Best beaches in Kauai

Kauai, known as **Hawaii'**s garden island, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning scenery. Kauai's beaches offer something for everyone, from quiet bays for relaxing to beaches with surfing waves.

For example, you'll pass Hanalei Bay, a bay with crystal clear water and white sand surrounded by mountains; Anini Beach, perfect for surfing, snorkelling or kayaking. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax, Polihale State Park is an excellent choice, and if you prefer to connect with nature, Polihale State Park is the perfect beach for you. Remember to plan your trip well so you can go to as many places as possible! Spending 3 days on Kauai is not the same as spending 7 days in paradise!

1. See mountain and sea at Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai. Its crescent-shaped bay stretches for 3 kilometres and is surrounded by stunning green mountains. As you walk around the bay, you can watch the beautiful landscape change, where the green of the mountains contrasts with the blue of the sea.

Hanalei Bay is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and views. It's also a popular spot for water sports such as surfing, kayaking and snorkelling.

The island of Kauai's mountainous and green appearance is especially noticeable from this bay, so it's a beach to start your trip and begin to discover. Doesn't the landscape remind you of the Disney film Moana (or Vaiana)?

Hanalei Bay is also a good place to explore Kauai's culture and history. For example, you can visit the Hanalei Museum, the Hanalei Botanical Gardens or take a trip down the Wailua River. It won't take you long to explore this bay, so you can spend the morning here, for example, and plan for the afternoon to visit one of the other beaches I'll recommend below, some of which are perfect for a sunset!

Book a Kauai Coastal Tour

2. Enjoy the tropical scenery of Anini Beach

Anini Beach is a beach located on the north side of the island of Kauai. This beach is small (it's almost two kilometres long), but it's one of the most popular beaches on Kauai because of the lush tropical vegetation that surrounds it. Plus, walking on the fine sand is said to be an experience. The soft sand and crystal-clear waters are unmatched for peace and relaxation, I assure you!

There is one sport that Anini Beach is particularly noted for, however, and that is its excellent windsurfing conditions. There are several companies that offer surfboard rental and surfing lessons, so you won't have any problem if you want to learn how to windsurf. The wind is constant on the beach, which makes it an ideal place for windsurfing.

You are also quite likely to see people camping at Anini beach, as there is a campsite on the beach which offers basic facilities such as toilets and showers for you to enjoy the experience.

There are several restaurants and bars close to Anini Beach. These restaurants offer a variety of Hawaiian and American dishes. In addition, you will find several spas offering massages and other spa treatments - it can be a perfect place to watch the sunset and spend the evening with the sound of the waves in the background! By the way, I have a few more ideas of things to do in Kauai at night, besides enjoying the beach at this time of day.

3. Relax under the coconut trees on Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach is on the south coast of the island and is surrounded by coconut trees and mountains- a true paradise! The beach is smaller than Anini beach, at 1.6 kilometres, and shares with the rest of the island's beaches its fine white sand. The waters of Poipu are also calm and crystal clear, so it is also a good beach for snorkelling, scuba diving, seabed watching, swimming, diving and snorkelling.

It is a quiet beach with all the amenities available at your fingertips, such as showers, toilets, restaurants (such as the Beach House Restaurant, which I recommend if you visit this beach) and shops. It is characterised by a family atmosphere and a particularly picturesque landscape thanks to its coconut trees.

I recommend spending a relaxing day at the beach here, experiencing firsthand that postcard we all think of when we imagine a beach in Hawaii - a dream come true!

Experience a snorkelling adventure in Kauai

4. Marvel at the coral reefs of Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters located on the north side of Kauai. It's one of the most popular beaches on the island, and for good reason.

First of all, the beach is beautiful. The sand is white and soft, and the water is crystal clear. You can see tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine animals swimming in the water.

Secondly, the beach is a great place for snorkelling. There is also a coral reef just off the beach, and this creates an ideal ecosystem to see fish, turtles, and other marine life that you might not even know about. Also, because of the calm waters, it is a quiet place to swim, especially if you are travelling with children to Kauai. You can rest assured that it will be a safe place to swim - that's a big plus!

5. Meet the Hawaiian wildlife at Ke'e Beach

Ke'e Beach is one of the best beaches on Kauai for several reasons.

This beach has an exceptional natural beauty, sharing with the beaches I mentioned above the calm waters and crystal clear appearance, but it is especially known for its limestone cliffs.

Ke'e Beach is a white sandy beach 5 miles long, and is located on the north shore of the island of Kauai.

As well as being a perfect beach for water sports, Ke'e Beach is a great place to observe wildlife. The beach is home to a wide variety of animals, including sea turtles, tropical fish, seabirds and other wildlife. It is a wonderful place to see wildlife in its natural environment.

Thirdly, Ke'e Beach is a popular place for hiking. The beach is the starting point of the Kalalau Trail, which is an 11 kilometre trail that leads to the Na Pali coast. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in Hawaii, and offers spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast.

For views, nature and peace, Ke'e beach is a must-see during your trip to Kauai.

6. Stroll through Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park| ©Garden State Hiker

Polihale State Park is the perfect place for a long walk along the seashore. That's because it's the longest beach on the island at 17 kilometres, so there's plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sun and sand, and the fine white sand is great for walking barefoot - a real natural foot massage! Imagine that feeling with the waves gently lapping from time to time and refreshing the walk. It's a unique experience!

It's also worth mentioning that Polihale State Park offers spectacular views of the Na Pali coastline, with those spectacular cliffs. Did you know that they are among the highest in the world? Well, you can see them at your leisure from Polihale Beach.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that Polihale State Park beach is located at the western end of the island, and is a less touristy area, so if you want a beach that's not too crowded, this is the one for you.

7. Follow in Elvis' footsteps at Blue Hawaii Beach

If you're a movie buff, you can't miss this tour of Hawaii's breathtaking scenery. From white sandy beaches to majestic waterfalls, this adventure promises to take you to places you've only seen on the big screen. A guide will tell you the most interesting facts about the movies filmed on Kauai.

From Ahukini State Recreational, where films such as "Pagan Love Song" and <a href="link|text="Donovan's Reef"|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxCDQVh89bE">"Donovan's Reef"</a> were filmed, to the majestic Lydgate State Park, <a href="link|text=stage of "Blue Hawaii"|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsUWB9jZPWQ">stage of "Blue Hawaii"</a>, you'll have the chance to explore several iconic locations.
The idea of visiting the mountainous region of Kalalea, where "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was filmed, excites you - get ready to feel like the world's most famous archaeologist! And we can't forget the stunning beaches of Tahiti Nui, the setting for "The Descendants", and the charming Hanalei Pier, where scenes from "Beachhead" were filmed. I encourage you to experience the magic of film in such a spectacular setting as Kauai. <div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Book Kauai movie tour|element=pa-3773">Book Kauai Movie Tour</a></div> <h2 data-number="8. ">Diving in the waters of Na Pali</h2><figure><figure><caption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1723680516/post_images/kauai-183/kids/3942925010_285d040349_o_Cropped.jpg|caption=Snorkelling in Kauia | ©Na Pali Riders">Snorkelling in Kauia</figcaption></figure>The <a href="link|text=Na Pali coast|url=https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/napali-coast-state-wilderness-park/">Na Pali coast</a> will make you fall in love, I assure you! Imagine yourself sailing on a raft, the sea breeze caressing your face as you soak in the beauty of the sea and end up discovering sea caves and waterfalls that dot the Na Pali landscape. Doesn't that sound exciting? The Na Pali coast is also perfect for discovering native marine life as you snorkel at one of Kauai's best coral reefs. And if conditions permit, you can also get to explore the even more fascinating underwater world at Nu'alolo Kai.Na Pali is also a perfect place for hiking. There are several routes that take you along the coast. One of the most popular is the Kalalau Trail, which traverses lush valleys, breathtaking cliffs and secluded beaches.And if you fancy camping, there are several designated campsites along the <a href="link|text=Kalalau Trail|url=https://kalalautrail.com/">Kalalau Trail</a>, where you can spend the night under the stars and wake up to spectacular views. I highly recommend the experience! <div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Snorkel in Kauai|element=pa-3774">Snorkel in Kauai</a></div> <h2 data-number="9. ">Wonder at the purity of Kipu Kai</h2><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1723682280/post_images/kauai-183/beachs/frfefe_Cropped.png|caption=Kipu Kai | ©Laura Habel">Kipu Kai</figcaption></figure>I want to share with you a very special recommendation if you are planning to visit Kauai: You can't miss the amazing Kipu Kai Beach! Let me tell you a little more about it: kilometres of golden sand and the tranquillity of a practically virgin beach. With its crystal clear waters, you'll feel like you've discovered your own private paradise. And the best part: did you know that you can enjoy a unique view of this beach from the air? Yes, <a href="link|text=there are aerial tours|element=pa-3769">there are aerial tours</a> that offer you the chance to admire Kauai's coastline from a whole new perspective. Imagine flying over this dreamy beach and marvelling at the breathtaking views from above. It's an experience you're sure to remember forever.So if you're looking for a truly unforgettable Kauai experience, I highly recommend you consider visiting <a href="link|text=Kipu Kai Beach|url=https://beachsearcher.com/es/beach/840331002/kipu-kai-beach">Kipu Kai Beach</a>, either to relax on its shores or to enjoy its beauty from the sky on a thrilling aerial tour. You won't regret it!<div class="post-button" markdown="1"><a href="link|text=Hire an aerial tour of Kauai|element=pa-3769">Hire an aerial tour of Kauai</a></div> <h2 data-number="10. ">Explore the history of ships at Shipwreck Beach</h2><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1723682301/post_images/kauai-183/beachs/sun_Cropped.png|caption=Shipwreck Beach | ©BBMaui">Shipwreck Beach</figcaption></figure><a href="link|text=Shipwreck Beach|url=https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/shipwreck_beach">Shipwreck Beach</a> is one of those Kauai beaches flanked by a coral reef, with a fascinating history behind its beached ships. As you walk along the shore of Shipwreck Beach, you'll come across the wrecks of ships that once plied these seas. Each of these shipwrecks tells a different story, from ancient legends to real historical events. It's as if each stranded ship is a fragment of an open book, waiting to be deciphered.Imagine listening to the stories surrounding these shipwrecks while gazing at the majestic views of the Pacific Ocean. It's an experience that will transport you to another time and make you appreciate the grandeur and fragility of life at sea. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the history of Shipwreck Beach and discover the secrets that await on its shores? Don't wait any longer and embark on this exciting adventure! <h3 data-number="">Tips for making the most of Kauai's best beaches</h3>And now I'm going to give you some tips for planning which beaches to visit and for how long, as well as what you might need to enjoy them as much as possible.<ul> <li>Find out more about the beaches before you go. I've talked about the characteristics of each beach, and they all have basic services, but if you have specific needs, you may need to find out more beforehand. I recommend researching <a href="link|text=best day tours in Kauai|element=sc-183-5059">best day tours in Kauai</a> to decide what's best for you.</li> <li>Bring everything you need. When you go to Kauai you know you'll be spending a lot of time on the beach, but each time you visit one, remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and water. It may also be useful to bring a picnic or snacks, as some beaches don't have restaurants nearby.</li><li>Prepare your equipment for safe diving. You may hire a service available on the beach for water sports, but if not, or if you just want to swim and snorkel on your own, remember to bring your goggles. And don't stray too far from shore! </li> <li>Be aware of the weather The weather on Kauai can change quickly, so it's important to be prepared for any eventuality. Always pack a jacket or mackintosh, just in case.</li> <li>Arrive early, especially if you're travelling during peak season - don't run out of room on the beach, especially if you're visiting some of the island's busiest beaches!</li> <li>Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. As well as a swimming costume, towel and flip-flops, take comfortable clothes with you, including another type of closed-toe shoe (such as trainers), as you'll usually have to walk a little to get to the beach.</li> </ul> .