Kauai North Shore Beaches
North Shore of Kauai Beaches
If you are going to swim in the ocean, you need to keep several things in mind. The waves are stronger here in the open ocean than most other places. Rip currents can form, cease and form again with no warning. Large “rogue” waves can come ashore with no warning. These usually occur when two or more waves fuse at sea, becoming a larger wave. Even calm seas are no guarentee of safety.
The underwater topography changes throughout the year with seas taking the sand and rearranging it, making a previously safe beach into a dangerous beach. I usually make it a rule not to go into the water above my waist unless I am at a beach that has a lifeguard. Check with the lifeguards to see where it is safe to swim. As visitors we don’t have a real feel for the ocean and its power, we must respect that it is always changing and much more powerful than we can imagine.
Never turn your back on the ocean, Never swim alone, Never swim in the mouth of a river, Never swim in murky water.
When in doubt, Don’t go out!
Anini Beach
- 4 miles drive from our Vacation Rental Home
- Family safe, Great Snorkeling, Shallow protected by reef
Protected by an outer reef, Annini beach is calm and shallow for great swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing.
Actually Anini Beach to the west and Kalihikai Beach in the middle and Hanapai beach farthest to the east. When driving, you will first pass Hanapai beach which is used by surfers because the reef protection is absent. Then you will pass Kalihika beach which has houses between the road and the sand. Finally you come to Anini Beach Park where the roadway is under 1000 feet from the water [combination grassy picnic grounds and prime sandy beach]. There are restrooms, showers, covered picnic facilities, parking, and even camping [with a permit]. Taken together the sandy portion is at least 1 1/2 miles long and offers some of the north shore’s most tranquil waters [except for Hanapai]. The swimming and snorkeling are good in Anini and Kalihikai areas because of the fine reef protection. Commercial facilities are very limited, so bring your lunch and whatever you need. This is one of our favorite beaches to sit relax and enjoy an afternoon. There are trees for shade if you don’t want too much sun, great beach for small children!
Wyllies Beach
- 2 miles from our Vacation Rental Home
- Fishing, Kayaking, Family beach
Wyllie Beach at the far end of Annini Beach. Drive up and enjoy the calm waters!
Wyllies Beach is the west most portion of Anini Beach. What makes it interesting is that you walk from Princeville down an old wagon road. Follow these directions: Take Wyllies road [2nd left when leaving our house and heading toward the highway on the main Princeville road]. Take Wyllies Road to the end, on the right is a parking area. Leave the pavement and walk along the tree line until a path descends. Overlooking the Prince Golf Course on the right hand side and ocean views in front of you! 500 steps [about 1/3 mile] will bring you to Wyllies beach. Cross Anini stream and you can walk for 1 1/2 miles along the beach.
Queens Bath
-Map to Queen’s Bath from House
- Hike down over lava rock, go at low tide and calm surf, be aware of surf
Lacking sand, it may not be correct to call Queens Bath a beach. Still, it’s a favorite swimming and gathering spot so it rates a special mention. Queens bath is a 10+ foot depression in the lava rock at the base of the Princeville cliffs. Waves break on the outer wall every few minutes and refresh the water in Queens Bath. The swimming is good [for those who do not need to touch bottom], and the setting is spectacular. Summer months and low tides are best times to visit Queens Bath. Winter can be treacherous Be very aware of the ocean conditions here, Use caution!
Hideaways Beach
- Great Snorkeling, Watch for high surf, Great surfing, hike down
This is an intimate 300 ft long beach used mostly by Pali Ke Kua Condo guests, but open to anyone. It is accessed by an improved footpath down 200 vertical feet [about 300 steps]. This path is accessed by going all the way to the St. Regis Princeville entrance and parking on the right. The footpath is off to the right between the fences. There is calm water, nice swimming, great snorkeling, and good shade. The beach is neither crowded nor big. I think the most we’ve seen is 6 groups enjoying the fine golden sand and tropical blue waters. Watch the tides and surf during winter months!
St. Regis Princeville Resort Beach Puu Poa Beach
- Great family beach, Good snorkeling, Great sunsets, walk down path next to resort
St Regis Princeville Beach
[Properly called Puu Poa Beach]This is the 1000 foot long beach used by the Princeville hotel and Hanalei Bay Resort guests. Since beaches in Hawaii are public, you too can use it. The waters are very calm making for excellent year round swimming. Take the road all the way to the St. Regis Princeville Resort entrance and park on the right in the public parking area. The footpath is marked on the opposite side of the guard shack for the St Regis. This beach is generally good all the time, it is fairly protected from surf by its position.
Hanalei Bay Beach
- 10 min drive, 3 miles from our Vacation Rental Home
- Long (2 miles) crescent shaped beach, Family, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming
Best kept secret, Hanalei Bay Beach...Spectacular in all ways!
Once you have seen it you will understand why this has been voted “The Best Beach in the World” many times. This 1 mile long beach has calm water and excellent swimming. While officially a town beach, it’s far enough to the west of town that it feels rural. There is about one visitor for about every 100 ft of sand. Hanalei Bay Beach is so serene that it is celebrated in song in hula and featured on travel posters. The Hanalei Bay pier is located at the far east side of the bay where there are vendors who offer surf lessons and kayak rentals. The beautiful pastel colored waters are fine for year round swimming, fishing, windsurfing, canoe paddling, kayaking, snorkeling, and beginning surfing. There is a pavilion, restrooms, picnic tables, parking, and excellent shade.
Lumaha’i Beach
- 20 minute drive from our Vacation Rental
-Not safe swimming but great to walk and sit!
-Parking on the side of the road
Famous beach for the movie South Pacific with Mitzie Gaynor spent time washing that man right out of her hair! A long wide, golden beach just past Hanalei Bay beach. Lumaha’i is one of 2 most dangerous beaches on Kauai. Surfers and boogie boarders frequently use the left side by the rocks, but unless you are an expert on Hawaii surf this should not be tempted.
We have frequently seen seals here sunning themselves and napping!
Tunnels Beach ( Makua Beach)
- 25 minute drive from our Vacation Rental
- Map to Tunnels from our Vacation Rental
- Don’t miss…Great snorkeling, family beach, lifeguards down at the far left end
Tunnels Beach, Incredible snorkeling and views!
Tunnels beach has a wide fringing reef which provides a protection from the large surf most days. The snorkeling is incredible for both the faint of heart and the adventurous. Parking can be a little tricky, best to park down at ha’ena parking area and walk down the beach to Tunnels. Don’t park illegally they do give tickets!
The view of the mountains here is awesome. Bring an underwater camera to capture the action, there are turtles all over!! You will see surfers, snorkelers, scuba divers, wind surfers and kite boarders here, it is a mecca for it all!