11 Best Beaches in Kauai

From botanical gardens filled with lush greenery and exotic blooms to postcard-worthy beaches and emerald mountains where waterfalls spill into hidden pools, it’s easy to see why Kauai is often called the “most perfect” Hawaiian island for nature lovers.

Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is all about tranquility. It’s the opposite of bustling Honolulu on Oahu, with more secluded beaches for peaceful relaxation and hidden stretches where you can snorkel among sea turtles and tropical fish. Whatever your idea of beach bliss, you’ll find it here. After exploring Kauai’s coast many times, these are what I think are the very best beaches on the island:

Poipu is not only one of the best beaches in Kauai, but also one of the most famous in Hawaii. Set on the island’s sunny south coast, it has something for everyone, from couples looking for romance to families and adventurers. Yes, it gets busy, but you’ll find everything you need here: restaurants nearby, picnic tables, showers, and a playground at Poipu Beach Park. The snorkeling is outstanding, with a coral reef that’s home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and even Hawaiian monk seals, often seen basking in the sun. With lifeguards on duty every day, it’s also one of the safer spots for a swim.

Located in Lydgate State Park on the island’s east coast, Lydgate Beach has something for everyone. With the open ocean shielded by a lava rock wall providing a calm lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, or for the little ones to enjoy splashing around. With a large reef fish identification chart at the entrance to the beach, you can have fun identifying what you see in the crystal-clear water. Plus, there are lifeguards watching over everyone.

Another big reason to come is that the park has a saltwater pool and a playground. The popular Kamalani Playground is a big hit with families, allowing the kids even more ways to burn off energy, with climbing and swinging equipment. There are even tables painted with chessboards. You’ll find picnic grounds and restrooms as well.

Hanalei Bay is a Hawaiian favorite, with more than two miles of soft golden sand and turquoise waters. Behind it, emerald mountains draped with waterfalls complete the picture. You can leap in for a swim from the historic pier, which also makes for a great picnic spot, as well as scenic strolls, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports. In the summer, the water is usually wonderfully calm, while winter brings larger swells that attract surfers. Of course, you can always just relax and gaze out at the incredible views.

When the sun is shining, the clear water reflects the sky, making it look even more surreal while providing fantastic photo ops. Not surprisingly, Hanalei has been a popular filming site, featured in everything from “South Pacific” to “The Descendants.”

Nestled along the west coast of Kauai near Hanapēpē, Salt Pond Beach Park offers an inviting setting for relaxation, swimming, and exploring tidepools. There are shallow pools protected by reefs that make them safe for snorkeling, perfect for beginners and little ones to learn. Head to the east side of the beach if you enjoy tidepooling as the tidepools are often filled with all sorts of Hawaiian marine life. 

The quiet, mostly locals’ beach was named for its historic, natural salt beds, with both natural and man-made structures used for harvesting salt during the summer. Families have been passing down the rights and methods of production for generations, with the salt ponds only available to native Hawaiians. The beach itself can be enjoyed by all and includes a lifeguard, showers, pavilions for shade and restrooms. 

Kealia is a half-mile span along Highway 56 just north of Kapa’a, known for its charming Old Town. Here you can enjoy the unspoiled golden sands that are isolated from residential development while still being easily accessible. In the summer, it’s popular for swimming and snorkeling near the northern end with the water typically calm. Ocean swells roll in during the winter months, making it a popular season among experienced bodyboarders and surfers, with a long sand-bar bottom providing a surf break.

Lifeguards are on duty and there are picnic tables for enjoying lunch with a picturesque view. From December through March, keep watch for whales as this is a great vantage point to catch some tail-slapping or even a breach in the distance. 

If you’re looking for a beach that’s easy to reach while offering some of the best odds for enjoying it with few others around, Kekaha Beach Park is ideal. Located on the west coast, it marks the beginning of Hawaii’s longest stretch of white sandy beach. Although, the powerful waves make it best for surfing rather than swimming. Local surfers often head here for a ride while local fishermen come in hopes of catching their dinner, but not many tourists make it here.

For most, it’s best for long strolls, beachcombing, peaceful contemplation, and sunset watching. The dramatic sunsets here transform the sky with brilliant hues, as if it was painted by Mother Nature herself. You’ll also enjoy views of Niihau Island and Lehua Rock.

You won’t find many other tourists at Polihale, as it’s managed to remain mostly a hidden gem as it requires traveling down an unpaved road. It’s a bit bumpy, but most standard vehicles won’t have any trouble. Some might tell you not to bother, but it’s usually because they’ve never been and heard a rumor (or read online) that it’s not a good idea to traverse. Compared to the roads I’ve been on, it’s been a piece of cake every time. Of course, that unwarranted fear also helps keep the crowds away, making it one of the best beaches in Kauai, in my opinion. Your reward for navigating it will be a wild and stunning stretch with magnificent views of the Na Pali Coast and its dramatic sea cliffs. It’s also possible to swim during the summer when the water is calm, but proceed with caution as the currents are strong.

Generally, Polihale is best for picnicking, sunbathing on the soft, white sands, exploring the dunes, beachcombing, and sunset watching. Spinner dolphins can sometimes be seen in the surf, and in the winter, keep an eye out for humpback whales to pass by.

While Kauapea is often referred to as the “Secret” Beach, that’s far from reality but the steep, 10-minute trek to reach it and lack of signs, do help keep the crowds away. Your reward for the effort is a more than one-mile span of soft, powdery sands stretching toward Kilauea Point on the northern shores of Kauai. It’s a great place to capture photos and just enjoy the beauty. Its “secret” reputation developed from the days when nudists liked to hangout on the beach, but as its illegal, few go sans swimsuit here. 

Like many beaches on the northern coast, there are strong currents sweeping its entire length and winter swells make safe swimming rare, although on the calmest summer days its possible. You might see experienced local surfers hitting the waves in the winter which can be fun to watch. 

With 2.5 miles of white sandy beach and a peaceful lagoon with calm water, protected by a massive coral reef, Anini is one of the top spots on Kauai for a relaxed swim or snorkel. Many enjoy paddleboarding here too. There are no lifeguards here, but the beach is considered one of the safest on the island’s north shore. Keep an eye out for Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa, as well as green sea turtles, rays, and even monk seals.

Anini also offers plenty of trees for shade when you want to get out of the sun. And if you want to enjoy lunch with a spectacular view, there are picnic tables and plenty of room to stretch out a blanket on the sand.

Those looking for an adventure that includes a two-mile hike should consider Hanakapiai. Located along the Na Pali coast, the only way to get there is on foot via the Kalalau Trail. You’ll need a Haena State Park pass, and with limited parking, it’s best to take the Kauai North Shore Shuttle to reach the trailhead. But it’s all worth it if you want to enjoy some of the island’s most breathtaking beauty. Plus, the secluded beach is often empty so you can sunbathe, practice yoga or meditation in peace. While the ocean isn’t swimmable here due to dangerous rip currents, Hanakapiai Fall creates a shallow stream that’s safe and perfect for a refreshing dip. 

Ke’e is one of the best beaches in Kauai for its breathtaking view of the Na Pali Coast. Found at the end of the north shore road, it also marks the beginning of the scenic Kalalau Trail, one of the island’s most famous hikes. The entire route is 11 miles, requiring two to three days to hike it round-trip, but it’s possible to enjoy just a section, which will provide awe-inspiring views of the Ke’e Beach from above. The sandy beach itself offers ample space for relaxing and sunbathing. In the summer, the water is typically calm and there are lifeguards to help ensure safety, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There’s a vibrant reef offshore inhabited by colorful fish and sea turtles you can capture photos of with a waterproof camera. 

It’s easy to spend the entire day at Ke’e. Arrive early to ensure a parking spot, bring food for a picnic, and stick around to watch an amazing sunset. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available too.