Kauai's Dangerous Beaches

Kauai, Hawaii's fourth largest island, is also known as the garden isle, and for many people, it is known for it's lovely climate, beautiful mountains, scenic waterfalls and gorgeous waters, but it is also worth noting that it is also know for it's dangerous beaches!

When people think of beaches, they mostly think of wonderful expanses of sea and sand, perfect for a swim, but the truth is, even beautiful beaches can hide treacherous depths, and Kauai has its share of them.

Lumahai beach is a truly lovely area, and it is often used on postcards and in books that discuss the history or nature of the state.

This beach is a wonderful place for sunbathing or a walk along the surf, and it is certainly worth taking the time to stop at, but you should be aware that you should not swim at this beach.

This beach is widely considered the most dangerous one on the island of Kauai, and it is completely open to the ocean. There are no reefs that can shield you from the waves, and even small waves can be deceptively powerful, making being dragged out to sea a frightening possibility.

Similarly, the Na Pali Coast is a wonderful place to stop and sightsee and the tall cliffs are not to be missed if you are nearby, but you'll find that this is another place where you don't want to venture into the water.

The remote area leads to a serious lack of rescue support, and there are extremely strong currents and a dangerous shorebreak. Keep in mind that there are high cliffs and that the hiking can be quite slippery as well.

Maha'ulepu is another beach that is wonderful for coastal hikes and is one of the more underdeveloped areas on the island, making it perfect for exploration, but beware the strong currents that will break over the rocks, reefs and ledges.

These conditions make for hazardous conditions for bodyboarding and surfing and caution is highly recommended.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to be careful on the beaches of Kauai.

Remember that you should always find out about any likely hazards in an area before you head out, and that there's no such thing as being too careful.

Check out these fun (and safe!) 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!