Kauai Beaches

Kauai beaches are treasures in themselves, but majority of them are hidden so you have to know where they are. The most popular of Kauai's beaches is Poipu Beach on the island’s South Side. Poipu Beach is widely acclaimed as Kauai’s safest beach, but it can be a bit crowded compared to other Kauai beaches.

Calm water surrounds the sandy promontory of Poipu Beach. This is due to the presence of an offshore reef that causes the waves to break before reaching the beach. These breaking waves provide excellent opportunities for surfing, while closer in there are calmer waters safe for children.

Poipu Beach is popular because it offers safe swimming and wading, as well as surfing, opportunities. The offshore reef also attracts fish between the reef and the coast, making it one of the best beaches on Kauai for snorkeling.

Many variety of fish can be seen here, especially Triggerfish, Pufferfish, and Angelfish. Many snorkelers feed these fish so they’re often extremely tame and attracted to snorkelers (they expect to be fed).

You should also know there’s an on-going local debate as to exactly what food is harmful and what is healthy for the fish.

To the east end of Poipu is the pristine white sand beach of Mahaulepu Beach. Only a few visitors have ever heard of this Kauai beach, which only means privacy and seclusion as you walk along the sandy shoreline.

To get there, drive past the Hyatt Hotel and continue east on the dirt road until you reach the T-junction where you want to turn right. From there, head toward the ocean until you encounter a guard booth staffed by the sugar plantation company, who’ll ask you to sign in and sign a waiver.

Mahaulepu is favored by locals, wind surfers, as well as sunbathing and relaxing visitors. Besides having pristine sand and blue water, the beach has a legendary history because King Kamehameha from Oahu landed there in an attempt to capture Kauai.

There are several others Kauai beaches deemed safe for swimmers. Baby Beach (or Hoona Beach) is so-called because it’s ideal for very young children just learning to swim. The beach offers tranquil waters in a small cove behind offshore lava rocks.

SAFETY TIP: Before going out in the water, check for daily weather conditions and warnings. If the reports say its okay but you see that the waves are rather high, then just don’t go out. After all, the island has much more to offer on a Kauai vacation than just beaches and water.

Check out these fun Kauai Beach activities:

Kauai Adventure on Horseback at Silver Falls Ranch
All levels of riders can enjoy a 1½, 2 or 3-hour North Shore horseback adventure on some of Kauai's most lush and beautiful trails.

Kauai Backcountry Tubing Adventure
Traverse Lihue's old sugar cane plantation into Kaua‘i's pristine emerald green interior, then grab a tube, don a headlamp, and jump in for a leisurely cruise through the Lihue Plantation irrigation ditch and tunnel system.

Kauai Jungle Valley Adventure - Kayak, Hike, & Waterfall Swim
Hike and paddle the Wailua Valley, a beautiful and historic jungle stream, deep into the heart of the island where you can swim in a pool beneath a 130-foot waterfall.

Kauai Wailua Paddle to Secret Falls Nature Tour
Take a relaxing and safe 5-hour waterfall adventure tour, combining idyllic paddling on the Wailua River and a hike to a remote bridal-veil waterfall.

Kauai Morning Zipline Expedition Tour from Princeville
Take an incredible adventure blending eight picturesque zipline crossings, a suspension bridge, and a stop at an idyllic waterfall swimming hole for lunch and fun!

Kauai Waterfall & Hiking Excursion Tour from Princeville
Hike through tropical jungle brimming with native and Polynesian introduced flora, and across lush, green pasturelands to a 360-dedgree lookout with spectacular ocean, mountain, and North Shore views.

Kauai Adventure in Paradise - Half-Day Rainforest & Hiking Tour
Enjoy a full-day, guided, 4-wheel drive adventure into spectacular untamed areas of Kauai, otherwise inaccessible and off limits to the general public, featuring the beauty of Kokee State Park and Waimea Canyon.

Kauai Hanalei Lagoon Bay - Kayaking & Snorkeling Tours
Prepare to be pampered and intrigued in a kayak and snorkeling tour at Hanalei Bay Reef Lagoon and the Hanalei River!

Kauai Jungle, Valley Adventure from Princeville
Take North Shore's only guided kayak trip. Then hike through an untouched tropical rainforest to a hidden twin waterfall that empties into a mountain pool surrounded by fern-lined walls!