Exploring 17 Beaches in Kauai, Hawaii

May 20, 2025

Adventure Theory: 17 Beaches in Kawaii, Hawaii

Introduction

  • Presented by Ben from Adventure Theory.
  • Covers 17 beaches in Kawaii, Hawaii.
  • Discusses which beaches to visit, avoid, or child-friendly.
  • Hawaii Beach Access Law: Chapter 115 of Hawaii revised statutes ensures public access to beaches.

Beaches Overview

1. Allerton's Beach

  • Location: South Shore near Poipu.
  • Access: Trail alongside a golf cart track (Public access allowed).
  • Activities: Relaxing, boogie boarding, body surfing.
  • Note: Trail can be rocky.

2. Anahola Beach

  • Location: East side, north of Kapaa.
  • Note: Located in a Hawaiian homestead neighborhood. Recommended to avoid to respect locals.
  • Underwater: Shallow with octopus, slipper lobster.

3. Anini Beach

  • Tourist beach with facilities: parking, bathrooms, showers, campsite.
  • Activities: Camping, snorkeling for advanced snorkelers.
  • Note: Snorkel adventure involves navigating through coral channels.

4. Donkey Beach

  • Location: East side above Kapaa.
  • Access: Short walk from Kapaa bike path.
  • Note: Known for rip currents and lack of shade.
  • Snorkeling: Average with some good shells.

5. Glass Beach

  • Location: West side.
  • Note: Novelty beach with sea glass due to historical dump site.
  • Wildlife: Endangered Hawaiian monk seal sighting.

6. Hanalei Bay

  • Location: Northshore.
  • Attractions: Surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking.
  • Note: Rip currents; dangerous in winter.

7. Ke'e Beach

  • Location: Northshore, trail head for Kalalau Trail.
  • Small beach, difficult access.
  • Note: Can get crowded.

8. Kealia Beach

  • Common for surfing, bodyboarding.
  • Note: Known for rip currents.

9. Kahili Beach

  • Family-friendly with a calm lagoon.
  • Note: Surf beach on the ocean side.

10. Kihil Beach

  • Location: North entrance, river mouth.
  • Activities: Surfing, rope swing fun.

11. Lumahai Beach

  • Location: Northshore.
  • Note: Limited parking, beautiful beach with cliff and rock jumping.

12. Lydgate Beach Park

  • Family-friendly with protected swimming ponds.
  • Facilities: Playgrounds, pavilions, disc golf.
  • Note: Ancient Hawaiian ruins and petroglyphs.

13. Mahaulepu Beach

  • Location: South shore near Poipu.
  • Not ideal for swimming due to rocks.
  • Attractions: Hiking trail, heritage trail, cave tours.

14. Moloa'a Beach

  • Location: Northeast side.
  • Note: Remote, once used for filming.
  • Activities: Snorkeling, hiking.

15. Nukolii Beach

  • Location: East side.
  • Features: Lagoon for children.
  • Note: Be cautious of Portuguese man-of-war.

16. Papaa Beach

  • Location: East shore.
  • Note: Secluded, not ideal for swimming due to rocky bottom.

17. Polihale State Park

  • Location: End of the road on the west side.
  • Note: Remote, no shade, dangerous currents.

18. Salt Pond Beach

  • Family-friendly lagoon area.
  • Note: Rip currents outside rock wall.

19. Secret Beach

  • Location: East side.
  • Note: Often has rip currents, good for surfing.

20. Shipwreck Beach

  • Location: South side near Poipu.
  • Note: Rocky, popular for cliff jumping but dangerous due to shallow waters.

Conclusion

  • Emphasizes respect for local culture and safety.
  • Advises to choose beaches wisely and prioritize personal safety.