The island of Kauai has much to offer its guests, including some of the best beaches in the world! Learn where to sit back, relax, and stay safe on Kauai’s top lifeguarded beaches.
Makua Beach
Known for the incredible mountain scenery featured in the movie South Pacific as well as its superior snorkeling opportunities, Makua Beach comes in as one of our top Kauai beaches with lifeguards. Also known to the locals as “Tunnels,” Makua beach is renowned as one of the premier diving sites in the world.
The shallow waters located within the inner reef at Makua are great for kids or novice swimmers, while the outer reef is better for experienced divers and snorkelers. Makua Beach is just a short distance from Haena Beach.
Hanalei Bay Pavilion
Located on the North Shore of Kauai, Hanalei Bay Pavilion is an ocean playground for guests of all ages. This two-mile-long, half-moon bay hypnotizes visitors with spectacular views of Makana Mountain and meandering walks on the soft white sand. The center area of the beach is beloved for swimming, boogie boarding and surfing, all under the watchful eyes of Hanalei’s lifeguards.
The Hanalei Bay Pavilion also offers plenty of land-based amenities, including designated barbeque areas, family-friendly restrooms and showers. During the summer, this beautiful spot is a favorite anchoring spot for sailboats from around the world. Hanalei Bay is often their last stop before heading back to the west coast from Mexico or the South Pacific. Loved by visitors and locals alike, this popular and active beach is definitely one to check out while vacationing in Kauai.
Poipu Beach Park
Named America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel and the recipient of numerous top beach awards, there is no mistaking why Poipu Beach Park is the most popular beach on the South Shore of Kauai. The offshore surf break lures in experienced surfers and the protected areas are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Wildlife enthusiasts count Poipu Beach among their favorite spots for spotting humpback whales spouting off shore, Hawaiian green sea turtles swimming through the turquoise waters, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals sunbathing on the golden sand. Staffed with lifeguards seven days a week, Poipu Beach allows visitors to sit back, relax and Enjoy the Aloha spirit.
Haena Beach
Directly across the street from the Dry Cave, Haena Beach is another top lifeguarded beach in Kauai with golden sands and panoramic views. Beach combing, shell collecting and beach camping are favorites among visitors to this beach. When surf conditions are calmer, guests experience wonderful swimming and snorkeling.
Haena Beach is a short walk away from Makua Beach, and many backpackers use Haena Beach before they start their journey when heading to the Kalalau Valley.
Call Kauai Vacation Rentals to Book Your Hawaiian Beach Vacation!
Whether you would like to collect shells on Haena Beach, snorkel off Makua Beach, observe Hawaiian monk seals sunbathing on Poipu Beach, or watch sailboats from around the world anchor at Hanalei Bay, we can help you enjoy your time in Kauai. Start your Kauai vacation rental search and find your home-away-from-home!