Top Beaches

White sand beaches make up fifty miles of Kauai’s 113 miles of shoreline, twice that of Oahu. Though there are beaches all around, the biggest expanses are found on the west and north shores of the island.

• Tunnels Beach: Also called Maku, this beach on the north shore is two miles of sheer bliss. A fabulous snorkeling spot, it also has superb views of the mountain scenery seen in South Pacific. This is where you can watch experienced surfers, who come to grab the giant winter waves.
• Anini Beach: Anini begins just past the town of Kilauea in the north and runs for two miles to Princeville. It is crowded with cottages and houses that sit along the shoreline, which is not surprising, since it’s one of the safest beaches for swimming and a nice spot for family gatherings.
• Lydgate Beach Park: This spot on the east shore may be the top place for family outings. It has a large picnic area, playgrounds and rock-walled ponds where it’s safe to swim.
• Maha’ulepu Beach: Maha’ulepu, in the south, skirts the Hyatt’s golf course. Part of an expanse owned by Steve Case, it’s prime whale-watching territory. There’s a two-mile trail that runs along the cliff above the beach.