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The Best Beaches of Kauai

a view of water and Nā Pali Coast State Park in the background

The island of Kauai is a nature lover’s paradise. From the lush, green mountains to the stunning beaches, there is something for everyone on this beautiful island. If you’re looking for some of the best beaches to visit on Kauai, look no further! In this blog post, we will talk about the best beaches and tell you why each one is worth a visit. So put on your sunscreen and pack your swimsuit – it’s time to explore some of Kauai’s best beaches!

Anahola Beach

Located on the easter shores of Kauai, its long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, it is a stunningly beautiful and peaceful place to relax and unwind. Anahola Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches on Kauai, which makes it a great spot for visitors looking for a quieter and more secluded experience.

One of the unique features of Anahola Beach is the reef that lines the shore, which creates a calm and protected lagoon where visitors can swim, snorkel, and enjoy other water activities. The lagoon is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy other activities on the beach, such as sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing.

Hanalei Bay

This beach is located on the north shore of Kauai and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Hanalei Bay is well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning mountain backdrop. The bay is also a great place for swimming, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Poipu Beach Park

Poipu Beach Park is located on the south shore of Kauai and is another one of the island’s popular beach destinations. This beach is popular for a lot of the same reasons as Hanalei Bay and will be just as great for the same activities. However, Poipu Beach Park has much more amenities nearby and is known as more of a “resort” area.

In addition, whale watching views in Poipu beach are fantastic. So if you are visiting during Kauai’s whale watching season make sure to visit Poipu beach.

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) is a beautiful and popular beach located on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii. The beach is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush vegetation, giving visitors a stunning view of their surroundings. The name “Tunnels Beach” is derived from the underwater lava tubes that create a network of caverns and tunnels that are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The crystal clear waters of Tunnels Beach are perfect for water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The beach is also a popular spot for surfers during the winter months, when the waves can reach up to 20 feet in height. However, during the summer months, the waters are calm, making it a perfect spot for families with children to enjoy the water.

Overall, Tunnels Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kauai. With its crystal-clear waters, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for adventure, it’s no wonder that this beach is so popular among tourists and locals alike.

Anini Beach

Anini Beach is located on the north shore of Kauai. This beach is less crowded than some of the other beaches on the island, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Anini Beach is also a very large area, so you won’t have to share your snorkeling and swimming spots with other travelers.

Ke’e Beach

Ke’e Beach is located on the north shore of Kauai. This beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery and is going to be a wonderful place to avoid the crowds due to the reservation policy. Hiking, walk-ins, and shuttle riders will all need to make a reservation – but the beauty of this beach is well worth it.

Kalapaki Beach

Kalapaki Beach is a busy beach located on the east coast of Kauai, near the town of Lihue. It is one of the most popular beaches on the island, with its stunning crescent-shaped bay, gentle waves, and soft sand. Kalapaki Beach is also home to many restaurants, shops, and hotels, making it a convenient and accessible spot for visitors to Kauai.

One of the unique features of Kalapaki Beach is its harbor, which is located at the southern end of the beach. The harbor is home to many boats, yachts, and catamarans, and it provides visitors with a glimpse into the island’s maritime history. Visitors can also enjoy other water activities on the beach, such as swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing.

Kalapaki Beach is also a great spot for beachgoers who want to enjoy the amenities and conveniences of a more developed beach. Visitors can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and even take surfing lessons. The beach is also surrounded by a variety of restaurants and bars, making it a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Lydgate Beach Park

Lydgate Beach Park is located on the east side of Kauai. This beach is a large, family-friendly beach where you can spend all day relaxing. This scenic location is a huge attraction for picnickers, campers, and even windsurfers when the conditions are right. The many facilities and lifeguards in the area give you all the reasons to spend a day (or more) at Lydgate Beach Park with family and friends.

Polihale Beach

Polihale Beach is a breathtakingly beautiful and remote beach located on the west coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. With its long stretch of pristine white sand and turquoise waters, it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Polihale Beach is also one of the largest beaches in the state, measuring around 17 miles in length.

What sets Polihale Beach apart from other beaches on Kauai is its seclusion and untouched beauty. It is only accessible via a long dirt road that can be treacherous at times, and there are no facilities or amenities available on the beach. This lack of development means that visitors to Polihale Beach can experience a sense of peace and serenity that is difficult to find elsewhere on the island.

The beach is currently permitted access only. Remember to use caution when swimming. The currents are strong and swimming is not recommended.

Nualolo Kai

Nualolo Kai is found on Kauai’s famous Na Pali Coast and can’t be reached by land. The only way to access this incredibly beautiful beach is by boat. Due to the historic significance of the area, very few boat charters can even land on this beach. Luckily, Kauai Sea Tours is one of the privileged few that offers access to this unique destination.

Our Na Pali Beach Landing Tour is a 6.5-hour adventure along the Na Pali Coast, exploring all the nooks and crannies of the coast where you eventually land on Nualolo Kai beach. You will be able to enjoy this hidden beach in all its secluded beauty. During your stay on the beach, enjoy a narrated hike through the remains of the ancient fishing village. It is a Hawaiian adventure you are sure to remember for a lifetime.

What Kauai Beach is For You?

So there you have it – a list of some of the best beaches to visit on Kauai! Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to play, there’s a beach on this island that’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen and head to one of these beautiful beaches today!

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