Loading Page...

Which side of Kauai is best for beaches?

Kauai South Shore If you want a romantic getaway full of fun in the sun, head to the South Shore. You'll find tons of incredible beaches, mouthwatering Hawaiian cuisine, stunning wildlife, and exciting shopping opportunities.



People Also Ask

So, If you're in for the beaches, spending more time on the south will serve your purpose. But, if you are inclined towards nature and don't mind the rain, the lush green, mountainous north shore is where you should head towards.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You'll find Lydgate Beach Park near the mouth of the Wailua River on the east side of Kauai. It's one of the island's best swimming beaches because a man-made rock wall protects a huge ocean pool from the open water and means that the conditions are pretty calm throughout the year.

MORE DETAILS

Lydgate Beach Park is the safest swim in all of Kauai. Massive rocks were craned into the ocean to make reliably safe swimming “pools.” The first one you'll notice is for the kids.

MORE DETAILS

It is known for its picturesque beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-class surf. The North Shore stretches from Ka'ena Point to Kahuku Point, with over 17 miles of beaches, including Waimea Bay, ?Ehukai Beach (Banzai Pipeline), and Sunset Beach.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Bear in mind that June is also the start of the Kauai hurricane season, which lasts until around November. Chances of severe tropical storms aren't particularly high, but it's still worth considering when booking your trip.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

You can get around Kauai without a car, as there are bus services on the island and taxis are also available. However, public transport isn't particularly frequent and is quite limited in the areas that you can visit, so if you're looking for total freedom when getting around Kauai then a rental car is recommended.

MORE DETAILS

Hanakapi'iai Beach Located 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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS