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Local Hang Outs on Kauai
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Lambda Aloha Kauai
Larsen's Beach
While the water here is usually crystal clear, swimming conditions are considered poor (and can in fact be very dangerous), but
the North end of Larsen's has recently become a favorite of the local men in our community (over Donkey Beach). While tourists
and visitors have yet to catch on, they are more than welcome here. Larsen's is located about 10 miles North of Kapaa, about a
20 minute drive. Snorkeling is good in the summer months when the water is calm (but stay away from the channel even if you
are a strong, experienced swimmer, even with Mask, Snorkel and Fins). When in doubt, check with the locals regarding water
conditions and off shore topography. Nude sunbathing while not uncommon, is technically illegal. The fine, if cited is about
$100/person (in our understanding this is unlikely here). Spend some time looking around when you arrive, and if you're early,
just keep an eye on what's happening from time to time. It's frequently entertaining (we hear). There is usually cell service from
the beach. Never Ever enter the water to help someone in distress (or you may drown as well), Call 911, and let the
professionals do it safely.
From the top of the trail, one can clearly see a channel (nearly perpendicular to the shoreline) through the reef, right in front of
Pakala Point. Take note of this, as there is frequently strong currents (which even strong swimmers cannot out swim) generated
as water from waves rushes back out from the shore. This current will carry a swimmer out to sea. We have nearly lost many
local, experienced swimmers here. Even if the ocean is very calm, avoid this area.
Directions: Larsen's Beach is located on the North East side of the island, just above Anahola. Beach access is off Koolau
Road. This road is a loop and articulates with the highway at two points. The easiest way is to use the North turn off the highway,
which is just South of the 20 mile marker. Then drive South along Koolau Road 1.2 miles and take the left beach access road
(see picture to right) and stay to the left toward the ocean until it ends. Park appropriately and follow the trail down the hill to the
beach. When you're in doubt which way to go, look for the path to the left (North) and follow to the end. This is the easiest path to
walk along, a very gradual grade and takes you directly to the part of the beach you are looking for anyway. This path ends at the
beach, just before the rocks to the North (this is typically the nude section), then explore back to the South along the shoreline.
Don't attempt the other steeper trails unless you're wearing hiking shoes. Otherwise, this is an easy 8 to 10 minute walk to the
beach. As with most other beaches here, there are more hetro's on the weekends.
While the water here is usually crystal clear, swimming conditions are considered poor (and can in fact be very dangerous), but
the North end of Larsen's has recently become a favorite of the local men in our community (over Donkey Beach). While tourists
and visitors have yet to catch on, they are more than welcome here. Larsen's is located about 10 miles North of Kapaa, about a
20 minute drive. Snorkeling is good in the summer months when the water is calm (but stay away from the channel even if you
are a strong, experienced swimmer, even with Mask, Snorkel and Fins). When in doubt, check with the locals regarding water
conditions and off shore topography. Nude sunbathing while not uncommon, is technically illegal. The fine, if cited is about
$100/person (in our understanding this is unlikely here). Spend some time looking around when you arrive, and if you're early,
just keep an eye on what's happening from time to time. It's frequently entertaining (we hear). There is usually cell service from
the beach. Never Ever enter the water to help someone in distress (or you may drown as well), Call 911, and let the
professionals do it safely.
From the top of the trail, one can clearly see a channel (nearly perpendicular to the shoreline) through the reef, right in front of
Pakala Point. Take note of this, as there is frequently strong currents (which even strong swimmers cannot out swim) generated
as water from waves rushes back out from the shore. This current will carry a swimmer out to sea. We have nearly lost many
local, experienced swimmers here. Even if the ocean is very calm, avoid this area.
Directions: Larsen's Beach is located on the North East side of the island, just above Anahola. Beach access is off Koolau
Road. This road is a loop and articulates with the highway at two points. The easiest way is to use the North turn off the highway,
which is just South of the 20 mile marker. Then drive South along Koolau Road 1.2 miles and take the left beach access road
(see picture to right) and stay to the left toward the ocean until it ends. Park appropriately and follow the trail down the hill to the
beach. When you're in doubt which way to go, look for the path to the left (North) and follow to the end. This is the easiest path to
walk along, a very gradual grade and takes you directly to the part of the beach you are looking for anyway. This path ends at the
beach, just before the rocks to the North (this is typically the nude section), then explore back to the South along the shoreline.
Don't attempt the other steeper trails unless you're wearing hiking shoes. Otherwise, this is an easy 8 to 10 minute walk to the
beach. As with most other beaches here, there are more hetro's on the weekends.
Donkey Beach
Donkey Beach has been a popular nudest beach in the past, but not any longer. Although we still hear of a few locals getting
lucky at Donkey. Four or five years ago, Donkey Beach was where it was happening. Land development in recent years has led
to increased complaints to the police about nude sunbathing and other activities. It is not uncommon to note people viewing the
beach from above with binoculars and cameras (with long lenses) shortly before the police arrive.
Donkey Beach has been a popular nudest beach in the past, but not any longer. Although we still hear of a few locals getting
lucky at Donkey. Four or five years ago, Donkey Beach was where it was happening. Land development in recent years has led
to increased complaints to the police about nude sunbathing and other activities. It is not uncommon to note people viewing the
beach from above with binoculars and cameras (with long lenses) shortly before the police arrive.
Tradewinds Bar
Trade Winds, "A South Seas Bar", in the Coconut Marketplace is one place where the local community tends to hang out at
times. It's a younger crowd in general, and the location makes it popular with the locals, tourists and visitors alike.
Trade Winds, "A South Seas Bar", in the Coconut Marketplace is one place where the local community tends to hang out at
times. It's a younger crowd in general, and the location makes it popular with the locals, tourists and visitors alike.
| Souvenirs & Shopping on Kauai We see so many frequent (non family) tourists hitting up these spots, there's no reason not to give family members a heads up. Shopping on island can be a real wallet draining event. If you're looking for inexpensive souvenirs to take back home with you, don't forget KMart, WalMart and Costco all have Hawaii sections, both located right in the front of their stores. These are also excellent places to pickup inexpensive swim wear, snorkeling equipment, fishing supplies, camping gear, sunscreen, batteries, photography supplies and processing, etc. If you are staying at a condo and need to lay in supplies, our local newspaper "The Garden Island" has all the grocery store ads included in the Wednesday edition. If you need internet access, or other computer services (maybe you need to transfer your digital media camera cards to CD or email pics to friends back home), don't forget that "Computer Web" in Kapaa is a family business and quite affordable (see their links on this site) |
| HIGH SURF WARNING On Wed AM, we are getting reports of 35 foot surf at Larsen's Beach. This is likely the conditions at other North Shore Beaches as well (stay out of the water) Visitors are also advised to avoid Lydgate Park. These conditions are expected to continue through Friday |
Local Hang Outs
This is the Beach Access Road driving South
1.2 miles down Koolau Road from the
highway (as in the directions to the left)
1.2 miles down Koolau Road from the
highway (as in the directions to the left)
For your safety, please observe the cautions,
especially in the winter months. The surf
and currents here can be very dangerous.
especially in the winter months. The surf
and currents here can be very dangerous.
Koolau Road
Turn Here
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Larsen's Beach
| When going to the beach, Don't forget Sunscreen and something to drink. Don't leave anything of value in your car, (most locals usually don't even bother to lock car doors at the beach) And NEVER leave valuables in the trunk, (especially if it's locked) |
+ Larsen's Beach
+ Donkey Beach
+ Kealia Beach (Frday Night Bonfire Location)
From Above
Looking toward North end
Looking toward South end
Lydgate Park
Lydgate Park is one of the most well known Beach Parks here on Kauai, and has been a popular place for both locals and
visitors to meat for many years. Although strictly AYOR, we understand this location is active during the day as well as evenings.
From Leho Drive, turn Makai (toward the ocean) at the park entrance, then turn at the first right, away from the main Beach Park
and Pavilion. Look for the rest rooms, find a place to park and have a look around. Enjoy exploring the area, "people watching"
or just "loiter with intent"...
Lydgate Park is one of the most well known Beach Parks here on Kauai, and has been a popular place for both locals and
visitors to meat for many years. Although strictly AYOR, we understand this location is active during the day as well as evenings.
From Leho Drive, turn Makai (toward the ocean) at the park entrance, then turn at the first right, away from the main Beach Park
and Pavilion. Look for the rest rooms, find a place to park and have a look around. Enjoy exploring the area, "people watching"
or just "loiter with intent"...
+ Lydgate Beach Park
| Any Interest in a new and revolutionary Telephone Service ? Click above and help earn money for Lambda Aloha |
Please CLICK HERE to read important safety
information about swimming at this beach.
information about swimming at this beach.