Beaches in general:

All of Hawai'i's beaches are open to the public.  Private landownership stops at the vegetation line at all 50 miles of Kaua'i's beaches, so you're welcome on any and all beaches around the island.  Check out maps for directions to your favorite beaches. 

(Courtesy of the "Best of"...)

Chances are you'll rise early the first few days of your vacation, so head to Kealia Beach just north of Kapa'a to greet the sunrise or at least quite affordable and head west to Polihale, past Kekaha, to bid adieu when it sets.  During the summer months when the sun's in the northern hemispheres, you can watch magnificent sunsets off the historic Hanalei Pier or at any spot along the beach of Hanalei Bay.

When it comes to snorkeling, Kee Beach on the north shore is too well known for our tastes, leaving few if any places to park, so we prefer the shallow, reef-rimmed Annini Beach.  For the keiki, children, Lydgate Beach Park, with it's lava rock enclosed swimming pool, is a great learning spot and safe, too.  On the south shore, Po'ipu Beach Park is a perennial winner, as is the beach fronting The Beach House restaurant on the road to Spouting Horn.  With little reef to protect the on-shore waves, there's few safe spots for snorkeling on the est side, although Salt Pond Beach Park usually is, as long as there isn't a south swell churning up the waters.  For simply swimming, Kalapaki Beach on the east side is an excellent choice.  Before you ever get in the water, we recommend checking with lifeguards.  Since not all of Kaua'i's beaches have lifeguards, you can check with your local snorkel supply shops.  For the most detailed daily reports call 8008-245-6001 for the local weather report and 808-245-3564 for the marine report.

Even if you don't like to get in the water, thats no reason to stay away from Kaua'i's beaches.  If you like to walk, try a walk on the two-miles, crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay.  If you don't plan to take more than a few steps, the scenery is worth the effort.  Speaking of scenery, Makua Beach, locally known as "Tunnels" for it's underwater lava tubes, is definately picture-worthy.  To, hopefully, spot some of the endangered Green sea turtles, look along the lava rock coastline at Brennecke's Beach.  During our summer months, you might spot a rare Hawaiian Monk seal fattening up her pup on some of our south shore beaches, where, in recent years, they've hauled out to birth their offspring.  Look but don't touch.  Both the turtles and seals are federally protected, and you could be fined for chasing, touching spearing, catching, riding, or otherwise harassing them.

Secret Beach

Secret Beach (aka Kauapea Beach) is on the north shore of the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The beach is known for its size, seclusion, and beauty.

Location

Secret Beach is located approximately one-half mile northwest of the town of Kilauea and is situated between the Kilauea Lighthouse and Kalihiwai Valley. As its name suggests, the beach is not easily accessible and no public roads lead to it. To find it, take the Kuhio Highway past Kilauea and turn right on Kalihiwai Road. Follow the road for about 50 yards and then turn right into an unmarked, unpaved road. Proceed to the end and park. Nearby is the foot path leading to the west end of the beach.

Trail Conditions

The trail winds steeply downhill through brush and may be barely discernible in places. The hike takes about 10 minutes in good weather. On rainy days and particularly in the winter, the trail is dangerously slick. Be prepared to be covered in reddish hued clay that is notoriously difficult to remove from clothing. Locals recommend braving the hike either barefoot or using Neoprene booties that kayaking enthusiasts tend to use. Since the return requires hiking back up the same path, most visitors will want to come on a dry day to avoid these conditions.

Topography

Secret Beach is quite large by Hawaiian standards, approximately 3000 feet long and 75 feet wide.^[1] Its surface is predominantly covered with fine white sand and with outcrops of black lava rock. The beach’s seclusion and beauty are further enhanced by the cliff backdrop and the brilliant turquoise-colored ocean water in the foreground. The cliff face, notably on the east and west ends of the beach, is sheer red and black rock. Where the gradient is less steep, the cliff is covered with lush vegetation, consisting of ironwood trees, taro plants, and other tropical plants.^[2] Also there are several small cascading waterfalls.

Clearly visible to the east is Kilauea Lighthouse set atop a cliff that faces Moku'ae'ae Island. About a quarter mile beyond the west end of the beach is a substantial waterfall that plunges about 15 feet into the Pacific Ocean.^[3]

The ocean floor is mostly sand-covered and its descent is steep.

Swimming & Other Activities

Water conditions at the beach vary by season. Although the beach is accessible year round, swimming is only advisable in the summer and even then swimming can be risky when the surf is high or rough because of strong, unpredictable currents.^[4] In winter the surf is turbulent and dangerous; accordingly, swimming is not recommended for anyone who is inexperienced under these conditions.

Other beach activities include picnicking, seashell hunting, surfing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and fishing. Also tidal lagoons form on the west end of the beach, offering a kind of kiddie pool. There are no facilities at the beach, so visitors must bring their own food and beverages.

Naturism

Secret Beach has for many years attracted nude sunbathers, particularly toward the east and west ends of the beach. Although public nudity is not legal in Hawaii and despite the beach’s reputation, the beach is rarely patrolled and no one seems much concerned with the practice. In the rare instances that patrols are conducted, violators will invariably just be asked to dress.^[5]

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