Pali Ke Kua Beach (Hideaways)

If you are planning a vacation to the North Shore of Kauai, one place you must visit if you want quiet and quality snorkeling is Pali Ke Kua Beach, locally known as Hideaways.

Located below the Princeville Hotel, Pali Ke Kua is difficult to find and when you do find the path the walk down to the beach is challenging.

The path starts right behind the small public parking lot in front of the Princeville hotel.

It goes down a steep 120 feet, the first part having metal piping to hold onto, the second half you're on your own.

Don't attempt to negotiate this path if it's been raining or are physically challenged in anyway. It IS that steep.

Once you reach the beach you'll find beautiful sand with plenty of sun and plenty of shade as well. Don't be surprised if it's only you and 4-5 others on the beach, because most people don't know about this little slice of heaven.

A word of caution. The snorkeling is great when the sea is calm. Don't attempt it when conditions aren't calm because rip currents can form making it potentially hazardous to be in the water.

Now, the best snorkeling is between the two beaches (yes, it's actually two sandy beach coves separated by a lava rock point) and around the reef you can expect to see many types of fish and the occasional sea turtle, as the next two pictures demostrate.

In order to reach the other beach you can either swim to the right and reach the other part of the beach or walk the trail that leads by the Pali Ke Kua condominiums.

By the way, these two photos were taken with a $10 waterproof camera, so don't think you need expensive equipment to get some very nice pictures.

Check the local grocery stores, because at local surf shops the camera's go for $15-20.

This really is a great place to spend an afternoon thanks to the coarse sand, great snorkeling, and shade trees.

And finally, this is also a good place for kids as long as they can manage the path leading down to the beach.