Kauai Beaches – South Shore

Poipu Beach.

A long, picturesque stretch of sandy shoreline on the southernmost tip of Kauai, Poipu Beach is a haven of activity on the South Shore. Marking the beginning of the Kalalau trail, this favorite Kauai beach is an idyllic spot for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sunbathing and has beautiful views of the Na Pali Coast. Grab your snorkel gear and jump in the ocean at the right side of a narrow strip of sand that joins the two pieces of land. On winter days, Poipu is calm and peaceful.

Hanakapiai Beach.

Hanakapiai Beach – Located 2 miles down the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast, this beautiful, secluded beach offers gorgeous views of the Na Pali Coast and is a great place to stop on your trek. A side hike leads to the beautiful Hanakapiai Falls. Swimming here is not encouraged.

Keoneloa Beach/Shipwrecks Beach.

Located at the end of Poipu Road at the beginning of Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, Keoneloa Beach – called Shipwrecks Beach – is a beautiful sand beach for surfing, body boarding, windsurfing and boogie boarding. Famed for the Harrison Ford and Anne Heche plunge from the cliff in the movie 6 Days and 7 Nights, the white sandy beach – surrounded by cliffs and natural rock formations – is an awesome place for surfing and boogie boarding due to its steep shore break and strong currents. Hiking is excellent along the beach and cliffs, and Makawehi Point is a popular fishing place.  [Top]

Mahaulepu Beach.

This beautiful, rugged and remote beach on Kauai’s south shore offers a long expanse of undeveloped beach that reveals Kauai’s history and geological landscape. The gorgeous beach is a tranquil spot for soaking up rays, beach exploring, and enjoying the natural beauty of this wondrous coast. The rough waters are excellent for windsurfing and kite surfing, or swimming and snorkeling at the western end. Popular with locals, this beach has an ancient sandstone sinkhole.

Kipu Kai Beach.

Located behind the mountain at Kipu, this isolated sand beach is accessible only by water and is a tranquil beach for boat, sailboat and paddle outings.

Kiahuna Beach.

Kiahuna Beach is one of the most perfect Hawaiian beaches on Kauai. This spectacular beach is an outstanding haven for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and boogie boarding. Enjoy the wicked waves and gorgeous scenery.  [Top]