Kauai Locations
Hanalei Bay
One of the Most Iconic Beaches in Hawaii | Hanalei, Kauai
With the historic Hanalei Pier, capture iconic family photos of your trip to the Garden Isle of Kauai. Set between two large rivers (Hanalei River and Wai’oli River) It's the perfect playground for both ocean and river recreation. Hanalei is easily the largest bay on Kauai. The largest of the two rivers, the Hanalei River, serves as a popular venue for recreational paddling, kayaking and fishing. It has also been a popular Hollywood movie location and featured in South Pacific and The Descendants.
Tunnels Beach, Kauai
Lush & Tropical
Tunnels is my TOP choice for romantic photos on Kauai. It’s super quiet for sunrise, and has the most majestic sunsets - also offering spread out spaces for those who want a more private session. It fulfills the idyllic lush and tropical Kauai views with green majestic mountains as the back drop, turquoise waters and pristine sand for a picture perfect session.
Haena Beach
Lush Kauai Surroundings
Haena Beach Park is a popular spot for those wanting lush surroundings and tranquil ambiance. With Mount Makana (Bali Hai) looming above and jungles just beyond the sand, Hāʻena Beach is a picturesque backdrop. During winter and spring, water conditions can become hazardous due to pounding shorebreaks and powerful rip currents. In summer, the water is much calmer, making it a great place for snorkeling.
While visiting, be sure to check out the Maniniholo dry cave just across the street. Adventurous visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the iconic Na Pali Coast or embark on scenic hikes along the Kalalau Trail.
Pu’u Poa Beach (1 Hotel)
Stunning, Tucked Away | Princeville, Kauai
Located at the exclusive 1 Hotel, this beach hosts exceptional views across Hanalei Bay to the legendary Bali Hai mountains, without the crowds at Hanalei. You can also walk to the left and scramble over rocks to reach the second beach which is often deserted.
Anini Beach, Kauai
Hidden Paradise | Kalihiwai, Kauai
Anini calls you with its dreamlike sparkling sand, colorful fish and beautiful turquoise waters. We love Anini’s secluded shoreline and calm waters during the summer. Walking the three mile soft sand beach, you can watch novice windsurfers trying to stay on their boards and fishermen waiting for their catch of the day.
Anahola Beach
Locals Beach | Kilauea, Kauai
Located on the “Coconut Coast” of Kauai. Anahola is a sprawling romantic beach, fronting incredible views of the Kalelea Mountains. Tall ironwoods provide a natural shade canopy, along white crescent shorelines and an area where an old pier lies. This beautiful half mile stretch of sand lies hidden from the highway and is surrounded by one of the most Hawaiian communities on the island. Depending on when you visit you may see dancers from a hula halau (school), smell the cooking of a tailgate barbecue or watch local families gather for a luau.
Mana I Rd. Kilauea, HI 96754
Donkey Beach
Off the beaten path - Breathtaking Reddirt Cliffsides | Kapaa, Kauai
Donkey Beach, also known as Kuna Bay. Venture through the tunnel of trees to this pristine beach, shaded by ironwood trees. It's also a short walk to the red dirt trails and sea cliffs. To get there, drive into the public parking area at mile marker 11 and it’s only a ten minute walk through the tree tunnel to Donkey Beach.
For an enjoyable Kauai activity consider renting a bike in Kapaa and riding on the coastal corridor to the beach. Along the way you may see humpback whales leaping offshore as you bike close to white sand beaches and coastal cliffs with endless ocean views.
Shipwreck Beach
White Sand & Breaktaking Cliffsides | Koloa, Kauai
One of my most favorite beaches in the area! Located in front of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, this beach offers breathtaking cliffside views, wooded areas, lava rocks and more. This white sandy beach has it all (great for large groups) and is super romantic for proposals! If you are adventurous, just to the left of the beach, you can to hike a short hillside which offers views atop stunning 50 ft cliff faces. This is the start of the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, a great hike to explore the otherwise inaccessible coastline.
2200–2202 Ainako St. Koloa, HI 96756
Kiahuna Beach
Diverse & Beautiful Beach | Koloa, Kauai
Kiahuna is a wonderful mid-size white sandy beach, offering a large grassy lawn with palm trees (great for large groups) as well as areas of white sandy beach and rocky shoreline along the right hand side of the beach. There is also a wonderful boardwalk that boasts ocean views and green grassy knolls, perfect for sunset and sunset photos.
Poipu Beach
Popular Beach for wildlife | Poipu, Kauai
This is a favorite weekend spot for birthday parties, picnics, lawn games and family activities. This location offers two sandy beaches on either end with a grassy lawn seperating the two. Green sea turtles and monk seals can be seen sunbathing on the sand. Note that if you want to take a picture with one of these magnificent creatures, remember to give them plenty of room (per the Endangered Species Act, visitors must keep a distance of at least 10 feet).
2179 Hoone Rd. Koloa, HI 96756
Ho'ona "Baby Beach"
Hidden Gem | Koloa, Kauai
Baby Beach, a sweet little protected cove, often called Poipu's hidden gem. This small crescent shaped beach has very calm and shallow waters. Take Lawai Road, a.k.a Spouting Horn Road, to Hoona Road. Public beach access is located between the homes at #5142 and #5152.
5152 Hoona Rd. Poipu, HI 96756
Nukoili'i Beach
Quaint Beach | Lihue, Kauai
Nukoli'i Beach Park, with its 2 miles (3.2 km) of white-sand shoreline, is the longest beach on Kauai's east shore. Banyan trees overlook a white sandy shoreline, with a large section of flat shoreline rocks and tidepools to explore. Fronting the Wailua Golf Course and the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort. This is one of those Kauai beaches that never gets crowded.
- Kauai Beach Rd, Lihue, HI 96766
