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Kauai Beaches
With 143 miles of coastline, Kaua'i
boasts more beaches per mile than any other Hawaiian island. Enjoy surfing, body
boarding, windsurfing, snorkel, or just lay back and enjoy the beauty. A word of
caution concerning beaches in Hawaii. Surf can be high and currents can be
strong. Please check conditions before swimming.
Kuhio Shores
Area
Southern Coast
Northern Coast
Eastern
Coast
Western Coast
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Beaches around the
Kuhio Shores Condominium (our place)
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Hoai Beach - The condominium lanai overlooks Hoai Beach in
Hoai Bay. The beach is a launching place for individual and
organized snorkeling tours. It is famous for the endangered
green sea turtles inhabiting the area, and is a site often used
by local fishermen. Sit on your own private lanai and watch the
turtles surface, the snorkelers swim, and local fishermen
spearing and netting fish off the beach. |
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Beach House Beach
- Adjacent to the Kuhio Shores Condominium property is Beach House
Beach. This beach has a Western exposure and is used for sunbathing
by many. There also is good snorkeling at this beach. One also can watch a beautiful sunset from the beach or
pull up a chair on the lawn outside the restaurant (Beach House) and
watch the sun set. They are beautiful!
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Hoona Beach -
This beach, often called baby beach, is one block east of Kuhio Shores Condominium off Hoona
road (5 minute walk). It is located in a residential neighborhood
but has open access (all beaches are public in Hawaii) via well marked walkways (one on right past 2nd
house and the other past the 6th house). The beach is protected
from the surf and its shallow, gentle waters are great for
children. The beach is secluded so it is not bad for adults either.
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Other Beaches on the Southern Coast, Poipu
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Poipu Beach - A long stretch
of sandy shoreline. Great snorkeling, body boarding & swimming. From
the condo turn right to round about (0.6 mi.). Take first road
to right (Poipu Road)
and pass Poipu Shopping Village (on left). Turn right at sign and
the beach is straight ahead.
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Brenneke's Beach - Located just east of Poipu Beach (300 yds).
Good surfing and body surfing in summer.
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Keoneloa Beach "Shipwreck" Beach
- Located behind Kauai Hyatt Hotel and Resort. Public parking
access is the first right turn immediately past Hyatt entry.
Drive past the golf club house. Parking is limited.
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Maha'ulepu Beach - One of our
favorite beaches. It is close to the condo (10 minutes),
unspoiled by construction and private. The waters are subject
to strong currents so check conditions. Access is possible only by
crossing private land. Drive down Poipu Rd. (past the Hyatt Hotel).
The road changes to a dirt road. Follow to the stop sign. Turn
right. There is a gatehouse, which closes at sundown or
thereabouts (check sign). Drive straight past gate to
the beach. You enter a parking area and there is a road on the
left side of the parking area. It leads to another section
of the beach. You can park in the first lot and walk over to the beach,
or drive down the road to the other section.
This is very private beach. You will see no hotels or condominiums
here. Their are Ironwood trees at the back for those who like to be at the
beach but want to be out of the sun. Great beach! |
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Northern Coast
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Donkey Beach -
Very private beach where nude sunbathers
may be seen (public nudity
is illegal in Hawaii, but it is not actively enforced in isolated
areas).
Few people frolic at this beach, which we like. Summer is great
because the seas are calmer and the beach is much wider than in the
winter. At the back of the beach are low trees that provide cover
for privacy and welcome shade from the intense sun. Swimming is not
recommended, as currents can be strong. Directions: Turn right as
you leave the condo and drive to Lihue. Continue straight through
Lihue and turn left at the dead end (continuation of hwy 56). Just
past the 11 mile marker (0.3 mi) you will see an entry for a new
subdivision called Kealia. Park just past the entry and walk across the open ground
toward the ocean (You can't see Donkey Beach from the main highway).
You will walk about 1/2 mile before you reach a dirt cane road.
Turn left and walk along the road. You will spot the beach about
1/4 mile down the road. It is a bit of a hike but if you want
privacy, it is worth the walk.
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Kauapea Beach - Commonly
known as Secret Beach, this long expanse of white sand is also a
popular nude beach (public nudity is illegal in Hawaii, but it is
not actively enforced in isolated areas). In the summer you can swim
with dolphins or enjoy body boarding among the waves during calm
conditions. Check conditions before entering, as currents can be
strong in high surf. In the winter, it is definitely too rough for
swimming. From here you'll see the Kilauea lighthouse and
Moku'ae'ae Island. It is a beautiful beach that is worth the effort
required to get to it; however, during the summer, there will be
quite a few people at the beach.
Directions: Turn right as you leave the condo and drive to Lihue.
Continue straight through Lihue and turn left at the dead end
(continuation of hwy 56). After you pass the 23 mile marker look
for Kahiliwai Road. Turn right and drive 0.1 mile. Turn right and
follow the road to parked vehicles. Find a spot. You will have to
walk about 1/2 mile to the beach (mostly down hill but a pretty
steep climb coming back). About 200 yards into the trail, you will
come to a fork. Turn right. This part of the trail is well kept
with steps heading down. The total walk is about 1/2 mile. |
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'Anini Beach - This is a
County beach with camp sits available. It is protected by the
largest reef in Hawaii. Snorkeling and swimming are excellent.
Directions: Continue past the turn off for Secret Beach to 2nd
Kalihiwai Rd. Turn right and drive 0.2 mi. Turn left at Anini
Road. Follow to the beach.
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Lumaha'i Beach - One of the
most photographed beaches in Hawaii. It is best known for its
starring role in the movie South Pacific. Swimming in the summer is
ok if surf is quiet. Currents can be strong with high surf.
Swimming in the winter is not recommended. Directions: Highway 56
changes to Highway 560 at the Princeville Shopping Center (mile
marker 28 on Highway 56). The mile markers change at this point (0
at the 28 mi marker). Continue to 4 mi marker on Hwy 560. 0.8 mi
past the 4 mi marker are a couple of parking areas on the right.
Past the second, a trail heads down to the beach (about 1/4 mi
walk).
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Hanalei Bay - Beautiful spot
for watching the sunset. Swimming is safe year-round. Drive into
Hanalei on Hwy 560. Turn right on Aku Rd. to Weke Rd. Turn right
and you will see the beach access. There is a life guard on duty
here.
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Tunnels Beach - Great
snorkeling. Scuba diving and windsurfing are excellent also. This
can be a crowded beach, especially on weekends. Directions: Drive
through Hanalei to the 8 mi marker. 0.4 mi past the 8 mi marker
turn right and look for parking (this access is just past the YMCA
camp and and immediately after the yellow "Narrow Bridge" sign.) If
parking is not available here continue another 0.2 mi for a second
access point.
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Ke'e Beach - Small beach,
protected and calm. During the summer swimming and snorkeling are
excellent; however, currents can be strong if surf is high.
Conditions are much more dangerous during the winter. Directions:
Drive to the end of the road on highway 560. The beach is located
at the end of the parking lot at the trail head for Kalalau. |
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Eastern Coast
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Hanama'ulu Beach - Popular
camping area. Hanama'ulu Stream empties into the bay,
making the water murky. Swimming,
fishing. Turn toward the ocean off Kuhio Hwy (56) at Hanama'ulu,
bear right at the fork and follow the road to the end.
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Kalapaki Beach - A sheltered
cove allows for excellent swimming, windsurfing & body boarding
year-round. Access at the bottom of Wa'apa Road in Lihu'e.
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Ninini Beach/Running Waters -
Located below the Mariott. Walk through the 13th green and take the
steep trail to the bottom. Good snorkeling on calm days.
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Wailua Beach - Popular with
the surfers, the Wailua River flows into the ocean here sometimes
causing hazardous conditions. Access it by pulling off the Kuhio
Hwy. once you've crossed the river (if you're coming from the
south).
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Nukoli'i Beach Park - Less
crowded than most, this 2-mile beach runs from along the front of
the Wailua Golf Course. Swimming, snorkeling (when water is calm).
Access the southern portion of the beach by driving up the dirt road
between the golf course and the Outrigger Kaua'i Beach Hotel
entrance.
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Lydgate State Park -
Excellent swimming, snorkeling (beware of strong currents), lava
pool. Playground, picnic area, shallow water area great for kids.
Access is off Leho Drive just north of the Wailua Golf Course. |
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Western Coast
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Polihale State Park - Sand
dunes, 15-mile beach. Surfing for experts only. Swimming not
recommended. Access is through the military reserve. It is a
private beach (not many people visit) at the start of the Na Pali
coast on the southern side. Really beautiful!
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Kekaha Beach - A continuation
of the beach that starts beneath the cliffs at Polihale. Swimming is
not recommended as it is subject to strong currents but the beach is
beautiful and private. Access directly off Kaumuali'i Hwy (50). |
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