Kauai Beaches

Kaua'i is blessed with expansive beaches along most of its coast. As ocean recreation was an important part of life for the ancient Hawaiians, so is it today for Kaua'i's residents and visitors. Beach conditions vary seasonally. Visitors should check with their hotel activity director or local residents for the best seasonal places. Kaua'i boasts more than 40 superb beaches. The following are some of the most popular and captivating:

Ke'e Beach - small, lovely curve of a beach with calm, shallow water. Patches of reef provide excellent snorkeling grounds. At the end of Kuhio Highway on the northwestern end of the island.

Tunnels Beach - gently sloping beach with patches of rocky reef in the shallow waters that is great for snorkelers with good swimming areas as well. Access to Tunnels is off Kuhio Highway via a sandy road.

Lumahai Beach - among the most beautiful on the island with a huge, wide sandy shoreline. The beauty of this beach is equaled by the pounding of the ocean along its shore. Access at the western end is directly off Kuhio Highway. At the eastern end, a steep, dirt trail descends from the road.

Hanalei Bay Beach - perfect, curved bay of legendary beauty. The beach is subject to strong currents, even during the summer months. The best area to swim is in the center of the bay at the Hanalei Beach Park, which has restrooms, a pavilion and a lifeguard in attendance. Access via Aku Road or Weke Road, both off Kuhio Highway at either end of Hanalei. Hanalei Bay Beach was named America's No. 2 Best Beach in 2002 by Dr. Beach.

'Anini Beach Park - miles of white sandy beach and a quiet lagoon created by a reef. Sunsets here are glorious and perfect for a romantic swim. Follow Kuhio Highway to Kalihiwai Road and take Anini Road to the beach.

Lydgate Beach Park - one of Kaua'i's prettiest with its ironwood grove and two large lava pools. This beach park offers great snorkeling for families. Located just south of the Wailua River on Leho Drive.

Ninini Beach - hidden along a rocky coastline between Nawiliwili Bay and the lighthouse on Ninini Point. Ninini Beach and Running Water Beach are pocket beaches separated by a lava rock formation and protected by currents and winds. Take the road leading through the Kaua'i Marriott Resort and park at the golf course clubhouse.

Kalapaki Beach - A picturesque haven fronting the Kaua'i Marriott Resort and Beach Club, Kalapaki offers calm waters for keiki (children) and rideable currents for surfers and boogieboarders.

Mahaulepu Beach - two-mile stretch of reef-protected shoreline and white sand. This beach also features 100-foot-high sand dunes and a mushroom-shaped sea stack. Follow the cane road beyond Shipwreck Beach.

Po'ipu Beach - long stretch of sandy shoreline with good swimming and bodysurfing conditions. Lifeguards, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, barbecues and a keiki playground at the nearby park make this an ideal family beach. Follow Maluhia Road or Koloa Road to Koloa Town, then take Po'ipu Road to the coast.

Salt Pond Beach - crescent-shaped beach with a protecting reef and numerous coconut trees. A great place to collect shells. Located at the end of Route 543, leading from Hanapepe.