10 Best Beaches in Kauai

Hanalei Bay is the largest on the northern shore of Kauai. You'll find over 2 miles of beach with fine sand set against a backdrop of magnificent mountains.  

Coral reefs on both sides of the crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay can be explored via snorkelling or diving. This beach is great for just about everyone – the left side is calm and suitable for families while the right has some impressive surf spots.

Ke'e Beach's surroundings and natural wonders are so prominent and aesthetically pleasing, it has been featured in several Hollywood films. Because of this, however, the beach is often fairly crowded, so it's best to visit earlier in the day. 

The Kalalau Trail starts at Ke'e Beach, which serves as a useful staging ground if you're planning to go on a hike to find more natural sights in Kauai. 

Tunnels Beach is one of the best options in Kauai for those looking for underwater-oriented adventures. There's an enormous coral reef that's ideal for divers to explore, along with several caves suitable for snorkelling and even a bit of swimming. 

This beach is protected by lifeguards and offers plenty of opportunities for windsurfing. Just keep in mind that there's no designated parking, so you'll have to secure a spot on the nearby road if you're driving to Tunnels Beach.

Families can find many fun things to do on Baby Beach, even when bringing small children. This beach is located in Poipu, a calm and tranquil town that's as family-friendly as the beach itself. The waves notably calm, so kids and beginners can safely swim here. 

Even so, you'll still find quite a few exciting snorkelling opportunities at a nearby reef. Sea turtles and monk seals often frequent the area, so you may be able to spot these endangered species from a distance.

Anahola Beach is the ideal spot if you're looking to get away from it all in Hawaii. Just off this white sandy beach, you'll find a protective reef that makes the water notably calm. 

Besides swimming, snorkelling is very popular at Anahola Beach. While waves are rather subdued most of the time, there are still quite a few good surf spots. If you prefer staying dry, lifeguards and amenities like bathrooms and picnic tables are available on the secluded beach.

Haena Beach is a must-visit if you're looking for your own slice of paradise in Hawaii. On this sprawling sandy shore, you'll be surrounded by clear blue waters and tropical wilderness. You can go for a swim or go snorkelling in the water when the weather is calm. 

The beach itself is fun for families, with plenty of shells to find in the sand. If you're looking for a surf spot, head to Haena Beach in the winter for some intense waves that draw in many of the best surfers in the world.

Lydgate Beach has just about everything for any beachgoer in Hawaii. There are plenty of lifeguards patrolling the sandy beach. You can also find a nearby playground for kids, along with bathrooms and shower facilities. 

Families can enjoy the calm waters in enclosed ponds, while surfers can enjoy thrilling waves on the more open parts of the Pacific Ocean. Lydgate Beach is also rich with aquatic life, which makes snorkelling a popular activity. 

If you plan on visiting Kealia Beach, the best time to do so is during the winter months. The beach is very popular with whale watchers, as these massive creatures often breach fairly close to shore. 

Strong wind and ocean swells make it a popular beach for surfing. The northern side of the beach is much calmer if you're looking for a relaxing swim. Just be wary that the strong currents can be dangerous for novice swimmers and surfers. Fortunately, Kealia Beach has many lifeguards on patrol. 

Kekaha Beach offers convenient access to the water, but it's best known for its pristine sand. Located on Kauai's far west, it has the largest stretch of sand in Hawaii. 

Most of the time, it seems almost pure white, though strong winds can cause a brief period of brown colouring due to local waves and river runoff. Given that Kekaha Beach is on the west side of the island, it's a great place to watch the sunset.

Shipwreck Beach was named after an ancient wooden ship that sank pretty close to the shore. While the vessel is long gone, the beach remains a great location for those interested in surfing, thanks to prominent high waves almost year-round. 

If you're looking for a romantic walk on the beach, Shipwreck Beach is one of the best spots in Kauai. You won't have to deal with a large crowd when exploring the beach's natural scenery.