Here is a guide to five beaches you must see while visiting the North Shore of Kauai...
Are you planning a trip to Kauai? Here are five beaches located on the North Shore of the island that you should add to your "must-see" list. Some are hidden away and involve some hiking, while others can be reached by car - either way, they're all worth seeing on your visit to the Garden Isle. There are so many beautiful beaches on Kauai, this is by no means a best of the best, but just a condensed list of some of the beaches not to miss while exploring the North Shore of Kauai.
BUT FIRST, BEACH SAFETY
As with all beaches of Kauai, always check the ocean conditions before entering the water. Kauai's beaches can be dangerous with their rip currents and large rogue waves, so always observe the water first and enter only during calm times. Kauai's North Shore beaches are typically calmest during the Summer months from about April to September.
HANALEI BAY
With its long crescent shape, Hanalei Bay is a beautiful bay to look at, especially with the waterfall-covered mountain ridges in the background. Hanalei Bay is probably already on your list of beaches to go to, but one thing not to miss about Hanalei Bay is to drive around to the other side of the bay to get in a different perspective. After spending some time on the beach, checking out the pier and exploring the small town of Hanalei, head on to the other side of the Bay for a beautiful view.
How to Get There: Drive through the small town of Hanalei and continue North along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 560) and over the one-lane bridge. Once you cross the one-lane bridge, feel free to pull over wherever you see a dirt pull-off spot for a quick stop to take in the view. Don't forget your camera!
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MAKUA BEACH
Also known as Tunnels Beach, this beach (a personal favorite!) is backed by a beautiful mountain ridge, and is a great beach for taking in the views and snorkeling. If it has been raining, look for the waterfall on the ridge behind the beach.
How to Get There: Drive North along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 560) and drive past the 8 mile marker. You can either park at the Ha'ena Beach Park and walk to the right to get to Tunnels Beach, or park on one of the two short dirt access roads.
Tip: Make sure you get here early! The parking is very limited and spots fill up quickly.
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HANAKAPI'AI BEACH
If you're feeling adventurous, hike approximately the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail until you reach Hanakapi'ai Beach. It's remote and raw, and gives you a glimpse of Kauai's rugged beauty. It's a beach just for admiring though - please do not attempt to swim at this beach as the ocean here is dangerous and is exceptionally powerful due to a deep-channel current that runs directly in front of the beach.
How to Get There: Park at Ke'e Beach and hike the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail. You'll hike a couple of switchbacks and cross a stream.
Tip: Only attempt to reach this beach during the Summer months and when the stream is not raging.
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KE'E BEACH
Ke'e Beach is the last beach accesible via car on the North Shore. It's a must go-to for a glimpse of the infamous Napali coastline, and is a great beach for sunbathing, beach walks, and snorkeling when the ocean is calm. For a beautiful view of Ke'e Beach, start the Kalalau Trail hike until you reach the top of the first hill. You will reach some clearings with some fantastic views overlooking the beach.
How to Get There: Drive as far as you can go on the North Shore on Highway 560.
Tip: Get there early, as parking can fill up quickly for both the beach and the Kalalau Trail.
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PALI KE KUA BEACH
Also known as Hideaways, this beach is not so secret, but definitely hidden away. Located at the base of a cliff on the North Shore, it's a small beach that is definitely worth the steep climb down. When the ocean is calm (mostly during the Summer months) this is a great spot for snorkeling.
How to Get There: Off of Ka Haku Road in Princeville, park in a small public lot near the Pu'u Poa tennis courts. The trail begins right beside the tennis courts and leads to steep steps down to the beach. It'll take about 5-10 minutes to reach the beach.
Tip: Only attempt to get to this beach during the Summer months and if it has not been raining. If it has been raining during your visit, the trail may be too muddy to climb down to the beach.
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