North Shore to South Shore, Kauai Offers Spectacular Beaches

As the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has had the most time for the wind and weather to carve away at the volcanic lava rock that formed Hawaii and create beautiful golden sand beaches. Whenever visiting a beach in Hawaii make sure to follow all Kauai Ocean Safety Tips.

Keʻe Beach – Few beaches have such a lush and tropical setting as Keʻe Beach with clear blue water set beneath majestic cliffs at the edge of the famed Na Pali Coast. This is a great place for snorkeling during the summer months. Winter can bring strong currents, waves and other dangers so make sure to check with lifeguards. This is also the site of the Na Pali trailhead so you can enjoy a day hike to Hanakapiai Valley and then return for a swim at Keʻe Beach.

Mahaulepu Beach – The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail follows along the southern coastline to reach this remote beach in an area important in Hawaiian history and culture. Scientific work in the area is ongoing and continues to reveal clues about Hawaii’s past. A treasure trove of information has come from the excavation limestone sinkholes among the cliffs and sand dunes. The trail to the beach is one of Hawaii’s nicest coastal hikes, and the Mahaulepu Beach is great too!

Tunnels (Makua) and Haena Beach Park – Protected by an offshore reef with plentiful fish and pristine water, Tunnels is set beneath a backdrop of green mountains typically lined with waterfalls. Tunnels, know also by its Hawaii name Makua, is a great snorkeling beach when the ocean conditions are calm, particularly during the summer months.

The scenery and translucent turquoise waters make this one of Hawaii’s finest beaches. Just down from Tunnels is Haena Beach Park where you can often find a food truck to get some snacks, or a chilled coconut that will be opened on the spot to quench your thirst!

Polihale Beach – At the end of the paved road on Kauai’s southwest shore is a dirt road that leads miles farther west to the remote and pristine Polihale Beach. Known for its deep and wide stretch of sand that goes on and on for many miles, Polihale is a favorite camping area.

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Adventures for the Whole Family on the Garden Island

There are many great activities on Kauai that are enjoyable for the whole family. Take a day hike to a waterfall or mountaintop, float in a tube down a river, go ziplining, take an ATV tour through the backcountry, ride on a historic train or go horseback riding.

Perhaps you would prefer to just frolic on the beach, or try body boarding or surfing some waves, or even try your hand at stand up paddle boarding which can be very easy to do on long and wide, stable boards in calm water.

Family Hiking in Waimea Canyon

Tourists enjoying views of Kalalau Valley from Pihea Vista Trail.

Fun family hikes can be found in Waimea Canyon on Kauai’s west side. On the way up the mountain make sure to stop at the canyon lookouts for memorable views into the red-rocked gorge. At the very top of the road there are lookouts over the verdant Na Pali Coastline and the blue Pacific beyond, a breathtaking view into the renowned Kalalau Valley.

Stop in at the Kokee Visitor Center to see the educational displays and get information about the many family-friendly day hikes available in the park. You might want to hike along the coastal ridges with stunning ocean and Na Pali views, or instead hike into Waimea Canyon to a nice waterfall and swimming hole overlooking the canyon.

Family Friendly Beaches on Kauai

Hanalei Bay offers one of Kauai’s best family beaches. Kids love walking out to the end of the Hanalei Pier which is also the area where the water is calmest. You can paddle a kayak up the Hanalei River or try it on a stand up paddleboard.

Another great family beach is Lydgate Beach Park on the east side. The community-built playground is outstanding. When enjoying the ocean on Kauai it is always best to visit lifeguarded beaches like Hanalei and Lydgate, and make sure to follow all beach safety precautions. See Kauai Ocean Safety Tips.

More Fun Family Activities on Kauai

Old and young alike appreciate riding the historic train of Kauai Plantation Railway at Kilohana Estate. Tour the working farm and see the animals and agricultural endeavors. Another fun family activity is attending a Hawaiian luau where you will see hula dancing and feast on sumptuous foods.

Kauai Vacation Accommodations and Real Estate Services

For the finest quality Kauai vacation rentals including luxury estates, condos, cottages and beach villas, see our Kauai Vacation Rental Galleries or use our new Map-Based Vacation Rental Search feature.

If you are considering buying a home in Hanalei or on Kauai you can see some of the island’s best real estate deals by browsing through the Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty Kauai Real Estate Galleries, view Kauai Acreage for sale, or use the Map-Based Kauai Home Search.

Also please feel free to give us a call. The Bali Hai Realty staff will be happy to help you find the perfect Kauai property, home or vacation rental. We can also assist you in the process of buying or selling a Kauai home or land. We offer the highest level of personalized Concierge Services to help you plan your Kauai vacation activities.