A vacation at our holiday rentals in Kauai wouldn’t be complete without time spent enjoying the sun, surf and sand. When it comes to spectacular beaches, Kauai is known for having some of the most breathtaking ones anywhere in this island chain. Here are a few you may want to explore while you’re here.
North & South Shores
Anini Beach
Located on a quiet lagoon, Anini Beach is known for its deep turquoise water, white sands and mature shade trees. This natural spot was created in part by a natural coral reef that circles the island, which you’ll be able to see peeking out from the shore. This beach is ideal for snorkeling, fishing, and canoeing, and offers public restrooms and showers.
Ke’e Beach
Perfect for snorkeling, this beach is also surrounded by natural coral reefs and is the last beach along the North Shore that is accessible by automobile. During the summer months, the waves here are relatively calm, but they can become extremely rough during the winter. The shoreline provides spectacular views of the Na Pali coast, making it a great spot to catch the sunset.
Lumahai Beach
With a wide stretch of sand, mountainous backdrop, Lumahai Beach once served as the site for a scene in the movie South Pacific. Its waves create an ideal spot for bodyboarding or surfing, but guests also visit to enjoy nature watching, photography, and fishing. There are no lifeguards or public facilities, so swimming is not recommended.
Hanalei Bay Beach
Just outside of Hanalei Town, this half-moon-shaped beach is most famous for the Hanalei Pier, a 340-foot structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From the pier, you’ll take in remarkable sunsets or enjoy excellent fishing. Surfers often flock to Hanalei Bay Beach because of the magnificent waves that can be enjoyed here. Restrooms, lifeguards and a picnic pavilion are also available.
Poipu Beach Park
Located on Kauai’s south shore, this beach is known for its population of Hawaiian monk seal, which regularly make appearances along the shoreline. It’s an ideal place for families with small children, as it has restrooms, picnic facilities and a natural wading area that’s close to the beach. Whale watching, kayaking and snorkeling are also popular pastimes here.
East & West Shores
Kalapaki Beach
While this east shore beach is popular with the surfing crowd, it’s also an excellent spot for sailing, swimming, and canoeing. The wide beach provides plenty of room for building sand castles, and beach volleyball is often enjoyed here as well. You’ll find dozens of unique shops and restaurants all just a short walk away, and many of the restaurants also have beachfront dining tables.
Lydgate Beach
One of the more popular beaches along the eastern shore, Lydgate beach has picnic facilities and restrooms, and lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours. Since the beach is partially protected by a lava wall, the shallow waters of its lagoon are popular with beginning snorkelers. Several hiking trails can also be found here.
Kealia Beach
A popular spot for surfing and boogie boarding as well as walking and jogging, this crescent-shaped beach is exactly a half-mile long and features ample paths. Pets are permitted at this beach, as are bonfires after dark. Plenty of parking is also available along with newly renovated restrooms and picnic facilities.
Kekaha Beach
One of the quietest areas on the western shore, Kekaha Beach is characterized by light beige sand and deep green waters that sometimes turn a shade of red. This beach is said to be one of the best fishing spots in the area. It’s also ideal for surfing, canoeing, kayaking or body boarding — but use extreme caution, as no lifeguards are on duty here.
Salt Pond Beach Park
Protected by an outside reef, this west shore beach contains relatively shallow and clear waters close to the shoreline, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing year round. You can spot monk seal from time to time at several large rocks near the shore, but use caution, as the rocks can be very slippery. Sailing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and bodyboarding are all popular activities here as well.
Looking for the perfect homebase for exploring the island’s most scenic beaches? Tucked on the east side of the island in Kapaa, Fern Grotto Inn offers authentic old-style plantation cottages with island-inspired furnishings and modern amenities. Discover the Kauai vacation rental you’ve been dreaming of, surrounded by a lush landscape of fruit trees and located only a block from the beach. Please contact us to see how we at Fern Grotto Inn can help make your stay on the Isle of Discovery an unforgettable adventure!