Lumahai Beach, North Shore, Kauai.
On Kauai, life really is a beach. The island boasts some 50 miles of powdery sand in hues of near white to reddish gold. Find a remote spot to call your own, or head for a neighborhood beach park to enjoy not only the sand but added creature comforts. Each of Kauai's four shores offers a bit of beach heaven for just about anyone. You may have to share your plot of sand with an occasional napping seal or sea turtle, but it's all part of the Kauai beach experience.
North Kauai Beaches
North Kauai beaches are known for sizable waves, particularly in the winter. Surfers flock to this area, drawn to places such as Tunnels Beach, named for the circular waves that sometimes are big enough to surf through. Lumahai Beach not only is known for its waves, but also for its Hollywood appeal. The area doubled for the mysterious Bali Hai in the film "South Pacific." Anini Beach Park is favored for its quiet lagoon. The beach is protected by an offshore reef ,and even beginning snorkelers can take to the water in safety. Hanalei Beach Park is one of the most developed, with a picnic pavilion, restrooms and lifeguards -- but at times, the currents are strong, so it's best to obey posted signs.
East Kauai Beaches
Lihue, Kauai's largest city, is on the eastern shore. It's not surprising beaches on this part of the island are family friendly. Lydgate Beach Park, with picnic grounds, lifeguards, restrooms and a bike trail, offers acres of near-white sand and a swimming lagoon that's perfect for children. A lava breakwater protects the shoreline from most of the wave action, making this a prime spot for sunbathing and building sandcastles. Kealia Beach, off Highway 56, offers the best of both worlds with surfable waves on the south end, and a protected swimming area to the north. Lifeguards oversee this beach as well. Kalapaki Beach, fronting the Marriott's Kauai Beach Club (marriott.com), offers stretches of white sand and water suitable for swimmers, snorkelers and beginning surfers. The waves and resulting currents are stronger during the winter season, so check the warning flags before heading out.
South Kauai Beaches
Poipu Beach on Kauai's southern end is perhaps the best-known beach on the island. Brand name hotels such as the Sheraton Kauai Resort (sheraton-kauai.com) and sprawling condominium complexes including the Kiahuna Plantation (castleresorts.com) line the shore. Yet this is no Waikiki. You usually have plenty of space for that towel and umbrella. The centerpiece is Poipu Beach Park, separated into two areas by a small finger of land. Baby Beach, on the eastern end, is protected by a jetty and has shallow water, which is nice for the little ones. Head west of that jetty, and beginning bodyboarders have some decent but manageable waves to navigate. The park offers a children's playground, showers, restrooms, picnic tables and lifeguards. Rent snorkeling gear, bodyboards and other water activity equipment on site. Visitors to Poipu Beach between December and late April might see some humpback whales breaching offshore. The endangered Hawaiian monk seal and green sea turtle also haul out on this beach to snooze. Both are protected species, so take your photos from a respectful distance.
West Kauai Beaches
The western end of Kauai is lightly populated and gets fewer visitors than the rest of the island. The waves and currents tend to be rougher, but that doesn't stop locals and adventurous tourists from getting into the water. Salt Pond Beach Park near Hanapepe has reddish-gold sand, relatively safe surf, and a small lagoon suitable for the kids to paddle around in. The name comes from the natural salt ponds used by the Hawaiians to produce sea salt for cooking and traditional medicines. The production continues, but on a much smaller scale. Another local surf spot is Kekaha Beach. The currents are strong and the surf can be rough, so beginners may want to just watch. Check with the on-duty lifeguards before getting in the water. The long stretch of tan sand is perfect for sunbathing or a nice long walk.
Tags: Beach Park, Kauai Beaches, Poipu Beach, beach island, currents strong