Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian Island and its age has graced it with miles of beautiful coastline dotted with beaches that offer a unique experience. Whether you’re looking for safe swimming areas for the family, snorkeling in search of tropical fish, or looking to try surfing, here are our top beaches on the island of Kauai:
Hanalei Bay Beach – North Shore
Known to be the best beach on the island, this family friendly, two-mile long stretch of sand is surrounded by lush views of the surrounding mountains. This beach has a little bit of everything for those seeking ocean fun and diversity. Enjoy reefs ideal for surfing, or head closer to the pier for easier swimming conditions and boogie boarding. This crescent-shaped piece of paradise has plenty of room for everyone!
Makua Beach (Tunnels) – North Shore
Known for being featured in the movie, “South Pacific,” this beach offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. This two-mile long stretch of sand is perfect to visit during the calm summer months. Known for its scenic backdrop similar to Hanalei Bay with the rising mountain tops surrounding the beach, families can enjoy the shallow inner reef or the outer reef is great for more advanced swimmers and divers. “Tunnels Beach” gets its name from surfers who have seen the waves tube/tunnel and from the divers who have found the caves below the water’s surface.
Ke ‘e Beach – North Shore
One of the most popular beaches on the North Shore because of its incredible view, you’ll be in awe of this lagoon-like beach and crystal clear waters. You might also see an abundance of reef fish which makes it a perfect spot for snorkeling.
Poipu Beach – South Shore
This beach has a little bit of everything and is a great choice for families with young kids. Crowned America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel, Poipu Beach is naturally split into two smaller bays by a sand bar where endangered monk seals like to nap during the day. To the west side of the sand bar is known as Baby Beach and is a protected cove perfect for children. The eastern side is ideal for beachgoers looking to do a bit of everything from surfing and boogie boarding to swimming and snorkeling.
Anini Beach – North Shore
This long stretch of sand is protected by an equally long reef making it one of the most protected beaches on the North Shore. This three-mile stretch of sand is great for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing during summer months. This beach features showers, restrooms and camping. Also, the cliffs surrounding the beach make for a beautifully dramatic backdrop to the shoreline.
Lydgate Beach Park – East Kauai
This beach truly has everything you need for a perfect beach day. With two protected natural swimming pools, a playground, amazing snorkeling opportunities and on-duty lifeguards, it’s a great place to bring the whole family. From the calm pools for swimming to the underwater worlds nearly always pulsing with life, you’ll find this to be an ideal beach during you vacation.
Shipwreck Beach – South Shore
Named from an old wooden ship that sunk of the coast but has long since faded into the deep crystal blue waters, this beach isn’t necessarily the best for swimming since there are strong currents and high surf advisory’s, but the awe-inspiring raw natural scenery makes it worth a beach day. It’s fairly secluded and offers a more romantic atmosphere to catch some sun with your loved one.
Kiahuna Beach – South Shore
One of Kauai’s most popular beaches because it’s an ideal spot for swimmers, surfers, boogie boarders, and when the weather is right, snorkelers too! The water tends to stay relatively calm so it’s optimal for a beach day with the whole family, and outside the reef is also perfect for experienced surfers looking to level -up their skills.
Are you ready for perfect beach days in paradise? Book your next vacation at Makai Club Resort to be minutes away from lush, scenic coastlines and crystal blue waters. Simply book online or call a Vacation Specialist at (866) 986-9493.
