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Some Of Kauai’s Best Beaches

Tunnels Beach

Over the years, things have changed dramatically on the islands of Hawaii.  Everyone has their idea of a perfect vacation, and, in spite of modernization, Hawaii can still fill many of the requirements of a great vacation.  It still has marvelous weather, gorgeous scenery, great food, and an opportunity to enjoy all that tropic islands have to offer.  Our favorite islands is Kauai.

Kauai is the fourth largest Hawaiian island, and the most remote, still known, internationally, as ‘the garden island’.  Like the others, it has become more developed over the years and the demanding tourist can easily find all the luxuries they find on the mainland.  Civilization on Kauai is the same as civilization in the most developed areas, but, by and large, the beaches are still peaceful and pristine, with glistening ivory sands and a backdrop of towering mountains.

One warning!  Make sure to observe all signs on the beaches.  Most beaches are safe for swimming during the summer months, but can be treacherous in winter, when you will encounter heavy surfs and rip currents.  Never swim alone, and if  you have children you want to make sure that a lifeguard is on duty at the beach of your choice.

Tunnels Beach is a  spectacular beach for swimming and snorkeling.  Here you will find all the underwater life you could hope to see.  You do not have to be a particularly strong swimmer to enjoy the snorkeling here.  In summer, it is a safe swimming beach for the whole family, but do observe any warnings.  Some claim to have seen whales here, but we have not.  Although this is a very popular beach, we always found a private spot somewhere on its long shore.

Anini Beach boasts a long, sandy shoreline, and calm water, thanks to the protection of an extensive off-shore reef.  Anini is the ideal beach for small children and inexperienced swimmers.  Although some do snorkel here, it is not ideal as the water may, at times, be cloudy.  This is a quiet beach, and a pleasant one to visit, whether you swim or not.

Polihale Beach, in Polihale Beach Park is a wonderful beach for strolling.  It is one of the longest beaches in the area, with ocean on one side and great sea cliffs on the other.  Another good family beach, Polihale offers the opportunity to stroll, beachcomb, paddle in the shallows and admire the many towering dunes.  Dune buggies drive this beach so be aware.  The safe swimming area at the south end of the beach is called Queen’s pond, its calmness protected by an off-shore reef.  Swimming in other areas is only for experienced swimmers and should be done with caution.

Poipu beach is another we enjoyed, but found it a bit crowded.  This is probably due to the many other activities that are available in the surrounding area.  Nevertheless it is an attractive beach, with safe swimming as well as snorkeling and scuba diving.

Our favorite beach, though definitely not a place to take children, is Hanakapiai Beach.  It provides spectacular views, especially in winter, when fierce winter winds crash against the shore.  In summer it is relatively safe for swimming, but definitely never in winter.  The hiking trail still leads to the beach, but always observe caution when near the water.

There are many other attractive beaches on Kauai, so many in fact that you will definitely want to return.  Kauai also offers the usual tourist attractions including shopping, luxury hotels, fine dining, romantic hideaways, and authentic Hawaiian luaus, featuring pig-roasting on the beach.  Kauai, and its beaches, demand that you come again.