The 10 Best Beaches on Kauai: spots you don’t want to miss!

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I’m embarrassed to say that on my first trip to Kauai I said to my then boyfriend (now husband) Jordan, “It’s a beautiful island, but there aren’t many beaches.”

We were living on Oahu and had flown to Kauai for a weekend. And while yes, we were spoiled with choice on Oahu for beaches (honestly, I think they just may have the best beaches in Hawaii), I just didn’t really know where to look for amazing beaches on Kauai.

So you don’t make the same sad mistake I made my first trip, I’ve put together a list of the 10 best beaches on Kauai (in my opinion). After many trips to the Garden Isle, these are the beaches that I keep going to over and over again. There’s something for everyone on this list — from jaw dropping mountain backgrounds to family friendly spots, this is the only Kauai beaches list you need.

If you’re looking for great Kauai beaches, you’ll probably also love these recommendations:
– If you want to spend time in the water, these are the best snorkeling spots and snorkeling tours on Kauai
– Some of the most stunning coastline in inaccessible by car, so book a Napali Coast boat tour to see the jaw dropping cliffs
– These are the best places to stay on Kauai, especially if you’re prioritizing beach access

Map of the Best Kauai Beaches

Best Kauai Beach for…

• Beginner Swimmers should go to Lydgate Beach Park on the East Shore. The beach has a lifeguard on duty, is shallow, and has seawall-protected lagoons. See our list of 9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming.
• Winter Visitors is Poipu Beach on the South Shore. This is an amazing beach and even better when our favorite North Shore beaches are getting pounded by winter waves. See our list of 7 Best Kauai Beaches in the Winter.
• Families is Poipu Beach. You will find us listing this beach often, as it is so wonderful for our family. Turtles, a protected lagoon, a playground, food nearby, and toilet facilities make this perfect for families.
• Snorkeling is Makua (Tunnels) Beach on the North Shore. It is for advanced snorkelers due to the strong currents, so check the ocean conditions! The reef is pristine, and the marine life is abundant. Here are all of the best snorkeling spots on Kauai.

Beaches We Don’t Send Our Friends to Visit

We are friends, right? These beaches are gorgeous, like all Hawaii beaches, so you may find them on some “Best Kauai Beach Lists.” We went, and here is why we don’t recommend them to friends.

• Anahola Beach is the background for advertising photos. As our local tour guide on our Wailea River Kayak tour said, “It is best to stay near the lifeguard station if you visit.” That is because the beach is notorious for illegal campers and doesn’t offer friendly vibes.
• Paliku Beach (Donkey Beach) is known locally as the nude beach. While the whole beach isn’t for that, the long walk down to the beach makes visiting other beaches on our best Kauai beaches list more tempting.
• Kalapaki Beach is a lovely beach near Nawiliwili Harbor, making it an easy beach to visit for Hawaii cruise passengers who read our cruise guide. For non-cruise passengers, the beach is a bit out of the way in Lihue (a Lihue thing to do!). Plus, locals have protested in the past to reduce visitors to this beach.
• Polihale Beach is on the far western side of Kauai in Polihale State Park, past Waimea Town. Folks love recommending this beach as it is the longest beach in Hawaii, and it is usually deserted. But, for that reason, it is a poor beach to visit. One has to drive down a long and poorly maintained cane road. People get stuck so frequently that the rule is to carry a 12-pack of beer so you can give it to the tow truck or local who pulls you out. Plus, it gets windy out there.

The Best Beaches on Kauai: safety and weather note

Before sending you off to explore some truly beautiful beaches, I need to share a really important warning: the Pacific Ocean is extremely unpredictable, and it’s important to always heed lifeguard flags and warnings. You can check beach conditions with this site.

And Kauai beaches are drastically different in the summer and winter.

During winter months (November to April), you’ll want to stay out of the water on the north shore. The waves are big and fierce. But you’ll usually be able to find calmer water on the south shore. In the summer, the north shore beaches are generally lovely and calm.

If you are heading to Kauai in the winter, make sure to read our article on the best Kauai beaches to visit in the winter. That list will be different from this one.

During the summer months (May to October), the south shore beaches on Kauai can experience large swells and strong currents. This isn’t nearly as bad as the north shore in the winter, but something to pay attention to. Don’t let your guard down as a strong storm in the South Pacific can send large waves to Poipu and Kiahuna Beach.

Read more about the wave and weather differences on Kauai.

Best Kauai Beaches Video

For anyone who prefers to see what the beaches are like instead of read about them, we made a video visiting all of our favorite beaches on Kauai:

The 10 Best Beaches on Kauai

After exploring Kauai’s beaches, from the South to the North Shore, and most in between, these are 10 of our favorite beaches that we keep returning to. And to be extra helpful, we include tips about what amenities you’ll find.

1. Ke’e Beach

I’m starting off with a bold claim: Ke’e Beach is the best beach on Kauai (in the summer). Somewhat hidden away inside the Ha’ena State Park, Ke’e Beach is where Kauai’s notoriously lush jungle and craggy cliffs meet the sea. Honestly, you feel like you’re on a movie set. Whenever we’re there, the most frequent thing you’ll hear me say is “I can’t believe this is real.”

You’ll need to be prepared with a reservation for the Ha’ena State Park if you plan on visiting Ke’e Beach, but this extra step, which limits the number of visitors each day, means that this beach is much less crowded.

The price to enter varies from $35 for an adult shuttle pass to $5 for walkers and bikers, but you’ll need to be quick to snag the less expensive options. You can reach Ke’e Beach by a short walk along a raised pathway through taro fields and dense jungle before revealing this beautiful swim spot.

Protected by a serene lagoon in the summer, be aware that Ke’e Beach, like all North Shore beaches, becomes quite dangerous in the winter due to swift currents and swells. If you enjoy hiking, Ke’e Beach also happens to be the start of the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile hike that follows some of the most stunning scenery of the Nāpali Coast. 

Ke’e Beach FAQS:

• Parking: by advanced permit only
• Bathrooms: Yes
• Shower: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes

2. Makua (Tunnels) Beach

This will often top most “best of” lists for snorkeling on Kauai (including our best snorkeling on Kauai list). But there’s so much more to love. While on the beach you get incredibly beautiful views of the Napali Coast cliffs, the wide beach is sandy and large, and the water is very clear. Honestly, if you can’t get a permit to Ke’e Beach and Haena State Park, head to Tunnels.

Makua Beach got its nickname of “Tunnels Beach” because of the lava tubes that have formed beneath the surface of the water. This is just one of the reasons why Makua Beach is such a wonderful snorkeling spot on Kauai. Abundant wildlife, like sea turtles (also known as honu in Hawaiian), monk seals, and colorful fish can be seen swimming along the reef and just beyond the drop off. 

There are a few things that make Makua (Tunnels) Beach a bit trickier than most on Kauai. First, you’ll need to plan ahead for parking. It can be difficult to find a spot, especially in high season, although you can read these tips for finding parking at Makua Beach. The beach is usually pretty empty because the lack of parking keeps the crowds away.

The second thing to keep in mind when planning a trip to Tunnels Beach is that winter swells create dangerous swimming conditions, meaning that this beach is essentially off-limits from November to March. 

There’s not much here as far as amenities: no bathrooms, showers, and limited parking. But you’ll find all of those things a 15 minute walk away at Haena Beach (not to be confused with Haena State Park, which you need a reservation for).

Makua/Tunnels Beach FAQs:

• Parking: very limited parking in small lot; more parking available at Haena Beach
• Bathroom: No; available at Haena Beach, a 15 minute walk away
• Shower: No
• Lifeguard: No

3. Poipu Beach Park

On the south shore of Kauai, this is the first beach you should put on your list. It is an absolute gem and there’s a reason Dr. Beach named it one of the best beaches in the world in 2024.

Located in Kauai’s southern resort town of Poipu, it’s popular thanks to its golden sand and unique, double-crescent shape known as a tombola. It often has ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions, especially in the winter when many North Shore beaches are dangerous due to intense surf. When we visit Kauai in the winter, we will spend at least one day on Poipu Beach.

One of the reasons we (and so many other people) love Poipu is that there is so much there. There’s great snorkeling, surfing nearby, whale watching off the shore, and the reef system helps to keep the beach somewhat protected, making it great for kids, especially in the winter.

There’s even more to do in Poipu (we love it here), so make sure you take a look at our list of the best things to do in Poipu (including our favorite spot for sunset drinks and live music).

And speaking of kids, if you’re visiting with little ones, there’s also a playground right next to the beach. Our kids are entertained there all day long.

Up your activity level and check out the snorkeling tours and surfing lessons right near Poipu beach.

You also have a very good chance of getting a glimpse of Hawaiian Monk Seals, an endangered species, and Honu, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. You need to keep a safe and respectful distance from these animals, and there will be signs reminding you of that.

Poipu beach is also a great place to catch the sunset and you’ll likely see Hawaiian Monk Seals playing in the water at sunset.

And since you’re in the heart of Poipu, there are food options as well. Even if you’re not a hot dog lover, make your way over Puka Dog. Get the Lilikoi mustard and thank me later.

One thing to keep in mind is the summer swells which can get a bit intense. Luckily, there’s usually a lifeguard on duty and the reef system helps to protect the beach. 

Poipu Beach FAQs:

• Parking: plenty! Two large lots to choose from, though they do still fill up as it’s a popular beach
• Bathroom: Yes
• Shower: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes

Beaches on Kauai are beautiful but…

There is so much more to explore. Make the most of your trip with our Kauai Wayfinder itineraries. After living in Hawaii for 5 years, we make multiple trips per year and have helped thousands have a great trip.

4. Kiahuna Beach

You might think that Kiahuna Beach is just an extension of Poipu Beach, but it’s not! It’s right next to it, but it definitely is it’s own thing and very worthwhile to check out.

The first time we really came to appreciate Kiahuna Beach was when we stayed at the Sheraton, which is right in front of the beach. While the Sheraton isn’t my favorite hotel on Kauai, the biggest thing it has going for it is it’s proximity to Kiahuna.

You’ll find more waves here than you will at Poipu Beach, which can be a pro or a con. While it’s not quite as calm as Poipu Beach, the ability to bodyboard or boogie board makes up for it.

Plus, since the Sheraton is right there, you can grab lunch or a Mai Tai without having to pack up and lose your parking spot (or spot on the beach).

We also attended the luau at the Sheraton with Kiahuna Beach as it’s backdrop and it was a highlight of that trip.

And if you want to stay just steps from Kiahuna Beach without staying at the Sheraton, there are two great vacation rental options to consider:

• Poipu Kapili is a short 5 minute walk to Kiahuna Beach
• Kiahuna Plantation resort is beachfront on Kiahuna Beach!

Get all the detailed information you need about Kiahuna Beach.

Kiahuna Beach FAQs:

• Parking: Yes, free
• Bathroom: Yes
• Shower: Yes
• Lifeguard: No

Looking for a place to stay on Kauai?
Where to Stay on Kauai (It’s a Complicated Decision)
7 Best Resorts on Kauai for Families: our kids approve!
The 7 Best Kauai Hotels for Couples

5. Ha’ena Beach Park

We’re back up to the North Shore with this one because, honestly, the beaches up here are just stunning. When we visit during the summer we always stay on the North Shore because the scenery is really just magical. And Ha’ena Beach Park is no exception.

Do not confuse this with Ha’ena State Park just down the road, which requires a permit to enter. There’s no permit required here (hooray!) though you’ll want to arrive very early because the lot is small parking is always challenging. We’ve had luck with parking arriving before 9 am in the summer.

Ha’ena Beach Park has amenities that we love, like bathrooms, a well-marked parking lot, and a lifeguard. It just makes beach days so much easier.

When you get tired of the beach you can just head across the street to Maniniholo dry cave. As with all North Shore beaches, there are strong currents in winter that make it otherwise inaccessible. Keep this in mind if you plan on visiting Kauai from November through March. 

A practical note about North Shore beaches: there’s not much food nearby when you get out towards the end of the road visiting Ha’ena Beach Park, Ha’ena State Park, and Tunnels. Pick up food when you pass through Hanalei before heading to the beach. It’s a long drive and it’s a bummer to have to leave the beach early just because you’re hungry.

Hanalei Beach Park FAQs:

• Parking: Yes, free
• Bathroom: Yes
• Shower: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes

Get even more details on Ha’ena Beach Park here.

6. Anini Beach

Anini Beach kind of feels like a hidden gem because it’s tucked down a secluded road. You drive for quite a while and then suddenly are greeted with a long, slender beach with very calm and shallow water, thanks to it being home to one of the longest reefs in Hawaii. It’s also a great spot to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu) thanks to this shallow reef that is right offshore.

It’s also one of our favorite beaches on Kauai to take the kids. And, it makes the list of the Calmest Beaches in Hawaii.

Anini Beach is also one of the very few beaches on Kauai’s North Shore that can sometimes be safer for swimming in winter. The long reef protects the beach from the brutal waves that grace Kauai’s North Shore beaches come November. Note that this beach does not have lifeguards, so you’ll need to be extra mindful of ocean conditions. If in doubt, don’t go out.

Our tip for visiting Anini Beach is to keep driving past the beach park for another 1/4 – 1/2 mile, almost to the end of the road. You’ll find cars parked along the beach side of the road and beautiful houses on the other side of the road. This part of the beach is quiet and secluded and just so beautiful.

Tip: head for lunch or dinner in Kilauea after the beach. There are some great restaurants there, including Kilauea Fish Market.

Anini Beach FAQs:

• Parking: Yes, street parking
• Bathrooms: Yes, at the beach park
• Showers: Yes, at the beach park
• Lifeguard: No

You can get all the need to know info on Anini Beach here.

Interested in camping? You can book a campsite right on Anini Beach!

7. Hanalei Bay

We really couldn’t make this list without including Hanalei Bay. It’s an iconic bay that you’ll start recognizing in Hawaii imagery everywhere. It’s large (there’s actually 3 beaches along Hanalei Bay) and has a stunning mountain backdrop. It was in the movie The Descendants and is just a 15-minute walk from the center of Hanalei town.

The three beaches that make up Hanalei Bay stretch for 2 miles, so even if it’s a busy summer day, the beach never feels too crowded. Jordan always loves to run down Hanalei Pier and jump off the end of it. I prefer to take photos of it and stare out at the stunning Napali Coast cliffs. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it at this beach.

Plus, there’s often a food truck near the pier, so you don’t have to head into town for food.

As with most of the North Shore beaches, Hanalei Bay can see massive swells in winter and currents are often downright dangerous. 

Hanalei Bay FAQs:

• Parking: Yes
• Bathrooms: Yes
• Showers: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes

We’ve got more details on Hanalei Bay including which of the three beaches you should visit.

And if you’re heading to Hanalei Bay, you’ll also want to check out the town. Plan your day out with the best things to do in Hanalei!

Head to the Napali Coast from Hanalei Bay

One of the things that we love about the north shore beaches is that you get a glimpse of the rugged Napali Coast. These cliffs are inaccessible by car — the only way to see them is by hiking in, taking a flight over them, or heading there by boat.

Most tours to the Napali Coast leave from the south shore, but we have two great options that leave from Hanalei:

If you’re staying on the south shore, these 5 Napali Coast tours won’t disappoint.

8. Lydgate Beach Park

The only beach on our list that isn’t in the south or north of Kauai, Lydgate Beach Park is along the island’s eastern coast, also known as the “Coconut Coast”. Finding swimmable beaches on the east side isn’t easy thanks to the waves and wind. So if you’re staying on the east side you’ll most likely be driving north or south to find a spot to swim and snorkel.

An exception on the east side: Lydgate Beach. The beach has a manmade lagoon area, that keeps it protected from waves. We’ve had great days swimming and snorkeling out there with our kids, while the waves crashed on the other side. And, there’s a lifeguard on site which always makes me feel so much more comfortable.

And if you’re coming here with kids, there’s also a great playground to enjoy if they need a break from the sand.  

And if you are coming with kids, we have a list of things to do on Kauai with kids, with activities that are good for your toddlers and your teenagers.

We also have a list of plenty of things to do in Kapa’a (Kaua’s East side), so you can enjoy time at the beach and a whole host of other activities.

Lydgate Beach FAQs:

• Parking: Yes, a lot!
• Bathrooms: Yes
• Showers: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes

9. Salt Pond Beach Park

Whenever we head to Waimea Canyon, we also add a trip to Salt Pond Beach Park into the itinerary for the day. Southern Kauai’s Salt Pond Beach Park is another ideal swimming spot for the kiddos with its protected lagoon, lifeguards, bathrooms, and showers.

Located next to the natural salt ponds (can you guess where it got its name?), getting to this beach . These salt ponds can only be utilized by native Hawaiians and are unique as they are naturally occurring, unlike most of the manmade salt ponds around the island.

Be prepared: the topography here is different than you’ll see with the North Shore beaches. This area is on the leeward side of the island so things are drier and sunnier. It’s a great place to go if you’re in search of sunshine or if you’re planning a trip to Waimea Canyon. We love it for those reasons. But we don’t go out of our way to spend a day at this beach.

Since you’re heading out to Waimea, don’t forget to see some of the beautiful waterfalls in Waimea Canyon.

Salt Pond Beach FAQs:

• Parking: Yes, plenty!
• Bathrooms: Yes
• Showers: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes

10. Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach is one of the most striking and interesting beaches on Kauai’s South Shore. Named for a ship that quite literally sank off its shores, Shipwreck Beach is best for sunbathing and swimming in the winter, and it’s a popular spot for surfers. As this beach is located at the end of the Poipu strip, it’s also typically more peaceful with few other beachgoers around. 

The parking lot for Shipwreck Beach happens to be the trailhead for the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, a beautiful 3.8 mile hike along the coastal cliffs. In contrast to Kauai’s North Shore beaches, Shipwreck Beach becomes dangerous in the summer months. You’ll want to avoid swimming here from May to September.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai is also right in front of Shipwreck beach. So if you want to stay near this on, be sure to check out our review.

Shipwreck Beach FAQS:

Parking: Yes, a small lot off the side of the Grand Hyatt
Restrooms: Yes
Showers: Yes
Lifeguard: No

While you’re trip planning, you should also check out:
We get asked this a lot: should you visit the Big Island or Kauai?
35 Best Things to Do on Kauai (we will surprise you!)
The Ultimate Kauai Food Truck Guide (find the best cheap eats)

Kauai Beach FAQS:

What are the best swimming beaches on Kauai?

The best beaches for swimming on Kauai largely depends on the season. While some of Kauai’s most beautiful and equally fun swimming beaches are located on the North Shore, winter swells make these beaches off limits for half of the year.

The south shore can get their share of swells as well in the summer, so there will be some days when swimming in those beaches is off limits.

Overall, one of the best beaches for swimming during summer on Kauai is Ke’e Beach on the North Shore. In the winter, head down to Poipu Beach for lazy days of swimming and splashing around.

Which side of Kauai has the best beaches?

The award for the most stunningly beautiful beaches on Kauai has to go to the North Shore for its striking cliffs, sprawling golden sand coastline, and turquoise water. Unfortunately, the beaches on Kauai’s North Shore become treacherous in winter due to rough currents and large waves.

We cover more about the waves and rain in the Best Time to Visit Kauai. It’s a must-read before booking your trip.

For winter swimming, head to Kauai’s south shore beaches where Poipu Beach and Shipwreck Beach are stunning alternatives. Poipu itself has a lot of great beaches that make this list.

If you’re looking for more to do on Kauai, we have you covered:
The 12 Best Things to Do in Hanalei: Kauai’s Rugged North Shore
The 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu: Kauai’s South Shore

What is the best snorkeling beach on Kauai?

Kauai is well known for its snorkeling, offering options for everyone from beginners to pros. Lydgate Beach has a calm lagoon that’s great for the novice snorkeler, while those with more experience will love the abundant sea life and striking reef at Makua (Tunnels) Beach. 

Check out our favorite snorkeling spots on Kauai.

What are the best public beaches on Kauai to watch sunrise and sunset?

All beaches on Kauai (and in Hawaii) are public! Even those that are situated in front of resorts. The best sunset beach is Salt Pond Beach Park which also happens to be a great place to bring children swimming. And if you’re really excited to see the sunset from the west side of Kauai, consider a sunset sail.

If you’re looking for the best Kauai sunset, try a sunset sail

Cruise the cliffs of the Napali Coast as you watch the sunset. This is one of the most inaccessible areas of Kauai so it’s pretty special to be able to head out on a boat to see it:

Poipu Beach is another alternative for sunset views and glimpses of the monk seals playing in the ocean, but it does get crowded. For sunrise, head to Lydgate Beach Park or back to Poipu.

Here are a few wonderful Kauai activities to end the day:
The 3 Best Kauai Luaus: our unbiased review
Napali Coast Sunset Dinner Sail

The Easiest Way to Have a Great Kauai Vacation

Grab a Kauai Itinerary to shortcut the rest of your vacation planning. Packed with excursion days, the best restaurants, amazing places to stay, all the way down to where to park, we haven’t missed a beat.

We bought the wayfinder itinerary from The Hawaii Vacation Guide. Highly recommend — super organized daily plans for every part of the island. Even includes google map directions to the best parking spots and what to pack for each day of fun!

Laura M.