Kauai - Lihue

Island of Kauai

Adventures on Land - Beaches

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There are plenty of beaches in the Lihu`e area, which are great for sunbathing, surfing, snorkeling. The waters here tend to be much calmer than on the North Shore, even in the winter months.

Niumalu Beach Park is right near Nawiliwili Harbor. It’s a small, three-acre park that has picnic tables, showers and restrooms. There’s a boat ramp that’s used to launch small boats, which makes kayaking and sailboarding popular here. It’s also a popular place for picnics and campers. Camping is allowed with a County permit. To get here, follow Rice Street as it loops around at Kalapaki Beach and becomes Nawiliwili Road. Follow it past the Anchor Cove Shopping Plaza and bear left on Wa`apa.

Nawiliwili Park is located by Anchor Cove Shopping Center and Harbor Mall. The beach itself isn’t very impressive. It’s a favorite place for picnics, spearfishing, and shoreline fishermen as well as for beach volleyball There’s a concrete wall that lines the area, so it’s not pretty to look at. For swimming and sunbathing, you’re better off going to nearby Kalapaki Beach. Did you know that Nawiliwili means “the wili wili trees?” Hawaiians once used the orange and red seeds to make leis and the wood was light enough to be used for surfboards and canoes.

Kalapaki Beach is directly behind the Kaua`i Marriott Resort & Beach Club. It’s a fine beach for swimming and surfing. There’s an easy surf break that’s perfect for beginners. You can get lessons there as well. On the downside, it is a crowded beach, mostly used by guests of the Marriott. Facilities include free parking, restrooms, and showers; food and drink are available at Kalapaki Beach Hut. There is no lifeguard. To get there, go to the entrance of the Marriott and turn right at the “Shoreline Access” sign.

Ninini Beach is north of Nawiliwili Harbor. Ninini is made up of two beaches separated by lava rock. It’s a good spot for swimming and offers an excellent view of nearby mountain ranges and ships coming in and out of Nawiliwili Harbor. Both beaches are secluded and occasionally draw nudists to the area. Remember that nudity is illegal in Hawai`i. The smaller beach is a little rocky, while the larger one has a nice sandy bottom. The larger beach is much better for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. To get there, take Ahukini Road, then turn right onto Kapule Highway. Turn left onto the unpaved road (the old Lihu`e Plantation Company Dirt Road) after half a mile. Turn left at the gate onto the paved road, then bear right when the road forks. Ninini Beach is at the end of the road, 1½ miles from the fork. There are no facilities and no lifeguards

Ahukini State Recreational Pier is a one-acre park at the end of Ahukini Road near the airport. This is a popular pole fishing spot with locals. It’s also good for whale-watching during the winter months. The pier was used by cargo companies importing and exporting goods up until World War II.

Hanumalu Beach Park is popular with locals for camping and picnics. Hanumalu Stream empties into the area and poor circulation causes the
water to be murky. It’s run by the Hawai`i Division of Land and Natural Resources. Swimming is prohibited in the area.

Nukolili Beach Park, a long sandy beach, is behind the Kaua`i Beach Resort. It is empty more often than not. The beach fronts part of Wailua Golf Course, so if you hear someone call “fore!” you’d better run for cover. The swimming conditions aren’t great. The bottom is shallow and rocky. Strong currents form in high surf.

Kipu Kai is a small crescent beach that’s one of the most beautiful on Kaua`i. Unfortunately, public access is extremely limited. You can get there by boat or through a private road in the estate. The last owner was cattle rancher John T. Waterhouse. Upon his death, Waterhouse bequeathed the land to the State of Hawai`i in 1984. He wanted the lands to be used as a nature and wildlife preserve. However, the land doesn’t officially fall to the state until after the deaths of his nieces and nephews. You can get a glimpse of it through Kipu Ranch Adventure’s ATV tour. They’ll take you to the top of Mount Haupu. The stunning view below is Kipu Kai.

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