13 Best Beaches in Kauai

The best beaches in Kauai? All of them. 

No, we’re not kidding. Whether you’re seeking some ‘me time’ by the shore of an isolated beach or fun water sports, Kauai has something for everyone. 

Prepare to be amazed by the mountain range, incredible wildlife, and the breathtaking beaches of Kauai. If you’re a fan of sunsets and beaches, Kauai is the place to be. And to make your vacation even more unforgettable, consider renting a camper car in Kauai. This will give you the freedom to explore the best beaches that Kauai has to offer at your own pace.

But being spoiled for choices means it’s hard to decide which beach to visit and which to leave for next time. Don’t worry — we’re here to sort that out for you. 

Here is our list of the 10 best beaches in Kauai that you cannot miss.

South Shore

1. Poipu Beach

• Amenities: lifeguard, bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, parking lot
• Activities: snorkeling, swimming, playground, boogie boarding

Situated in the southern part of Kauai, Poipu Beach is iconic for many reasons, from sea turtles hanging around to the occasional appearance of Hawaiian monk seals and truly beautiful Kauai sunsets. 

Poipu is the busiest beach of Kauai. But don’t worry, you’ll find your spot to relax. 

2. Kiahuna Beach

• Amenities: showers, restrooms, and picnic tables
• Activities: boogie boarding, snorkeling, surfing, swimming

If you don’t have small children, you might like Kiahuna Beach better. It has the same soft sand, swaying palm trees, and laid-back vibes as Poipu Beach but is much quieter. 

There’s a reef just off the shore that’s great for snorkeling, and the water is usually calm for swimming. The gentle waves are also good for beginner surf lessons. You can easily spend the whole day here (and you should).

3. Glass Beach

• Amenities: restrooms, parking area, picnic tables
• Activities: collect sea glass, swimming, picnics

Glass Beach is not a place for swimming or sunbathing. But, if your little ones are fond of finding treasure, you’ll enjoy sifting through the sea glass that washes you on this shore. Glass Beach is Kauai’s best beach for your kids to play around on.

Years ago, this area was used as a dumping ground for junk, like cars and glass bottles. Over time, the sea transformed the broken glass into smooth, colorful pebbles covering the shoreline.

North Shore

4. Hanalei Bay Beach

• Amenities: lifeguard, picnic area, bathrooms and showers
• Activities: boogie boarding, swimming, surfing

Hanalei Bay Beach is the most gorgeous beach on the island. Featured in the movie The Descendants, it offers stunning views and is packed with many activities for families.

You can easily walk over to Hanalei town, a lovely village with a friendly neighborhood and plenty of local food options.

5. Haena Beach

• Amenities: lifeguard, bathrooms, showers, picnic tables
• Activities: swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling

Haena is our all-time favorite beach. It has golden sand and clear turquoise water. It’s a surfer’s favorite place, including kite and windsurfers. Haena Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling in the summer.

However, the waves are too rough in spring and winter. We advise you to visit in March and can vouch for the huge waves!

6. Anini Beach

• Amenities: picnic area with pavilion, bathrooms and showers
• Activities: swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding

Anini Beach is a gem on Kauai’s North Shore, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a wonderful spot to spot sea turtles. 

The calm waters and shallow lagoons make it a local favorite. It’s one of the few North Shore beaches that is safe for swimming in winter. 

Note: There are no lifeguards, so be careful while swimming.

7. Ke’e (Kee) Beach

• Amenities: lifeguard, restrooms, showers, picnic tables
• Activities: swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking

The best beach in Kauai in our opinion? Ke’e Beach! Hidden inside Ha’ena State Park, Ke’e Beach, you’ll find stunning views of the famous Na Pali Coast.

Ke’e Beach is where Kauai’s lush jungle and craggy cliffs meet the sea. It’s perfect for snorkeling in summer with calm, crystal-clear water and rich coral.

8. Polihale Beach

• Amenities: shaded picnic tables
• Activities: relaxing, swimming (in calm conditions), camping

It’s Kauai’s best-kept secret; it has seven miles of golden sand and towering cliffs of the Napali Coast with deep cobalt blue water.

Located at the end of a long dirt road on the island’s west side, getting there is no easy task. All you need to do is walk down the beach, away from the cliffs, and find your perfect slice of sand. Polihale is Kauai’s best beach if you seek solitude, quiet, and sheer beauty.

East Shore

9. Lydgate Beach

• Amenities: lifeguard, bathrooms and showers, picnic area
• Activities: swimming, snorkeling, hiking

Located on the eastern side of the island, Lydgate Beach Park is The Best Beach for kids. It has a rock wall that creates a calm ocean pool, a huge playground, and gentle tides. The lagoon and small pools make it a perfect place for kids to swim.

There aren’t any food spots on the beach, so bring a lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables.

10. Kalapaki Beach

• Amenities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables
• Activities: swimming, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, surfing, volleyball

The locals of Kauai have been gatekeeping this island. Don’t worry—we’re for you. Kalapaki Beach is one of our favorites on Kauai. With some of the finest sand on the island, it offers plenty of activity. Even though this beach has visitors, it has some of the best restaurants and hotels.

11. Kealia Beach

• Amenities: lifeguard, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, parking
• Activities: swimming, boogie boarding, surfing 

On the South Shore, Kealia Beach is famous for its cliffs and challenging waves. It’s a top spot for experienced surfers and those looking for a scenic hike along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. The beach is named after an old wooden shipwreck on its shores.

Hidden Gems

12. Hanakapiai Beach

• Amenities: none
• Activities: hiking, walking on the beach

If you’re up for a real adventure, Hanakapiai Beach on the Na Pali Coast is your spot. Hidden and rugged, it’s reachable only by taking a 2-mile hike and getting a Haena Park pass. As they say, good things take time, so we’re reaching Hanakapiai.

The raw beauty of the beach is worth every step. It’s even said that the hike to this beach is the most beautiful trail on the whole island.

13. Secret Beach

• Amenities: none
• Activities: relaxing, hiking

As the name suggests, the secret beach is probably the most beautiful beach of Kauai. Situated on the island’s North Shore, it has soft golden sand, cliffs, and the bluest water you would ever see. 

The only way to get there is by hiking for half a mile. Once you hit the beach, you’ll know it was worth it. No big crowds or fancy hotels, just you and the sea.  

Conclusion

So here you go — now you know the best beaches in Kauai. Contact Hawaiian Overlanders, book your favorite camper car, and let your adventure begin.

Kauai is about finding the unknown, not just staring at it from a hotel room. Sure, swimming at the beach is awesome (and Kauai has some incredible ones!), but what if you could skip the crowds and truly explore the island?

Travel at your own schedule, stop whenever you see something cool, fall asleep to the sound of waves, and wake up to a beautiful Kauai sunrise. Rental camper cars turn your trip from ordinary to unforgettable!