Three Terrific Kauai Hawaii Beaches

If you are looking for tranquility or adventure, the Kauai Beaches are the places to be. Nearly half of the island's coast offers both private and commercial beaches boasting a plethora of beautiful plants and an assortment of animals. Some of these areas are uniquely rugged which is why it's important to be observant and be aware of navigation safety tips. The Kaui-Beaches site provides a pictorial listing of even more beaches.

Finding the Best Beach

The oldest and most northern islands of Hawaii measures about 552 square miles on an almost perfectly circular fashion. It's nearly 33 miles wide and 25 miles long at the furthest points and just 3% of the land is used commercially and residentially. Generally, people live along the coast leaving the interior points fairly intact and well preserved. Temperatures are close to about 70 to 85 degrees, although these tend to climb during the summer and drop during late the afternoon and evening. Cool breezes from northeast trade winds keep ocean temperature near 67 to 80 degrees. Rain showers are typical in the early hours of the morning and at night.

Anini Beach along Anini Road in the North Shore Kauai is one of the most protected areas along the northern part of Kauai. Hawaii's longest barrier reef spans the entire length of Anini Beach. You can enjoy luxurious Kauai vacation homes at various key points offering enchanting views of the coastline and ocean. One side of the beach has only 4 feet of water that falls slowly to a more than 100 feet to the opposite end. You can delight in several activities like snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving and swimming. There are tree-shaded campsites complete with showers and restrooms.

Donkey Beach is located in East Kauai characterized by a combination of stone, sand and trees. Donkey Beach was named after the typical practice of letting donkeys and burros transport sugar cane to nearby fields and plantations. This is a lovely open beach where you can indulge in swimming, walks and picnics. There are usually no lifeguards or restrooms, however. Tourists should be cautious about swimming during the high tide as waves break on sea ledges and drop offs are steep.

Ha'ean Beach on Highway 560 in North Kauai is also an open beach and is favored among surfers. There is a park and beach area with picnic tables, restroom facilities and showers. Swimming is not advised, however, because of steep drop offs.

Beach Safety

For surfers and swimmers, it is wise to only swim only at beaches with lifeguards and those that are located only a few miles from the closest health center. Always tell lifeguards and others before entering the water Ask for swimming suggestions on areas of concern. Watch for warning notices and follow the rules. Daily changes occur that may make some beaches dangerous depending on existing weather conditions, tides or season of the year.

Waves come in sets and there can be as much as a 20-minute break in between dangerous ones. Avoid coastal rocks as strong waves can easily sweep people out to sea. Accidents can happen out of the water as well so take care when treading through grass, sand and stone. Just ask a partner to go with you when engaging in water activities.