2001). One of Kauai's most popular family beach, this crescent shaped beach with its soft, golden sand is located on the perpetually sunny side of Kauai. Poipu is a resort area (and so arid that cactus grows well here).
Poipu Beach fronts the Sheraton Poipu Beach Hotel and the Kiahuna condominium resort where surf lessons are offered. The shoreline waters in front of Poipu Park are protected by reef and offer small, gentle surf, making this is a nice spot for children.
Further along the beach, there's a spot called "Baby Beach" by the locals because a wall protects a cove here, resulting in water that is flat, calm and shallow. The golden sand is especially beautiful at sunset.
North Kauai Beaches
Ke'e Beach - One of Kauai's most popular snorkeling beaches (LINK), Ke`e is found at the end of the road just before the Kalalau Trail entrance to the Na Pali Coast. Beautiful sunsets, and when in Hawaii summer (May through early October) the blue-green water is often calm. If you plan to snorkel here, read my Snorkeling Kauai (LINK) article and observe cautions.
Tunnels - Popular with experienced surfers and snorkelers, this is also a great beach for beachcombing. Named for the underwater caverns and lava tubes, Tunnels is also a popular shore diving spot. The 2-mile beach stretches luxuriously from Hanalei Colony Resort to Ha'ena Beach Park. 
Hanalei Bay Beach - Legendary for its beauty and the subject of many Hawaiian songs, the crystal clear water is often perfect for swimming. However, look out for strong currents, even during the summer months when typically it's calm on the North Shore.
The best area to swim at Hanalei is at the lifeguarded Hanalei Beach Park.Jumping off the Hanalei Pier is also fun, and the Pier is the entry point for scuba divers exploring the amazing offshore reefs. Dr. Beach rated Hanalei America's No. 2 Best Beach in 2002. It is just as beautiful and fun today!
Anini Beach Park - Anini offers a peaceful lagoon and miles of white sand. This is a popular snorkeling spot. The waters here are often calm, thanks to Hawaii's longest reef that runs the entire length of beach. Homes of of the "rich and famous" are perched on the bluff above. The water here runs from very shallow one side of the beach to over a 100-foot depth on the other side.
Coconut Coast
Lydgate Beach Park – Top of my list of "Best Kauai Beaches" on the Coconut Coast is Lydgate, another wonderful family beach. I lived part time on Kauai when my oldest son was about 11, so family beaches were a big attraction to me. They still are, just because they are safer. The calm, clear water is perfect for snorkeling the lava rock encircled pools are perfect for keiki (children). Located in Kapa`a just south of the Wailua River.
East Kauai Beaches
Kalapaki Beach – The protected area offers calm waters for young children and the open area offers rideable surf. This picturesque beach fronts the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club, but like all Kauai beaches (except a few military bases), there is free, public access.
West Kauai Beaches
Salt Pond Beach – This lovely crescent-shaped beach is protected by reef and appointed with a myriad of coconut trees. Salt Pond Beach is named for its salt pond, the only natural salt pond in Hawaii that is still used by descendents of ancient Hawaiians to make sea salt. The beach is open to the public, but please do not enter the salt-making area without permission. Salt Pond Beach offers good windsurfing, beachcombing for shells, snorkeling and tide pooling.
Kauai Beaches & Your Safety
Drownings of Kauai beaches are not uncommon and average 10 per year. Most of those who drown are visitors to the island, unfamiliar with tropical waters and their currents. For Kauai beach safety tips, view this video at Kauai Explorer.
Only a few of Kauai beaches have lifeguards. Here is a map with
For more details on Kauai's beaches and to learn how to vacation in Hawaii on a shoestring and get a
free Kauai ebook (before Christmas), go to
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Copyright 2008 Cynthia Blankenship
