What side of Kauai has the calmest water?

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.



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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.

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Ke'e Beach is one of the calmest swimmable beaches in Kauai in summer. Bring your lunch and enjoy the day sunning, swimming, snorkeling and just chillaxing. Be careful in winter though. The currents are strong and the waves can be crazy (though the off-shore reef slows down some of the surf).

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The south side of Kauai is relatively dry most of the year. It receives less rain compared to the North Shore; whilst the north of the island gets up to six inches of rain in summer, the south experiences rainfall of only less than two inches during this time of the year.

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Actually the west side is probably the sunniest and driest. If you don't like wind, cross Anini Beach off your list.

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The North is wetter due to the tradewinds and the mountains. Kauai's South Shore is drier, which means more bright, warm, picture-perfect beach days.

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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.

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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).

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Waimea Beach, Kauai With 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.

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East Side Beaches Lydgate 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.

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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.

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Swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are all found within a one mile stretch of coastline. Poipu Beach Park is considered among the safest in Hawaii, with a lifeguard on duty seven days a week.

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Kauai's West Shore The 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.

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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!

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Anini Beach – North Shore This long stretch of sand is protected by an equally long reef making it one of the most protected beaches on the North Shore. This three-mile stretch of sand is great for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing during summer months.

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However, if you want to chill on beautiful beaches all day and have a relaxed (but also exciting) Hawaii vacation – with some nightlife to top it all off – Maui might just edge out the island of Kauai. Many people who've vacationed on all the main islands prefer Maui and think it's the best Hawaiian island.

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Kauai, like the other Hawaiian islands, is prone to extreme weather, including hurricanes and torrential rain, which can cause flooding and other disasters. This can disrupt daily life, cause property damage, and make it more challenging to maintain a home.

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Safest Areas on Kauai Though Kauai as a whole has a low crime rate, the safest places are at the resorts in Koloa and in laid back Hanalei.

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Kauai Slow Season: Late Fall and Winter While there may not be a “bad” time to visit Kauai, the late fall and winter months can be considered the island's low season. From October to December, Kauai experiences slightly higher rainfall, which can lead to more overcast days.

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If it is raining elsewhere on Kauai travel to Poipu Beach as it is the sunniest and driest place on Kauai. Make sure you visit the old town of Koloa nearby.

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Nestled in the heart of Kauai, Mount Waialeale boasts a mesmerizing beauty, but its most distinguishing feature is its astounding rainfall. Touted as one of the rainiest places on our planet, this majestic mountain receives an astonishing amount of precipitation annually.

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