Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian islands and is certainly the most rugged and known for its laid back and chill atmosphere and attitude. The northern part of the island consist of lush rainforests (one of the wettest places on earth is located here and receives nearly 400 inches of year per year) while the southern side is generally sunny and dry. Parts of the island, along the Na Pali Coast are accessible only by foot or by water.
Top Kauai Beaches
Because of its rugged beauty and natural erosion over time, nearly every shoreline along the island is a beautiful beach. In fact, sometimes the decision on which beach to go to will depend on the weather. If it’s rainy on the north part of the island, the south side will generally be dry and is only a short drive away.
Hanalei Bay
This 2-mile crescent sandy beach is one of the famous beaches in the U.S. – not only because of its stunning beauty and beautiful, lush, green mountains that surround the bay. Hanalei and its immediate area have been the filming location for many famous movies. Hanalei Bay is also a stepping stone to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast (accessible only by foot or boat).
Poipu Beach
One of the most popular beaches on Kauai, Poipu is a series of golden sand crescents, strung together where beach-goers will find snorkeling, swimming, a natural ocean wading pool, boogie-boarding and surfing
Polihale Beach
Located on the remote western shore of Kauai, Polihale isn’t the most easily accessible beach (part of the journey includes a 5-mile drive along a rugged, unpaved road). But that’s part of its beauty and since the beach is the longest in Hawaii, you’ll certainly have as much privacy as you want.
You go there!
Scroll over the interactive map below to see where these beaches are located and to see a picture of each. A visit to each of these beaches is a must for any visitor to Kauai!
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.