Kauai Vacation Beach Guide - Plan a safe & fun Kauai vacation!

Kauai Beaches
Info Guides
Ocean Report (Surf)

Kauai Beach Navigator

All Kauai Beaches

Planning your Kauai vacation? Kauai has more beaches per mile of coastline than any of the other Hawaiian Islands. Select a beach from the map to learn more!

Most Beautiful Beaches

All of Kauai's beaches are beautiful - but these are exceptional. TIP: get to the beach early and you'll be rewarded with less crowds and (generally) calmer ocean conditions.

Ke'e
Makua (Tunnels)
Hanalei Bay
Maha'ulepu
Polihale
Na Pali Coast

Best Snorkeling / Swimming Beaches

A good snorkeling or swimming beach offers protection from the open ocean - usually by a land mass or fringing reef - and a mix of reef and sand that supports an abundant variety of fish.

Ke'e
Makua (Tunnels)
Lydgate
Poipu Beach Park

Kid and Family-friendly Beaches

It's enough work to pack up the gear for a family trip to the beach, these beaches allow you to relax once you get there. Family beaches have protected swimming areas, facilities, and ample room to set up all your stuff for a fun day of beach time.

Anini
Lydgate
Poipu Beach Park
Salt Pond

Best Places to Learn to Surf

Beginning surfers should avoid dangerous reefs and rocks, plus you want waves that are more forgiving. You can always graduate to the big, "gnarly" stuff later, get the surfing basics down at one of these beaches.

Hanalei Bay
Kealia
Wailua

Beaches Off the Beaten Path

It make take more effort to get to these beaches, but you'll be rewarded with that feeling of open spaces and the joy of laying down some fresh footprints on pristine Kauai sand. Perfect for a stroll with someone you love or just by yourself.

Kauapea
Maha'ulepu
Polihale
Na Pali Coast

Lifeguarded Beaches

Plan a safe Kauai vacation. Beach safety tip #1, swim at lifeguarded beaches. Lifeguards are aware of current ocean conditions and risks. If you have a question, be sure to ask. When in doubt, don't go out!

Makua (Tunnels)
Hanalei Bay
Kealia
Wailua
Lydgate
Poipu Beach Park
Salt Pond
Kekaha Beach

Show towns & roads = beach location

The Kauai Beach Explorer is about knowledge. Knowledge of where to go, how to have the most fun, and how to be safe.

Pakala's Beach Cleanup November 19th @ 9:00am

With Surfrider Foundation Kauai chapter. More on beach preservation »

Be Careful - Important Disclaimer: The beaches on Kauai are beautiful - but they can also be extremely dangerous. Kauai has the highest incidence of visitor drownings per capita in the State of Hawaii, most of which are preventable. Precaution should always be taken at Kauai beaches, as ocean conditions can change rapidly, becoming extremely hazardous and potentially life-threatening. The Kauai Beach Explorer, its developers and sponsors make no recommendations or warranties as to the safety of any beach or activity described herein and shall in no way be held liable for any consequential, incidental or direct injury suffered by any persons utilizing the information presented on this site.

Safety Guides

Beach Safety Tips
Lifeguard's Ocean Safety Video
Changing Ocean Conditions
Rip Currents
Seasonal Surf Trends

Printable Ocean Report

The most effective way to share ocean conditions with visitors! (Updated daily)

Download Kauai ocean report »