A Day at the Beach
There are plenty of beaches on Kauai, some easier to get to than others. While you can stroll, picnic, and enjoy the sun on most, an assortment of hazards — particularly high surf — is always possible in the waters. In the interest of safety and family fun, here are a few that are relatively safe for swimming and have lifeguards; the list is broken down by location.
Salt Pond County Beach Park: Located near Hanapepe on the southwestern coast, Salt Pond is a great all-round white-sand beach with a picnic area.
Po'ipu Beach Park: With generally safe swimming and nice facilities, Po'ipu is one of Kauai's favorite beaches. Located on the southern shore of the island.
Anahola Beach Park: This beach, located on the Coconut Coast, is protected by a reef which itself is good for snorkeling and diving.
Kalapaki Beach: Another Coconut Coast beach, this is a lovely, recreationally friendly beach located in front of the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club.
Lydgate Park: A nice family beach on the Coconut Coast, complete with a playground.
Hanalei Beach Park and Black Pot Beach Park: Both are found along the crescent shores of beautiful Hanalei Bay on the North Shore.
For more detailed information on the beaches of Kauai, pick up a copy of John R. K. Clark's Beaches of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau (University of Hawaii Press, 1990) or visit www.kauai-beaches.com.
FAST FACT
Salt Pond County Beach Park, located on the southern coast, is named for nearby areas where the old Hawaiians used to produce salt derived from seawater. Some folks still do, and many of the locals consider the salt they make to be very special stuff.
Na Pali Coast
Kauai's spectacular northwest coast has developed its own special tourism niche. With its soaring cliffs and isolated beaches, it's a veritable magnet to hikers and an industry for sea and air tours. There are a lot of companies plying this truly spectacular coast, perhaps too many, but here are a few who can take you there:
A Na Pali Eco Adventure: Ecosensitive boating expeditions along the Na Pali Coast in power catamarans. www.napali.com
Blue Dolphin Charters: Two 60-plus-foot catamarans named Blue Dolphin I and Blue Dolphin II take passengers along the Na Pali coast and on snorkel, sunset, and other cruises. www.kauaiboats.com
Capt. Andy's Sailing Adventures: A luxury catamaran, the Spirit of Kauai, will take you for an exciting ride. www.captandys.com
Captain Sundown: Down the coast you'll go on a lovely sailing catamaran! www.captainsundown.com
Captain Zodiac runs Na Pali coast adventures in Zodiacs, of course! info@captainzodiac.com
Holoholo Charters: Snorkeling, sightseeing, and whalewatching tours along the Na Pali coast and to the “forbidden island” of Niihau. holoholocharters.com
Kauai Fun Tours is a group of five small tour-boat operations that are eager to please. www.kauaifuntours.com
Kauai Sea Tours: Explore the Na Pali coasts in a 60-foot catamaran or rigid-hulled inflatables. www.kauaiseatours.com
Na Pali Explorer: This company features RIBs — special high-tech, fast rigid inflatable boats. They can carry a full load of passengers and will take you exploring, snorkeling, and whale-watching. www.napaliexplorer.com
Na Pali Riders: While many companies start their journeys from the east to west, this company will take you along the entire Na Pali coast traveling west to east from Waimea in Zodiacs. www.napaliriders.com
Rainbow Runner: Sailing and snorkeling tours on Kauai's South Shore aboard the trimaran Rainbow Runner. 1-888-245-1707
TRAVEL TIP
The rigid-hulled motorized inflatable vessels known as Zodiacs (or similar vessels) can take you to some great places inaccessible by most boats and hikers. They can really scoot around and be a lot of fun. Keep in mind, however, that they can sometimes be very bumpy and wet. The adventure companies offering these rides can help you decide whether you might be up for the experience.
