Kauai's Best Beaches

Hawaii is famous for it's tropical scenery, rich culture, and mostly its remarkable beaches. Kauai in particular has some of the most elegant beaches of all the islands. Kauai has a very distinct difference from the other islands and the beaches on the island are no exception. With vast reefs on the north side, killer waves along the south shore, and beaches with sand as far as the I can see on the west side, Kauai has a beach for everybody. So if you plan to take a trip to Kauai in the near future then I recommend that you do a little research and figure out which beach is right for you.

The South side of the island has a reputation for tight breaking waves and some of the better fishing on the island. Po'ipu Beach is the most famed beach on the south side because of its variety of activities. Po'ipu Beach is located close to many hotels and offers great body surfing just off the shore, but also has some very good snorkeling along the east and west side of the beach which is more protected. Shipwreck Beach has a cliff heading straight into the ocean that is a very popular spot for local fishermen because of the volume of fish right off the coast. The south side is normally safe for all ages but at times can have strong surf that may not be suitable for all ages.

The east side of the island is called the coconut coast because of the vast amount of palm trees along the eastern shores. These beaches are not known as widely for their amazing water life like some of the others on the island but still have characteristics of their own. The beaches along the east sides have been known to be home to the endangered monk seal. This seal often comes to sleep and bask in the sun on particular beaches during the year. Kealia Beach is along the main highway and is a wonderful beach to either surf or sit along and enjoy the waves. With tall crashing waves just off shore, this beach is perfect for a picnic on it wide and long smooth sandy surface. These waves also draw in some of the better surfers, which is always fun to see.

The North side of the island is particularly known for its startling views and gorgeous waters. Along the beaches of the north side you will find many stunning backgrounds that are painted with jagged cliffs and streaming waterfalls that make it look like a dream. Along with the dazzling backgrounds are some of the better beaches on the island. Ke'e Beach is a very protected and excellent snorkeling spot for people of all ages. Hanakapi'ai Beach is at the two-mile point along the famed Kalalau trail. This beach offers amazing views and is almost always isolated from people, but the surf here is almost always too dangerous to enter year round so it should mainly be used for its views. A less known beach is a personal favorite because of its smooth sand and private spaces. Hideaways Beach is a little known spot just off the luxurious Princeville Resort. To get to this beach you must go through a hole in the chain link fence in the parking lot of the resort. Then you climb down an area by holding onto a rope and scooting down, which takes a little athleticism but can be done by mostly anyone as long as you go slow. The result is a precious beach that at times is completely inhabited except for you. The beach is very soft and the waters off shore have good snorkeling in calm surf while in strong surf the surfing can't be beat. If the beach is a little crowded for your taste then it takes just a little climbing over the rocks on the right to a smaller beach that is very unknown to most tourists. But if you do choose to go to this beach my I ask you to respect it and not litter because they do not have anyone who makes sure it is clean.

The west side is known for its long endless beaches that look like the go into the horizon. These beaches have sand dunes that are s large people can slide down on their surfboards into the ocean. Kekaha Beach is a long stretch of the fifteen miles of beach on the west coast. This beach offers great sunbathing and sand sports but the swimming is only safe in calm conditions otherwise the currents are normally too strong for safety. Polihale State Beach Park is a seventeen-mile long stretch of white sand that has dunes almost one hundred feet high. This beach is great for someone who wants to find a spot alone to sleep, read, or do whatever they feel like. This beach leads into the cliffs of the famed Na Pali Coast and offers dramatic views.

No matter what style of beach you prefer, Kauai is certainly able to offer anything anyone could ever want. Each region of the island offers completely different settings but each is unique in their own way. So if you are looking for a tropical paradise and incredibly diverse amounts of beaches, Kauai is the place for you.