So, you’re heading out on a trip to Kauai. How exciting! You’ll find there’s no shortage of activities to explore and amazing sights to see in Kauai. One top activity, of course, is going to the beach. There are so many stunning beaches in Kauai to choose from!
Stuck on which spots you should prioritize when you head here? No problem. Let’s explore our top 5 favorite beaches in Kauai!
Where Are the Best Beaches in Kauai?
Great question! There are a lot to choose from, after all. Some people like secluded, quiet beaches, some prefer a lifeguarded beach, and others prioritize snorkeling at the top of their list. No matter what your idea of the perfect beach is, we’re sure to have one that fits the bill here in Kauai.
Poipu Beach
You’ll find Poipu Beach at the top of many traveler’s lists! It’s a famous beach here in Kauai.
Poipu Beach is a perfect place to go if you’re traveling with children. The waves in the central area of the beach are gentle and easy to navigate, even for small children! The calm waters make it a great place for first-time snorkelers to explore.
There are also plenty of restrooms, picnic areas, and showers, so it’s an overall great pick for families. The beach even has a playground on site!
If you do want to chart some more adventurous waters here, head to the outside edges of the bay when the surf is up. You’ll certainly be in for an adventure!
Lydgate Beach
Lydgate Beach is another fantastic option for families. Two rock-enclosed shallow pools here make it easy for little ones to enjoy the ocean water without a dangerous tide to worry about. The smaller pool is perfect for toddlers and babies, while older kids and adults may enjoy the larger pool a bit more.
If you do venture out beyond the rocks of the pools, be aware, as the tide can be quite strong here! There is a lifeguard onsite, so it’s wise to make sure you’re within seeing distance of them.
Anini Beach
Anini Beach is regarded as one of the most protected beaches in Kauai, thanks in large part to the 2-mile-long reef that runs the length of it. In fact, it’s Hawaii’s longest reef!
This stunningly long reef makes for a calm spot for kids to play in the water. There’s also a sandbar that extends into the ocean, providing the perfect place to wade and even catch some fish. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for seashells here; shell collectors notoriously love Anini Beach, and several impressive shells are found along its shoreline.
Tunnels Beach
Tunnels Beach is definitely one of our favorite beaches in Kauai, and it also has the honor of being the most photographed beach in Hawaii. You may be wondering why it’s called Tunnels Beach—it gets its name from the underwater lava tunnels present, which create a unique marine environment. These tunnels make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
If you are looking to see some of the amazing underwater sights here, we’d recommend visiting in the summer. The waters are calm, and the conditions are ideal for snorkeling! In the winter, the waves and currents are rougher (but you may consider this a good time to surf!).
Enjoy the stunning views here, and even head out for a walk on one of the nearby hiking trails if you’re feeling up to it. There’s much to do at this wonderful Kauai Beach!
Hanalei Bay Beach
Last but certainly not least on our list is Hanalei Bay Beach. It stretches over two miles long, so you don’t need to worry about feeling too crowded here.
Every beach in Kauai is beautiful, but we’re partial to the gorgeous views here at Hanalei Bay. Sunbathing on the beach with a breathtaking backdrop of Hawaiian mountains…we can’t think of anything more peaceful!
There are plenty of activities to explore at Hanalei Bay Beach. Whether you want to snorkel, sunbathe, paddleboard, or surf, there’s something for everyone!
Are There Black Sand Beaches in Kauai?
Hawaii is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. But the islands are also known for their black-sand beaches! You may be wondering…does Kauai have any black sand beaches, or are they all on Maui or the Big Island?
Well, if you want to get a look at one of our marvelous black-sand beaches, you certainly can, but you may not be able to spend a classic beach day at them. Unfortunately, the larger black sand beaches are actually on The Big Island and Oahu.
Waimea State Recreational Pier is mainly used for fishing and crabbing, though it is a nice place to go for a walk and catch the sunset! Similarly, Lucy Wright Beach Park and Fort Elizabeth State Park are more suited for a beachside walk.
Perhaps one of these black sand beaches on Kaui would be a good day trip for the middle of your vacation when you’ve started to tire from all the swimming and snorkeling! These beaches provide a lot of historical context, too, so you may just learn a thing or two while you’re at it.
Book Your Trip to Kauai with Kauai Vacation Rentals!
Now that you’re an expert on all the best beaches in Kauai, there’s only one thing left to do: book your trip! When you’re searching for the best accommodations in Kauai, look no further than Kauai Vacation Rentals.
Whether you want to book a vacation rental for its top-notch features or convenient location, Kauai Vacation Rentals offers a wide range of options.
Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your next trip to Kauai directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals!