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Island Lore
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Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and because of its beautiful valleys
and colorful flora it has been nicknamed "The Garden Isle." Multiple shades of green
spill over every hill and dale. At more than five million years old, Kauai County
is made up of Kauai and neighboring Nihau, "The Forbidden Isle." Both are the only
islands unconquered by King Kamehameha through warfare; both were obtained by the
United States through diplomacy. The island of Kauai is the home of the Menehune,
the legendary race of little people said to work only at night. A favorite movie
location Kauai has had more than seventy movies and television shows filmed on location,
including the musical South Pacific and Disney's 2002 animated feature film and
television series Lilo & Stitch. Scenes from South Pacific were filmed in the vicinity
of Hanalei. Waimea Canyon was used in the filming of the 1993 film Jurassic Park.
Parts of the island were also used for the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost
Ark. Other movies filmed here include Six Days Seven Nights, the remake of King
Kong and John Ford's 1963 film Donovan's Reef. Coco Palms Resort is a famous resort
located on this island and many of Elvis' films including Blue Hawaii were filmed
here. The resort was damaged in the Hurricane in 1992, but is set to reopen by 2010.
Check out the following natural landmarks
(Locations can be referenced on the Map page)
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Napali Coast
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Unless you're a rugged hiker, you can only see this fifteen mile, breathtaking landmark
by air or boat. Kauai's spectacular Napali Coast offers visitors a challenge and
in order to feast your eyes on its remarkable beauty, you've got to be adventurous.
Don't worry; you won't have to play Indiana Jones even though a segment of "Raiders
of the Lost Ark" was filmed here. Yet you can't see the Napali by car; the only
path is an eleven mile trail rated "difficult" that takes you only half way along
its 15-mile coast. What are your options? Try it either by air or by sea. whatever
your choice, it definitely worth the effort.
If you're looking for Hawaii's wilderness, the Napali Coast is it. It's the most
inaccessible and uninhabited area in the state. A mix of enormous spatial proportions,
this Eden is a remarkably rugged stretch of coastline marked by towering sea cliffs.
Lush valleys that seem to "hang" between razor-sharp cliffs like an unfolding accordion
are full of endemic plants and history. In the summer, the coast is ribboned with
untouched beaches.
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The Napali Coast stuns you with its grandeur. It's that amazing! Carved by wind
and sea, spared from development, the remote Napali Coast is intriguing, enchanting
and possibly your best vacation memory waiting to happen. Stretching for twenty-two
miles with standout waterfalls, rain brings them out in all their glory as they
cascade down pali (cliffs). Towering 4,000 feet into the air, these pali cast dagger-deep
shadows that give the coast its trademark appearance. On a sunny day, the Napali
sparkles like a sharply cut emerald. When it's misty, the Napali seems shrouded
in mystery.
Not to be outdone by all the green, the ocean has been pounding its blue into the
pali and coastline for millions of years. Slowly carving unique sea caves and archways
with surf, it relaxes in the summer to return the sand to Napali beaches. The seaside
caverns are usually navigable by boat in the summertime and a handful of these are
standout attractions in their own right.
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Site Seeing
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Hanalei Valley Lookout: Pullover to see wetland taro fields backed by purple
fluted mountains at this marked stop on Highway 53. A sign points out the relationship
between farmers and the Hanalei National Wildlife Sanctuary.
Princeville: Named after Price Albert, this resort community overlooks Bali
Hai vistas, the location for the famous movie "South Pacific." This area offers
golfing and shopping for those interested.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge: Home of seabirds and a lighthouse
with the world's largest clamshell lens.
Sleeping Giant: Nounou Mountain provides the "man in repose" profile seen
from Kapa'a.
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Spouting Horn: One of Kauai's natural wonders, wave action forces water through
a lava tube that belches before it blows in Lawai, just past the Lawai beach resort.
Fern Grotto: This cool, tropical cavern is accessible by Wailua River boat
rides or by kayak. It's curtained with cascading ferns.
Wailua Falls: Drive right up to these twin cascades on Highway 583 just outside
Lihu'e and Hanamaulu.
Tree Tunnel: Fragrant eucalyptuse trees provide a canopy of green enroot
to Kaloa and Poipu Beach. Take Highway 520-Maluhia Road to get there.
Old Kaloa Town: The state's oldest sugar plantation town offers shopping
and dining in restored camp buildings shaded by monkeypod trees.
Poipu: Sun, shopping, restaurants and beaches fill this south side resort
area, home to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course.
Hanapepe: Reminiscent of the Old West, this town has lots of art galleries
and fun restaurants.
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Waimea: Captain Cook landed here; find the ruins of a Russian fort and interesting
architecture right in town.
Waimea Canyon: This is one of Hawaii's greatest natural wonders, dubbed by
author Mark Twain as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Dry and rugged, this rust
colored chasm is easy to see by driving up Highway 552. Pull over at several lookouts
to see the ten mile long canyon that's a mile wide and 3,600 feet deep.
Kokee State Park: Also on Highway 552, get into nature at an upland cloud
forest that sits at a cool 4,000-foot elevation. Hike to views of the Napali Coast
from topside lookouts. Visit the Kokee Natural History Museum and join seasonal
activities.
Limahuli: This is considered to be best botanical garden on Kauai. Located
in the same are as the Spouting Horn in Lawai. Limahuli boast the title of Natural
Botanical Garden of the Year.
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Tour Operators
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- Blue Dolphin 808-335-5553
- Catamaran Kahanu 808-335-3577
- HoloHolo Charters- Power Catamaran 808-335-0815
- Kauai Sea Tours 808-826-7254
- Outfitters Kauai- Waimea Canyon Bicycle Downhill 808-742-9667
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- Heli USA Airways 808-826-6591
- Ohana Helicopters 808-245-3996
- Safari Helicopter 808-246-0136
- Will Squyres- Helicopter Tours 808-245-8881
- Na Pali Riders 808-742-6331
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Other Resources
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- Kauai Visitor Information: Very nicely laid out and lots of information.
It's official with a Mayor's statement and everything. Web Link
- Kauai Visitors Bureau Guide: A virtual tour of Kauai, calendar, maps and
weather. A free vacation planning guide. Web Link
Their Frequently Asked Questions area is very good too. Web Link
- Book: The Kauai Underground Guide: THE Book to own for your trip. There's
a house copy waiting in your room.
Web Link
- Best of Hawaii, Island Maps: Nice detail, hold for the download. Web Link
- Hawaii - The Virtual Vacation: Great postcards to send to your pals. Web Link
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- Go Kauai: Real Video movies, shopping and community activities, ecotourism
and adventuring. Web Link
- Kauai Community Radio: KKCR: Our FAVORITE. What a mix Hawaiian, James Brown
and just about anything you might need while on the island. Live on the Web and
in Kauai. Web Link
- The Hawaiian Dictionary: Lookup words, word of the day. A handy little tool.
Web Link
- Island of Kauai Listings: Great set of links for activities, business, and
culture. Web Link
- The Party Planning Wisdom of Trader Vic: The king of Tiki entertaining tells
you everything you need to know about Booze and Parties. Web Link
- Kapa'a Town Sites: A good summary of our little town and plenty of links
and insight. Web Link
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Your Home Beach: Baby Beach
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Baby Beach, also known as Fuji Beach, where the coral and lava rock walls provide
protection from the waves and an enormous bathtub, excellent for families with children
to wade and play in. A lovely park directly between the lanai and the ocean gives
green space for family football, badminton, croquet or whatever your whim. Just
past the reef, you'll be able to watch windsurfing and kite surfing from the house!
We provide the cooler, towels, and sand toys. All you'll need is your bathing suits
and tanning lotions!
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Beaches of Kauai
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Anahola Beach
This beautiful beach has good swimming most of the year due to a protective reef
offshore. The sandy beach is backed by shade. The nearby reef is great for snorkeling
and beginning scuba diving. Anahola has occasional strong currents, high surf, and
wave breaks. Slippery rocks and sharp coral also present. It’s always a good idea
to monitor ocean conditions before entering the water.
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Anini Beach , North Shore Kauai
This beach is one of the safest and most protected along the North Shore of the
island. A fringed reef runs the entire length of beach and is Hawaii's longest reef.
Expensive homes of the "rich and famous" are located on the bluff above and front
this scenic area. Honeymoon in Vegas was filmed at one of these homes. The water
on one side of the beach is only four feet deep and slowly cascades to over a 100-foot
depth on the other side. This beach is also well known for windsurfing and lessons
and rentals are available from 'Anini Beach Windsurfing at 808-826-9463.
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Barking Sands Beach , Northwest Kauai
No one quite knows why they call this beach Barking Sands. The beach area is located
on the extreme northwest side of Kauai which is an area known as the Mana Plain.
Barking Sands is a long and narrow site bordered by nothing on both sides, which
makes it very remote so you may loose cell phone connection here. Today, the whole
area is run by the military, which means there is little or no access to this beach.
However, if you visit Polihale State Beach Park, you see this beach as an extension.
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Donkey Beach in East Kauai
This secluded beach is about a 10 minute walk from the parking area. The beach was
named because the nearby plantations used donkeys and burros to haul cane to the
fields. Beach cautions are there could be strong currents, dangerous shore-break,
sudden drop off and waves breaking on ledge. There are no facilities or lifeguards
on duty. This beach is secluded and has good snorkeling, but swimming is poor here.
It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions before entering the water.
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Glass Beach
Glass Beach is one of the most unique beaches in all of Hawaii. The entire far side
of the beach is filled with smooth, polished pieces of glass. This area used to
be a dump (literally). The sides of the overhanging cliffs are embedded with metal
and glass. On the lava is an amazing assortment of ancient engine blocks and car
frames. The hulks are often interwoven with the lava itself. There are beach cautions
for strong currents, dangerous shore-break, high surf, sudden drop off, sharp coral
and slippery rocks. It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions before entering
the water.
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Haena Beach - Highway 560- North Kauai
The swimming here is very hazardous as there is no reef to slow down the wave action.
There is also a deep drop off just offshore. However, the beach and park area is
a beautiful and popular site. Surfing along this coast is great for the experienced
surfer only, there are no lifeguards. There are facilities, showers, and a grass
picnic area with tables. A Strong currents advisory is warned, dangerous shore-break,
high surf, sudden drop off, sharp coral and slippery rocks. It’s always a good idea
to monitor ocean conditions before entering the water.
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Hanakapi'ai Beach
This beach is 2-miles down the popular Kalalau Trail. All beaches along the Na Pali
Coast are treacherous and swimming in not adviseable any time of the year. The second
mile of this hike is very steep and not recommended for beginner hikers. A side
hike starting at the beach leads to the beautiful Hanakapi'ai Falls.Great views
of the Na Pali Coast. There are beach cautions for dangerous currents - do not enter
the ocean here, it’s a difficult hike - steep and often muddy, and there are no
facilities. It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions before entering
the water.The beach is 2 miles from the start of the Kalalai Trailhead.
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Hanalei Bay Beach- Weke Road, North Shore, Kauai
The entire Hanalei Bay is ringed with a long white sandy beach And has lifeguards
on duty, you will also find facilities, showers, picnic areas, and pavilions. The
surrounding mountains embrace this bay and, in the early morning when the ocean
is like glass, it mirrors the beauty of the cliffs. The surfing in this area is
famous and many locals as well as tourist visit the area. There is fair swimming
due to shore-break and the backwash, good surfing and bodyboarding. The Hanalei
Pier is located on the east side of the long beach near where the Hanalei River
enters the ocean. The Princeville Resort and golf courses are just on the other
side of the river. There are beach cautions for strong currents, dangerous shore-break,
high surf, sudden drop off, sharp coral and slippery rocks. It’s always a good idea
to monitor ocean conditions before entering the water.
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Hideaways Beach- Ka Haku Road, Princeville, North Kauai
This is one of the nicest sandy beaches, with it’s coarse white sand on the North
Shore with good swimming and snorkeling when the surf is calm. There are actually
two small beaches here separated by a rocky outcropping. A 10 minute hike makes
this beach more secluded than other, more easily accessible beaches on the island.
There are beach cautions for occasional strong currents, dangerous shore-break,
slippery rocks and sharp coral. It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions
before entering the water.
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Kalapaki Beach- Rice Road, Lihu'e, East Kauai
Kalapaki Beach is good for swimming, bodysurfing, windsurfing, body boarding and
beginning surfing. The facilities are located near the Anchor Cove Shopping Center,
a popular picnic area is located at the adjacent Nawilwili Park, and there is sailboat
and surf lessons, beach volleyball, catamaran and kayak tours available nearby.
This beach fronts the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club as well as the Kauai
Lagoons championship golf course. The crescent-shaped sand beach opens out to Nawilwili
Bay, the Harbor and the Hoary Head Mountains. The sand gently slopes and the bay
is partially protected, making the beach very popular with locals and tourists.
It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions before entering the water.
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Kalihiwai Bay Beach- Kalihiwai Road, North Kauai
The Kilihiwai Stream divides beach and the great sand beach fronts Kalihiwai Bay.
During the summer months, the ocean is usually calm and swimming is good here, even
for children. In winter months, surfers will be found out in Kalihiwai Bay. Shady
Ironwoods trees make this beach comfortable for picnics and relaxing. There are
beach cautions for seasonal strong currents, dangerous shore-break, slippery rocks
and sharp coral. It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions before entering
the water.
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Kealia Beach-Highway 56, East Kauai
North of Kapaa Beach is Kealia Beach with beautiful white sand. This 150-foot wide,
1/2 mile long beach and in the summer months is popular with surfers and boogie
boarders. During that time the surf is usually perfect and the riptide is not as
fierce. However, always check on ocean conditions yourself before entering the water.
There are no facilities or lifeguards on the beach. The north shore of the beach
once was used for inter-island steamer landings when nearby Kealia was a plantation
town.. A few ruins of the dock still remain. In ancient times, Hawaiians would gather
salt from this area that formed on the sand flats. Today salt is mined from the
dunes adjacent to the highway. It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions
before entering the water.
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Ke'e Beach-Highway 560, North Shore, Kauai
Located literally at the end of the road, Ke'e Beach is probably the most visited
beach on Kauai, known for its’ good swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon in the
summer months on the offshore reef. There are facilities and a picnic area at this
beach.
The famed Kalalau Trail begins at the western end of the beach. Several movies and
min-series have been filmed here such as The Thorn Birds and Castaway Cowboys. There
is also good fishing near the reef’s channel. Beware, however of the Puka Ulua,
an opening on the left side from the lagoon to the sea. Currents can be very strong
here. People often fish for the large, prized Ulua fish in this area. A short walk
towards Ha'ena provides a panoramic view of the Na Pali Coast. Keep walking toward
the Limahuli Stream. There is plenty of scenic and historic sites at this beach.
It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions before entering the water.
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Kekaha Beach- Highway 50, West Kauai
This beautiful, long sandy beach is the first portion of 15 miles of beaches that
stretch along the west coast. This area is great for sunbathing and swimming when
the ocean is calm. There is also great wind surf and snorkeling, but rarely lifeguards
are on duty. It’s always a good idea to monitor ocean conditions before entering
the water.
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Kilauea Bay Beach, North Shore near Princeville
This beach is located in a small cove at the end of the placid Kilauea River. Sometimes
you luck out and find it secluded. While the seas are calm, enthusiasm for swimming
is mitigated by murky conditions caused from the river salt.
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Lawai Beach, Lawa'i Road,South Kauai
This great little sandy beach sometimes disappears during high surf conditions.
There are seasonal strong currents, stay near the shore and monitor ocean conditions
carefully. This beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba at different
times through out the year.
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Lumahai Beach, Highway 560, North Shore, Kauai
The movie South Pacific where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of her hair,”
made this beach famous. You will find lava rocks scattered along the mouth of the
beach which creates a waterfall effect as the surf breaks and recedes. The beach
itself is a long, wide crescent of sandy, picture-postcard-perfect, however only
experienced surfers attempt this area. Expect strong currents, fierce waves, and
unbelievable backwash which creates unsafe waters almost all year. A few excellent
Hawaiian surfers may be seen trying the luck on the left side of the beach, you’ll
find that surf conditions are just as dangerous here.
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Lydgate Beach, Highway 56, Wailua, East Kauai
Spend the afternoon at a place just meant to be savored by families. One of the
few beach parks in Kauai that have lifeguards. Lydgate Beach is calm and clear -
perfect for young swimmers and beginner snorkelers. A boulder enclosed pool allows
fresh water and fish in but keeps strong waves out. Enjoy perfect soft sand, rock
rimmed pools for calm exploring and snorkeling, and an amazing playground (Kamalani)
with slides, swings, climbing bars, and gorgeous ocean themed mosaics. Just when
you think it doesn't get any better, head to the other end of the park. Here the
locals have built a wonderful three story wooden play bridge; a giant wooden fantasy-type
play structure, with mirror mazes, a suspension bridge, and lava tubes. It is just
off the beach, and all children enjoy climbing, crawling, swinging, and sliding
down and around the many turrets, ramps and fixtures
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Nukoli'i Beach, Highway 56, East Kauai
This lovely two-mile stretch of sandy beach is rarely crowded. Swimming conditions
depend on the surf, use caution and monitor the ocean before entering the water
because there are no lifeguards.
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Po'ipu Beach, Po'ipu Road, Po'ipu, South Kauai
Po'ipu is the major beach on the South Shore and has great, safe swimming on the
left of the beach and good snorkeling around the right side of the point. Swimming
here is almost always safe especially on the left side of the beach. There are lifeguards,
facilities, showers, and picnic area. This sandbar is actually unusual and occurs
when ocean currents rush toward the beach from opposite directions and deposit their
sand forming a tombolo which at Po’ipu is called Nukumoi Point.
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Polihale State Beach Park, Old Mana Road, West Kauai
The last beach on the road, this is Kauai's westernmost point and is an extension
of Barking Sands Beach making it Hawaii's longest beach with 17 miles of sparking
white sand! From the northern end of the beach, the beginning cliffs of the Na Pali
can be seen. The sand dunes along this beach can reach up to 100-feet in height.
Surf and currents can be fierce here. On the northern end of the beach is Polihale
State Park. Queen's Pond, located on the south part of Polihale Beach, is a 300
foot area safe for swimming in a small, encircled reef area. Facilities located
at Polihale State Park include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, however, no lifeguards.
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Pu'u Poa Beach, Ka Haku Road, North Kauai
If you visit the Princeville Hotel, Pu’u Poa is a white sand beach located in front
of the hotel. Swimming is seasonal - best during the summer when the surf is usually
calm, but there are no lifeguards on duty.
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Salt Pond Beach Park, Lokokai Road, Hanapepe, West Kauai
One of Kauai’s best wind surfing beaches is Salt Pond. You’ll find that swimming
is usually protected in the cove, however, it’s always a good idea to monitor ocean
conditions before entering the water, and for snorkeling you will enjoy clear waters
located at either end of the pond and the tide pools fronting the saltpans are interesting
areas to explore. This is the only natural salt pond in the state still used today
by descendents of ancient Hawaiians to make sea salt, you’ll see that salt is still
panned during the summer months. There are facilities, showers, picnic areas with
pavilions and grills. Camping at Salt Pond is allowed with a permit
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Shipwreck Beach, Po'ipu Road, Po'ipu, South Kauai
Shipwreck is a good beach for hiking with wonderful cliffs and rocks. This beach
was named for an old, wooden shipwreck that has long since disappeared. Swimming,
however, should be left to only the most skilled due to strong currents and high
surf because there are no lifeguards. Surfers, boogie boarders, body surfers and
windsurfers greatly enjoy the challenge that this beach presents. There are no facilities
at this beach.
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Spouting Horn Beach Park
Spouting Horn is a fun family beach to explore. The kids will enjoy this geyser
that groans! There is a small lava shelf where water from waves is thrust through
an opening causing water and air to squirt out a blowhole, and close by, an additional
hole that blows only air causes a loud moaning and gasping sound. You’ll also find
on the grounds an assortment of novelty stands and the prices are reasonable which
is fun to search for a trinket.
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Tunnels Beach- Highway 560, North Shore, Kauai
This is the popular snorkeling spot on the North Shore during the calm summer months.
The beach is 2-miles long, running from Hanalei Colony Resort to Ha'ena Beach Park.
The center of the beach has a huge half-moon shaped reef just 1/8 mile offshore
where snorkeling is the best. Deep water caverns are located close to shore making
it a great dive site, too. Best known for it’s ideal conditions during the summer,
the outrageous waves during the rest of the year, and it’s sunsets.
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Wailua Beach- East Kauai
Wailua is a beautiful white sand beach on the East Side of Kauai, located on the
windward side or the Coconut Coast. Nearby the Wailua River, this is a perfect place
to dip or wade in the water if the surf is low. Many waterfalls, mountains, and
scenic tours are just a few minutes away.
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Wainiha Beach
Located at the mouth of the Wainiha River, the sea here is murky, and vicious riptides
and currents make it dangerous for swimming. If you prefer casting a line, it's
pleasant for fishing, or beach combing.
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