Best Kauai Beaches

This past spring break, my family visited Kauai. During our six days on the island, we visited eight different Kauai beaches, and there were still many beaches we didn’t have time to visit.

While the term “best beach” is very subjective, each of the beaches we visited was best at something. If your time on Kauai is limited and you can’t make it to a ton of beaches, here is my take on the best Kauai beaches we visited.

Facts about Kauai Beaches

Before I get into the best beaches, it’s important to understand how Kauai beaches are different than beaches on the mainland U.S.

First of all, by law there are no private beaches in the state of Hawaii. Even if the land in front of the beach is private property, owners must still provide public access to the beach.

Kauai has over 50 miles of beaches, the most of any of the Hawaiian islands. However, since only 10% of the island is navigable by car, some beaches are only accessible by boat. For example, these beaches may be the best on Kauai, but so hard to get to!

While there is public parking near many beaches, the lots are not very big. If you want to be guaranteed a spot, get there in the morning.

Kauai beaches can be dangerous. One tourist dies in Hawaii every week, usually from drowning. Read all warnings and check current conditions before entering the water.

Hawaiian monk seals are an endangered species that frequently rest on beaches. They are a protected species with special viewing guidelines. We saw them on several beaches in Kauai and Oahu.

Best Weather and Swimming: Poipu Beach

During our stay in Kauai, we had cloudy weather and rain near our hotel frequently. We were so ready to get to some sunshine! Poipu Beach was the perfect spot.

Located on the south side of the island, locals told me that Poipu Beach has a much better chance of sunshine than anywhere else on the island. We were so happy that the weather cooperated for us.

The beach has a sandbar that jets out into the ocean which effectively divides the beach into two areas. The waves weren’t too big, so it was a great beach for swimming.

We arrived in the morning and had no trouble finding a parking spot in the large lot. However, when we left around lunch time, there was a line of cars waiting to take our spot.

Despite the crowds at Poipu Beach, we still saw a few Hawaiian monk seals!

Best Views: Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is on the north shore of Kauai and has two miles of sandy beach. We went there on a Saturday during spring break, but we still had plenty of room because the beach is so long.

Have you seen the movie The Descendants with George Clooney? A significant portion of the film takes place on Hanalei Bay.

The historic Hanalei Pier was featured in the movie South Pacific. The pier has been restored and is a gathering place for local surfers.

Even though we were there on a cloudy day, the views at Hanalei Bay were spectacular. Palm trees on the beach, waterfalls on mountains in the distance, low clouds drifting by…the views were quite serene.

The atmosphere at Hanalei Bay reminded me of the North Shore on Oahu. The area definitely had a small-town feel, and just up the road we had access to food trucks and Hawaiian shave ice. Plus, getting there was an adventure, as we had our first experience driving on a one-lane bridge.

Best Food: Kalapaki Beach

My family visited Kalapaki Beach on our first full day in Kauai after our island tour with Wings Over Kauai. The beach is not too far from the airport.

We actually went there for the food at Duke’s. The lunch menu is delicious, and who can resist this hula pie?

It was nice having a beach at the restaurant. Our kids played in the sand while we waited for our food, and we spent more time at the beach after lunch.

Kalapaki Beach is in a protected bay, so the waves aren’t too rough. The water is perfect for swimming and novice surfers.

Honorable mention: Lae Nani Beach near the Lava Lava Beach Club restaurant. Anywhere my kids can play in the sand while waiting for food is great in my book!

Best Playground: Lydgate Beach

Lydgate Beach was just a short drive down the highway from our hotel. The beach itself is actually quite long and the parking lot is big. But without a doubt, Lydgate Beach has the best playground.

The playground is on the land side of the parking lot, and if you are parked further down the beach it’s easy to miss. The playground is huge with many slides, swings and hideouts. My daughter spent some significant time there while my boys explored the beach.

The beach also has a protected swimming area that is great for small children.

Best Seal Sightings: Fuji Beach

Fuji Beach was within walking/biking distance of our Kauai hotel, and I walked past it almost every day. It is also known as Baby Beach Kapaa since it has a reef close to shore that creates a safe swimming space for kids.

Fuji Beach is a great place to view Hawaiian monk seals. They were there every day! I saw up to three together at a time.

Best Treasure Hunting and Kite Surfing: Waipouli Beach

The beach at our hotel, Waipouli Beach, wasn’t great for swimming. The waves were strong, the slope was steep and there were a lot of rocks in the water.

However, my kids still loved going to that beach because there was some great treasure to be found! The wind and current must bring in a lot of treasure, because just by digging a little we found so much. We found seashells, logs, ship buoys, etc. My daughter had a bucket full of treasure she wanted to take home! We had to pare it down.

We also saw several brave souls kite surfing at Waipouli Beach.

Best Biking and Whale Watching Beach: Kealia Beach

The Kapaa Coastal Path for bikes and walkers leads to Kealia Beach. My husband rented a bike and checked it out one evening. The beach was practically deserted.

Kealia Beach is a great destination for a family bike ride from Kapaa. It was approximately a 5-mile trip from our hotel.

This beach has strong waves for surfing and is a prime spot for whale watching in the winter months.

If you have been to Kauai, what are your favorite Kauai beaches? Did I miss one of your favorite Kauai beaches?

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