14 Best Beaches in Kauai You Must Visit
Kauai’s coastline is a highlight reel of golden sand crescents, emerald cliffs, and water that shifts from glassy to wild depending on the mood of the day.
The Garden Isle crams a ton of coastal beauty into a surprisingly small package–here’s a guide to the best beaches in Kauai.
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1. Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach Park sits on Kauai’s sunny south shore and regularly lands on lists of America’s best beaches. You get golden sand, mellow waves, and plenty of spots to swim and snorkel.
There’s a bit of everything here: swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and surfing all in one place.
Lifeguards are on duty every day, so it feels extra safe. Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables are all right there, too.
Best For: Families after safe swimming, anyone hoping to spot sea turtles while snorkeling, and folks who want a front-row seat for sunset.
2. Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay sprawls for over two miles on Kauai’s north shore, framed by white sand and those famous green mountains. There are three beach parks along this perfect crescent: Black Pot, Hanalei Pavilion and Wai’oli.
The bay is shielded from big surf, so it’s a solid pick for families with kids. Rivers flow into the ocean and waterfalls tumble down the cliffs behind you.
Best For: Swimming, surfing, kayaking, and snapping photos of Kauai’s most iconic bay.
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3. Lydgate Beach Park
Lydgate Beach Park on the east shore has two protected lagoons, so swimming is easy and stress-free.
Rock walls keep the waves out, creating ultra-calm pools that are great for kids and anyone nervous about the ocean.
Lifeguards are on watch, and there are full facilities—restrooms, picnic tables, the works. The Kamalani Playground here is massive and a real hit with kids.
Best For: Families who want safe swimming and a playground to keep little ones busy.
4. Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)
Tunnels Beach is a north shore favorite for snorkeling. The underwater lava tubes and coral reefs attract sea turtles, bright tropical fish, and even the occasional Hawaiian monk seal.
The golden sand and clear water are ideal for both beginner and advanced snorkelers. It’s one of those spots where you’ll want to linger in the water as long as possible.
Best For: Snorkeling with turtles and exploring coral reefs that are begging for underwater photos.
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5. Ke’e Beach
Ke’e Beach on the North Shore is all about clear water and jaw-dropping cliffs. You’ll find it at the literal end of the road.
Natural coral reefs hug the shore, so the water stays calm in summer—great for families. Snorkeling is top-notch when the ocean cooperates.
Best For: Swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up NaPali Coast views.
6. Anini Beach
Anini is a north shore hidden gem with a huge reef that keeps the water calm all year. There’s a two-mile stretch of sand, which means you’ll always find a quiet spot for your towel.
The shallow lagoon is perfect for beginner snorkeling. Windsurfers love it too, thanks to steady breezes.
Camping spots, pavilions, and restrooms make it easy to turn a beach day into a sleepover.
Best For: Families who want calm water, easy snorkeling, and a mellow camping scene away from the hotels.
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7. Kealia Beach
Kealia Beach runs along the Coconut Coast with golden sand and bold blue water. It’s just 11 miles north of Lihue Airport, so it’s an easy stop if you’re driving up the east side.
The long stretch of sand is perfect for walks and, in winter, whale watching. There’s plenty of roadside parking, so you can just pull over and hit the beach.
Best For: Long strolls, catching a glimpse of whales, surfing, and convenient parking right off the highway.
8. Salt Pond Beach Park
Salt Pond Beach Park is a mellow spot near Hanapepe, well away from the usual crowds. Only about 15-20 minutes from Poipu, but it feels like a different world.
There are protected shallow pools for snorkeling and calm water for swimming. Traditional salt ponds nearby are still used by locals, which is pretty cool if you’re into local culture.
Best For: Families after calm water, snorkelers, and anyone craving a quieter beach day.
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9. Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park is a wild one—17 miles of beach on Kauai’s west side, the longest in Hawaii. Think golden dunes and endless space for walking or just zoning out.
You’ll need a 4WD for the 4.8-mile dirt road to get there, but the reward is serious solitude.
Best For: Private sunsets, camping under the stars, and wandering as far as your legs will take you.
10. Lumaha’i Beach
On the north shore, Lumaha’i looks straight out of a movie—because it is. It was a backdrop for South Pacific, and you’ll see why.
The beach runs nearly a mile and splits into two main areas: the west end where the stream meets the sea, and Kahalahala Beach to the east. Both are stunning.
Swimming is risky here though—currents are no joke. Most people stick to walking and taking photos.
Best For: Scenic walks, photography, and soaking up coastal views from a famous film location.
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11. Haena Beach
Golden sand, calm turquoise water, and Mount Makana looming in the background—Haena Beach is a north shore stunner. Sunset here is something else.
Lifeguards, picnic tables, and restrooms make things easy. Swim in the protected area or snorkel amongst colorful coral and fish.
Best For: Families who want safe swimming, epic mountain views, and solid amenities.
12. Brennecke’s Beach
This little spot is tucked at the east end of Poipu Beach Park, and you might miss it if you blink. But it’s worth finding!
Brennecke’s is a boogie boarding hotspot—body surfers and boarders flock here for a reason. The reef-protected bay means there’s almost always a rideable wave.
Best For: Body surfing and boogie boarding with reliably good waves.
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13. Lawai Beach
This tiny south shore beach is sneaky—sometimes the sand disappears at high tide. Still, Lawai Beach is a go-to for snorkeling near Poipu.
Underwater is where it shines: tons of colorful fish and coral just steps from your car. You can be in the water five minutes after parking, which is a win if you’re not into hauling gear for miles.
Best For: Quick, easy snorkeling and close-up views of marine life.
14. Shipwreck Beach
Tucked along Kauai’s South Shore, Shipwreck Beach is all about wide white sand and salty air.
The name? Yes, it’s literal—there was once a shipwreck right offshore, and the legend just stuck.
When the summer swells show up, surfers and thrill-seekers grab their boards and head straight for the break.
Best For: Cliff jumping, rugged coastal hikes, and anyone who’d rather skip the crowds for a bit of wild beauty.
