13 Of The Best Kauai Beaches: Best Ones To Visit

Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” is a dream destination for beach lovers. It has an extremely diverse coastline and a huge variety of beaches to enjoy. This Hawaiian paradise offers everything from hidden coves with golden sands to vast stretches of remote shoreline with dramatic cliffs.  

If you’re looking for snorkeling, surfing, swimming, or simply relaxing, there’s a perfect Kauai beach for you. Below, we explore 13 of the best beaches in Kauai, with insights into what makes each one special and practical tips to enhance your visit. As always, be sure to read more about Kauai Beach & Ocean Safety before heading into the waters. 

1. Poipu Beach

Overview: 

Poipu Beach, located on the island’s sunny south shore, is one of Kauai’s most beloved beaches. Known for its golden sands, clear waters, and frequent wildlife sightings, it’s a top destination for families and sun-seekers. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Families, snorkeling, swimming 

• Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, showers 

• Wildlife: Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles 

• Nearby Attractions: Poipu Shopping Village, Spouting Horn Park 

Poipu Beach is unique due to its two crescent-shaped bays separated by a tombolo, a natural sandbar. The protected inner bay is great for young children, while the outer bay offers prime snorkeling and boogie boarding opportunities. It’s one of the best beaches Kauai has for year-round sunshine. 

2. Hanalei Bay

Overview: 

Hanalei Bay is an iconic stretch of coastline on Kauai’s north shore, offering stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and a relaxed, tropical vibe. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Surfing (winter), swimming (summer), paddleboarding, photography 

• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, lifeguards 

• Nearby Attractions: Hanalei Pier, Hanalei Town, Na Pali Coast 

During summer, the calm waters are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. In winter, Hanalei Bay transforms into a surfer’s paradise with powerful waves that attract pros from around the world. The nearby town of Hanalei offers great shopping and dining options. 

3. Tunnels Beach

Overview: 

Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) is a hidden gem famous for its vibrant coral reefs, making it one of the best snorkeling beaches in Kauai. Read our full Tunnels Beach Guide here! 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Snorkeling, scuba diving, scenic views 

• Amenities: Limited parking, no lifeguards 

• Wildlife: Sea turtles, tropical fish, occasional reef sharks 

• Nearby Attractions: Haena State Park, Kalalau Trail 

This beach features an inner reef perfect for casual snorkelers and an outer reef for more experienced divers. The dramatic mountain backdrop adds to the stunning scenery. Arrive early, as parking is extremely limited. 

4. Ke’e Beach

Overview: 

Located at the start of the Na Pali Coast, Ke’e Beach offers breathtaking sunset views and excellent snorkeling during calm conditions. You can read more about Ke’e Beach here. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Snorkeling, sunsets, hiking 

• Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, showers 

• Nearby Attractions: Kalalau Trail, Haena State Park 

Ke’e Beach is a gateway to adventure, marking the beginning of the famous Kalalau Trail. While summer provides excellent snorkeling, winter months bring strong currents, making swimming dangerous. 

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5. Polihale Beach

Overview: 

Polihale Beach is Kauai’s most remote and expansive beach, offering miles of golden sand and panoramic views of the Na Pali cliffs. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Solitude, sunset views, camping 

• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, no lifeguards 

• Nearby Attractions: Barking Sands Beach, Na Pali Coast 

Accessible via a long dirt road, Polihale is ideal for visitors seeking seclusion. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, but the sunsets here are some of the best in Hawaii. 

6. Anini Beach

Overview: 

Anini Beach is home to one of the longest reef systems in Hawaii, providing calm waters year-round. Read our full Anini Beach guide here! 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, family outings 

• Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, no lifeguards 

• Wildlife: Sea turtles, reef fish 

• Nearby Attractions: Princeville, Kilauea Lighthouse 

This beach is perfect for beginners and families due to its shallow, tranquil waters. The gentle waves make it a top choice for paddleboarding as well. 

7. Shipwreck Beach

Overview: 

Shipwreck Beach, located near the Grand Hyatt Kauai, is famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs and adventurous cliff-jumping spot. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Surfing, cliff jumping, hiking 

• Amenities: Limited parking, no lifeguards 

• Nearby Attractions: Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, Grand Hyatt Kauai 

Strong currents make swimming risky, but the scenic hiking trails along the Maha’ulepu coastline offer breathtaking views of the rugged shoreline. 

8. Lydgate Beach Park

Overview: 

Lydgate Beach Park is a family-friendly beach featuring man-made rock pools that provide safe swimming conditions year-round. You can also read our full guide to Lydgate Beach Park here! 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Swimming, beginner snorkeling, family outings 

• Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, playground, picnic areas 

• Nearby Attractions: Wailua River, Smith’s Garden Luau 

Perfect for kids and beginner snorkelers, Lydgate Beach is a great place to enjoy a hassle-free beach day with plenty of shaded picnic areas. 

9. Haʻena Beach Park

Overview: 

Haena Beach Park is a postcard-perfect beach with golden sand and breathtaking views of the infamous Makana Mountain, also known as Bali Hai.  

What to Know: 

• Best for: Scenic views, sunbathing, photography 

• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, lifeguards 

• Nearby Attractions: Tunnels Beach, Na Pali Coast 

While stunning, Haena Beach is notorious for strong rip currents, dangerous shore breaks, and sudden drop of the seafloor, making it more suited for sightseeing and sunbathing. 

10. Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)

Overview: 

Secret Beach is a secluded gem known for its dramatic coastline and breathtaking ocean views. Nestled on Kauai’s west side, this beach is perfect for enjoying beautiful sunsets. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Seclusion, sunbathing, photography 

• Amenities: No facilities, no lifeguards 

• Nearby Attractions: Kilauea Lighthouse, Anini Beach 

Reaching this beach requires a short hike, but the reward is a stunning, mostly uncrowded shoreline. 

11. Kalapaki Beach

Overview: 

Kalapaki Beach is a centrally located beach that’s perfect for water sports and beginner surfers. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Swimming, paddleboarding, beginner surfing 

• Amenities: Restaurants, shops, restrooms, no lifeguards 

• Nearby Attractions: Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai Marriott Resort 

With gentle waves and proximity to great restaurants, this beach is a great choice for convenience and accessibility. 

12. Maha’ulepu Beach

Overview: 

Maha’ulepu Beach is one of Kauai’s last unspoiled coastlines, ideal for hikers and nature lovers. This beach is accessible by following a coastal trail beginning at Shipwreck or by driving down the dirt road. 

What to Know: 

• Best for: Hiking, seclusion, nature lovers 

• Amenities: No facilities, no lifeguards  

• Nearby Attractions: Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, Makauwahi Cave 

A must-visit for eco-tourists, this area is home to rare plant and bird species. 

13. Baby Beach (Poipu)

Overview: 

Baby Beach in Poipu is perfect for families with young children due to its protected shallow waters. Although this area is smaller than other beaches, its charm and peaceful atmosphere is unmatched.  

What to Know: 

• Best for: Small children, wading 

• Amenities: Limited parking, no lifeguards, no facilities 

• Nearby Attractions: Poipu Beach, Kiahuna Plantation, The Shops at Kukui’ula 

Enjoy Your Time On Kauai’s Best Beaches! 

Kauai is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in Hawaii, each offering a unique experience. If you’re looking for family-friendly shores, adventurous surf spots, or secluded hideaways, there’s a perfect beach waiting for you. Ready to explore Kauai’s coastline? Book a tour with Kauai Sea Tours for an unforgettable ocean adventure!