Kauai Beaches

Kauai has more beaches (60+) than any other Hawaiian island. Even on weekends and holidays, most beaches are uncrowded. Whether you are looking to get out and catch a wave on the North Shore, snorkel and look for tropical fish and sea turtles, or simply lounge on the beautiful sands, these beaches will be the perfect place to relax and get in tune with nature.

Tunnels Beach 

  • Location: Haena — North Shore 

This crescent-shaped beach is a prime destination for snorkeling and scuba-diving. True to its name, Tunnels Beach is home to many lava tubes making for a stunning underwater environment to explore. Tunnels Beach is also an ideal spot for surfers, kite surfers, and wind surfing as well! Spend the day playing and swimming at this stunning beach and stay long enough to catch the amazing sunset from this North Shore beach!  

Anini Beach 

  • Location: Anini — North Shore 

Anini Beach offers a less crowded destination for beach relaxation! Since this beach is not watched by a lifeguard, sticking to the shallower waters protected by the fringing reef is always a safer choice. Or, spend the day reading a book, fishing from the shore, or walking the beach looking for puka shells! 

Barking Sands

  • Location: Polihale State Park  

Barking Sands beach stretches for 12 miles in Polihale State Park! This beach is unique because of the sound that the moving sands create— hence the name Barking Sands! Spend the day enjoying these wide-open beaches and exploring the rest of the 140-acre State Park.  

Poipu Beach 

  • Location: Poipu — South Shore 

Poipu Beach is a favorite destination for families looking to play in Kauai’s surf and sands! Separated by Nukumoi Point that is often a resting spot for monk seals, Poipu Beach features two bays. The gentle waves on the western bay are often occupied by body boarders while the other side of the beach is an ideal swimming spot perfect for little ones. This beach is a perfect spot for a relaxing beach day! 

Lydgate Beach Park 

  • Location: Wailua – East Side 

Two rock-enclosed ponds make Lydgate Beach Park a prime destination for families looking for a relaxing swimming spot! Snorkeling novices will also enjoy the calm waters where tropical fish swim in and out of the rock crevices. Back on land, this beach park also features a playground and a coastal walking path, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon!