From the bluest water along Kauai’s North Shore to remote beaches and tucked-away coves, to the wild Na Pali Coast, Kauai offers some of the most visually striking beaches in Hawaii, wrapping nearly every edge of the island. Everything you need to know, including parking, permits, walking distance, and ocean conditions - I have done all the planning for you - with a downloadable Google Map! And don't miss my Hawaii Packing Guide here.

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1. Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach, sits along Kauai’s North Shore and is defined by its expansive reef system and dramatic mountain backdrop. During summer, the reef shelters the shoreline, creating some of the island’s most reliable snorkeling conditions, while winter brings heavier surf that reshapes the entire experience. The beach feels wide and open, with enough space to spread out even on busier days, although access requires attention due to limited roadside parking.

• Location: North Shore, near Haena
• Parking: Limited roadside parking along Kuhio Highway
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Drive north past Hanalei, park along the designated areas
• Known for: Snorkeling, reef formations, mountain views
• Hazards: Seasonal surf changes, strong currents outside summer months

2. Hideaways Beach

Hideaways Beach is a small, tucked-away cove near Princeville that rewards the effort required to reach it. To get to hideaways, you need to descend down a trail into the cove -  but the payoff is a quieter shoreline with clear water and a reef that supports snorkeling when conditions are calm. The cove’s scale creates an intimate feel, making it better suited for shorter visits rather than full-day beach outings. On a clear day, this is one of Hawaii's most crystal-clear beaches with the brightest aqua water.

• Location: Princeville, North Shore
• Parking: Limited residential street parking
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Walk down the marked but steep trail from Princeville
• Known for: Seclusion, snorkeling, cliffside setting
• Hazards: Slippery trail, changing surf

3. Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park stretches along Kauai’s western edge with miles of uninterrupted sand and a strong sense of remoteness. The scale here is striking, with dunes and open ocean creating a landscape that feels largely untouched. Access requires navigating a long dirt road, which helps keep crowds low and reinforces the beach’s untamed character.

• Location: West Side, Mana Plain
• Parking: Unpaved parking areas within the park
• Fees or permits: Entry fee for non-residents
• How to reach: Drive via dirt road from Highway 50
• Known for: Vast shoreline, sunsets, isolation
• Hazards: Strong surf, minimal facilities

4. Kalapaki Beach

Kalapaki Beach offers one of Kauai’s most approachable beach environments, particularly for swimming and beginner water activities. The bay - seen here from Marriott Kauai Beach Club Resort -  is naturally protected, resulting in calmer water throughout much of the year, while nearby resorts provide easy access to amenities. Its proximity to Lihue Airport makes it a convenient first or last beach stop.

• Location: Lihue
• Parking: Public lot and resort parking
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Follow Nawiliwili Road from Lihue
• Known for: Calm water, accessibility, paddle sports
• Hazards: Busy during peak hours

5. Baby Beach, Poipu

Baby Beach near Poipu is sheltered by an offshore reef that creates shallow, calm water suitable for relaxed swimming. The beach feels more local and understated compared to larger South Shore options, with gentle conditions that remain consistent throughout much of the year. It is especially appealing for low-key visits centered on ease rather than spectacle. This is one of the island's best beaches for sunset!

• Location: South Shore, Poipu
• Parking: Small roadside parking
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Access via residential streets near Poipu
• Known for: Calm water, reef protection
• Hazards: Limited shade, rocky areas at low tide

6. Ke'e Beach

Keʻe Beach marks the end of the road on Kauai’s North Shore and sits within Haena State Park. Reef protection creates calm swimming and snorkeling conditions during summer, while the surrounding cliffs give the beach a dramatic, enclosed feel. Access is regulated to protect the environment, which adds planning but preserves the experience.

• Location: Haena State Park
• Parking: Reservation-based parking
• Fees or permits: Entry and parking fees for non-residents
• How to reach: Reservation required for vehicle entry
• Known for: Snorkeling, scenic enclosure
• Hazards: Limited access, seasonal surf

7. Moloaʻa Beach

Moloaʻa Beach is a quiet, crescent-shaped beach on Kauai’s northeast coast, often overlooked due to its residential surroundings. When conditions are calm, the water can be suitable for swimming, while the setting remains relaxed and uncrowded. The beach’s appeal lies in its understated, local feel.

Moloa'a Beach is particularly special because it was the original filming location for Gilligan's Island during its first season - specifically for the shipwrecked beach scenes and opening credits, though later seasons filmed on a studio set.

• Location: Northeast Kauai
• Parking: Limited roadside parking
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Moloaʻa Road off Kuhio Highway
• Known for: Seclusion, gentle setting
• Hazards: Limited facilities

8. Puu Poa Beach

Puu Poa Beach sits below Princeville’s cliffs, surrounded by the stunning 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay - but all beaches in Hawaii are required by law to be publicly accessible to everyone! A paved path near the resort area reaches the beach. The shoreline is relatively narrow, but reef protection can create favorable swimming and snorkeling conditions during calm periods. The elevated surroundings give the beach a secluded feel despite its proximity to accommodations.

• Location: Princeville
• Parking: Resort and nearby public parking
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Walk down paved path near Princeville resorts
• Known for: Snorkeling, privacy
• Hazards: Limited sand during high tide

9. Anahola Beach

Anahola Beach sits along Kauai’s eastern shoreline and offers a long, open stretch of sand with fewer visitors than nearby resort beaches. Conditions vary depending on weather, but the space and scenery make it a comfortable option even when swimming is secondary. The beach is partially managed by the Hawaiian Homes Commission, which helps preserve its quieter atmosphere.

• Location: East Side, Anahola
• Parking: Designated beach lot
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Anahola Road off Kuhio Highway
• Known for: Open shoreline, reduced crowds
• Hazards: Wind exposure

10. Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach sits on Kauai’s South Shore and consistently ranks among the island’s most approachable beaches due to its calmer conditions and well-developed access points. The beach is naturally divided into two crescent-shaped areas, which helps disperse crowds and creates pockets of water that are often suitable for swimming and snorkeling, particularly during summer. Its southern exposure results in more consistent sunshine and generally clearer water than many North Shore beaches, making it a dependable choice when weather elsewhere becomes unpredictable. The presence of lifeguards, nearby amenities, and protected swim zones gives Poipu a polished feel without stripping away its coastal character. Hawaiian monk seals are frequently seen resting on shore, adding to the beach’s appeal while reinforcing the importance of respectful distance.

• Location: South Shore, Poipu
• Parking: Free public parking lot near Poipu Beach Park, additional street parking nearby
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Poipu Road to Hoone Road, clearly signed public access
• Known for: Reliable swimming conditions, snorkeling, family-friendly layout
• Hazards: Occasional shore break, coral near entry points, seasonal south swells

11. Kaimana Beach

Hanakāpīʻai Beach sits along the Na Pali Coast at the end of the first segment of the Kalalau Trail, making it one of the most visually dramatic shorelines accessible without committing to a multi-day hike. Reaching the beach requires a steady walk through lush vegetation, stream crossings, and coastal overlooks, which naturally filters crowds and makes the arrival feel earned rather than incidental. The shoreline itself is defined by coarse sand, steep cliffs, and a powerful open-ocean presence that emphasizes scenery over swimming, encouraging visitors to engage more with the landscape than the water. Many people pair a beach visit with a continuation inland toward Hanakāpīʻai Falls, turning the area into a half-day experience shaped by movement, terrain, and shifting perspectives. Time spent here tends to be contemplative, with the setting offering a clear sense of scale that defines this stretch of the Na Pali Coast.

• Location: Na Pali Coast, within Haena State Park
• Parking: Haena State Park parking, advance reservation required
• Fees or permits: Park entry fee required for non-residents
• How to reach: Hike approximately two miles from the Kalalau Trail trailhead
• Known for: Dramatic coastal scenery, access to Kalalau Trail, proximity to Hanakāpīʻai Falls
• Hazards: Strong offshore currents, seasonal surf, stream crossings that can become impassable after rain

12. Kapaʻa Beach Park

Kapaʻa Beach Park runs alongside the coastal bike path and offers consistent ocean views with easy town access. Swimming conditions vary, but the park works well for walking, picnicking, and casual stops between activities. Its central location makes it a practical option rather than a destination beach.

• Location: Kapaʻa, East Side
• Parking: Large public lot
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Highway access through Kapaʻa
• Known for: Accessibility, coastal path
• Hazards: Wind, variable surf

13. Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach stretches along Kauai’s South Shore near Poipu and is known for its exposed coastline and dramatic wave action. While swimming is limited, the beach excels as a scenic walk and viewpoint, with nearby trails offering elevated perspectives. The setting feels open and energetic rather than sheltered.

• Location: Poipu, South Shore
• Parking: Small public lot
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Poipu Road to Shipwreck Beach access
• Known for: Coastal walks, views
• Hazards: Strong surf

14. Hanalei Beach / Hanalei Pier

Hanalei Beach stretches in a broad crescent along Hanalei Bay, offering one of Kauai’s most visually expansive and adaptable coastal landscapes. Seasonal shifts dramatically shape the experience here, with summer bringing calmer water ideal for swimming, stand-up paddling, and casual floating, while winter swells transform the bay into a powerful surf zone watched closely by experienced locals. The beach’s generous scale allows you to move easily between lively and quieter areas, particularly if you walk away from the central access points near the pier. Backed by mountains and open pastureland, the setting feels cinematic without feeling staged, maintaining a sense of authenticity that rewards longer visits.

Hanalei Pier serves as both a visual anchor and a practical reference point along the shoreline, historically used for cargo deliveries and now functioning as a community gathering space. While swimming directly alongside the pier is generally discouraged due to boat activity and currents, the surrounding beach areas benefit from clearer orientation and easier access. Anglers, photographers, and sunset watchers gravitate toward the pier, while beachgoers tend to spread out along the bay where conditions feel more relaxed and predictable.

• Location: Hanalei, North Shore
• Parking: Large public beach lot near Hanalei Pier and additional roadside options
• Fees or permits: None
• How to reach: Follow Kuhio Highway into Hanalei town and continue toward the bay
• Known for: Seasonal versatility, scenic scale, Hanalei Pier views, mountain backdrops
• Hazards: Strong winter surf, changing currents near the pier, weather-driven variability

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