While the south shore is swimmable year-round, the summer months can bring choppier waters to Kauai beaches on the south end. As a result, in the summer, you'll find the best beaches for swimming on the north end of Kauai, where you can swim in Hanalei Bay and Ke'e Beach worry-free.
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Lumahai is the subject of many postcards and paintings, but is also known on island as one of the most dangerous beaches for drownings and is not recommended for swimming. During the summer months the conditions at Luimahai are calmer, but still use caution. Lumahai is exposed to open ocean and strong currents.
East Side BeachesLydgate Pond is located in Lydgate State Park with a large salt-water pool which makes it one of Kaua?i's safest year-round swimming sites. Kealia Beach Park is a half-mile stretch of golden coast that hugs the curve of Highway 56. Its long sand-bar bottom provides a nice surf break.
Kauai has gorgeous beaches, but the trick to finding the best beaches depends on the season. In the summer, the north shore has calmer waters. You can swim in Hanalei bay or Tunnels beach without worry. But the south shore has slightly rougher waves during the summer, though usually still swimmable.
So, if you're heading to Kauai in the winter, leave the north shore for the surfers and head to the south shore beaches for better swimming conditions. While the south shore is swimmable year-round, the summer months can bring choppier waters to Kauai beaches on the south end.
Maui is known for its calm waters and great beaches. Some of the beaches in Kauai aren't as swimmable as those in Maui. The water is generally rougher, the swell is larger and some places have strong currents. This is especially true on Kauai's North Shore in winter.
If you're ready to trade the hustle and bustle for variety and adventure in your life, Maui probably sounds like the perfect escape. If you're looking for something quieter and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor activities and natural beauty, Kauai is the ideal island paradise.
Backed by majestic mountains and fringed with coconut palms, Ke'e Beach is the most spectacular beach on Kaua'i's North Shore. It is also one of the best places on the island for snorkeling. Revel the incredibly clear lagoon-like beach and see reef fish by the score.
The West Side of the island, the leeward coast of Kauai, is drier and the mountains in the center of the island block the rest of Kauai from the rain. This is one of the least visited parts of the island, excluding the sights along Highway 550 (like Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park).
Po?ipu Beach on Kaua'i was revealed as the #18 bluest water in the nation, with a matching Hex color code of #73A9C3. This positions the beach's water among the bluest water in the nation and the best for a water-centric vacation.
Hanakapi'iai BeachLocated on the secluded Na Pali Coast, Hanakapi'ai Beach has been called the most dangerous beach in Hawaii. It's also one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii! The water often looks fine, but a dangerous rip current has swept several people out to sea.
The north shore remains mostly untouched and is best for nature lovers and honeymooners. South shore is the best access point for visiting Waimea Canyon and is close to the airport. The north is the gateway to the world famous Napali Coast.
Waimea Beach, KauaiWith just one primary lodging option, Kauai's dry, sunny west side is by far the island's least crowded coast accessible by road. Waimea Beach has fine brown-black sand that is great for beachcombing and leisurely strolls, and it offers views of the island of Niihau across the channel.
The best time of year to visit Kauai is during off-peak seasons, between September and December or between April and June. During these times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on accommodations and excursions. Either way, be sure to book everything far in advance!
Kauai's West ShoreThe West Shore of Kauai is often underrated, but it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth, in our humble opinion. The West Shore is separated from the north by the Napali Coast, which gives the west a distinct desert-like feel.
Kauai is the winnerIt has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.
For a well-rounded experience, spending at least 5-7 days on Kauai is recommended. This allows enough time to explore the island's diverse attractions and participate in various activities while having some downtime for relaxation. If you're short on time, 4-5 days will allow you to see most of the island.
This tropical paradise is a dream come true for anyone who loves sun, sand, and endless fun. Kauai is the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and it's brimming with natural beauty, from its lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs to its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
With an average ocean temperature of 77F – 83F, Kauai's water temperature is also perfect for swimming year-round! While some beaches can get pretty crowded, you can easily enjoy a peaceful snorkeling session or find a secluded spot with miles of shoreline to settle on.
As Oahu has the most swimmable beaches and most easily accessible beaches, it takes the prize for the best beaches in Hawaii. As the second oldest major Hawaiian Island, Oahu has 227 miles of shoreline. You won't find towering sea cliffs on Oahu as you find on Kauai or Molokai.