Best beaches in Kauai

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

For example, we will pass by Hanalei Bay, a bay with crystal clear waters and white sand surrounded by mountains; Anini Beach, perfect for surfing, snorkeling or kayaking. In case you are looking for a quiet place to relax, Polihale State Park is an excellent option, and if you prefer to connect with nature, Polihale State Park is the perfect beach for you. Remember to plan your trip well to go to as many places as possible! Spending 3 days in Kauai is not the same as spending 7 days in paradise!

1. Contemplate the mountain and the sea in Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai. Its crescent-shaped bay stretches for 3 kilometers and is surrounded by impressive green mountains. Walking along the bay, you can contemplate how its beautiful landscape changes, where the green of the mountains and the blue of the sea contrast.

Hanalei Bay is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun, the sand and the views. It is also very common to see people practicing water sports such as surfing, kayaking and snorkeling on its beaches .

The mountainous and green aspect of the island of Kauai is especially appreciated from this bay, so it is a beach to start your trip and begin to discover it. Doesn't its landscape remind you of the one that appears in the Disney movie Moana (or Vaiana)?

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

Book a Kauai Shore Excursion

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 has a length of almost two kilometers), but it is one of the most popular in Kauai because of the lush tropical vegetation that surrounds it. In addition, they say that walking on its fine sand is a real experience. Its soft sand and crystal clear waters produce an unparalleled peace and relaxation, I assure you!

Although there is a sport for which Anini Beach especially stands out, and it is for its excellent conditions for windsurfing. There are several companies that offer surfboard rental and surf lessons, so you will have no problem if you dare to learn. The wind is constant on the beach, which makes it an ideal place to practice this sport.

It is also quite likely that in Anini beach you will see people camping, and there is a camp on the beach that offers basic facilities, such as toilets and showers, to enjoy this experience.

There are several restaurants and bars near 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 you can do on Kauai at night, besides enjoying the beach at this time of day.

3. Relax under the coconut palms at 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, it is 1.6 kilometers long, 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 also a good beach for diving, seabed watching, swimming, snorkeling and diving.

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 stores. It is characterized 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!

Live a snorkeling adventure in Kauai

4. Marvel at the coral reefs of Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is a white sand beach with crystal clear waters located on the north side of Kauai. It is 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.

Second, the beach is a great place to snorkel. There is also a coral reef right in front of the beach, and this creates an ideal ecosystem to see fish, turtles, and other marine animals that you might not even know about. Also, precisely because of the calm waters, it is a quiet place to swim, especially if you are traveling with children to Kauai. You can rest assured that it will be a safe place to swim, which is a big plus!

5. Get to know the Hawaiian fauna 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, and it shares with the beaches I mentioned before the tranquility of its waters and its crystalline aspect, but it is especially known for its limestone cliffs.

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

In addition to being a perfect beach to enjoy water sports, Ke'e Beach is an ideal 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.

Third, Ke'e Beach is a popular place for hiking. The beach is the starting point of the Kalalau Trail, which is an 11-kilometer 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.

If you want 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. The reason is that it's the longest beach on the island, at 17 kilometers long, so there's plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sun and sand, and the fine white sand is very pleasant to walk on barefoot - a real natural foot massage! Imagine that feeling with the waves gently rolling in from time to time and refreshing the walk. It's a unique experience!

It is 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 ease from Polihale beach.

Finally, it is important to mention that Polihale State Park beach is located on the western end of the island, and is a less touristy area, so if you want a beach that is not very crowded, this is the perfect one for you.

7. Follow in the footsteps of Elvis at Blue Hawaii Beach

If you're a movie buff, you can't miss this tour of Hawaii's breathtaking scenery. From white sand 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 movies like "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 opportunity to explore several iconic locations.
Are you excited about the idea of visiting the mountainous region of Kalalea, where "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was filmed? Get ready to feel like the world's most famous archaeologist!And we can't forget the stunning beaches of Tahiti Nui, setting of "The Descendants," and the charming Hanalei Pier, where scenes from "Beachhead" were filmed. I encourage you to feel the magic of cinema 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=Snorkeling in Kauia | ©Na Pali Riders">Snorkeling 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, with the sea breeze caressing your face as you immerse yourself 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 while snorkeling 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 passes through lush valleys, breathtaking cliffs and secluded beaches.And if you feel like 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 this 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: kilometers of golden sand and the tranquility 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 opportunity to admire Kauai's coastline from a whole new perspective. Imagine flying over this dreamy beach and marveling at its breathtaking views from above. It's an experience you'll surely 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 remains of ships that once plied these seas. Each of these shipwrecks tells a different story, from ancient legends to actual 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 dive into 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 to make the most of the best beaches in Kauai</h3>And now, to finish, I will give you some tips to plan well which beaches to visit and for how long, as well as what you may need to enjoy them as much as possible.<ul> <li>Research a little more the beaches before you go. I have told you about the characteristics of each beach, and all of them have basic services, but if you have any specific needs, you may need to look for more information 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 the best possible.</li> <li>Take everything you need. When going to Kauai you know you're going to spend a lot of time at the beach, but every time you visit one, remember to take sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and water. It may also be helpful to bring a picnic or snacks, as some beaches don't have restaurants nearby.</li> <li>Prepare your gear for safe diving. You can hire some service available at 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 bring a jacket or rain jacket, just in case.</li> <li>Arrive early, especially if you're traveling during peak season. Don't run out of room on the beach, especially if you're visiting some of the busiest beaches on the island!</li> <li>Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. In addition to swimsuit, towel and flip-flops, bring comfortable clothes on top, even another type of more closed-toe shoe (such as sneakers), as you generally have to walk a bit to get to the beach.</li> </ul>.