• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Anahola Beach Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Anahola Beach Park
© eSchmidt/stock.adobe.com

2. Anini Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Anini Beach
© norinori303/stock.adobe.com

3. Baby Beach Po'ipu

Category: Beaches
Baby Beach Po'ipu
© KRIDSADA/stock.adobe.com

4. Brennecke's Beach

Category: Beaches
Brennecke's Beach
© tomertu/stock.adobe.com

5. Fuji Beach

Category: Beaches
Fuji Beach
© jrobertwilliams/stock.adobe.com

6. Ha'ena Beach Park

Category: Activities
Ha'ena Beach Park
© eddygaleotti/stock.adobe.com

7. Hanalei Pavilion

Hanalei Pavilion
© bonniemarie/stock.adobe.com

8. Hanalei Pier

Category: Activities
Hanalei Pier
© eddygaleotti/stock.adobe.com

9. Hideaway Beach

Category: Beaches
Hideaway Beach
© VitalyTitov/stock.adobe.com

10. Kalapaki Beach

Category: Beaches
Kalapaki Beach
© CrackerClips/stock.adobe.com

11. Kalihiwai Beach

Category: Beaches
Kalihiwai Beach
© luckybusiness/stock.adobe.com

12. Ke'e Beach

Category: Beaches
Ke'e Beach
© Jennifer Jean/stock.adobe.com

13. Kealia Beach

Category: Beaches
Kealia Beach
© Jennifer Jean/stock.adobe.com

14. Kekaha Beach

Category: Beaches
Kekaha Beach
© flares38/stock.adobe.com

15. Kiahuna Beach

Category: Beaches
Kiahuna Beach
© Don Landwehrle/stock.adobe.com

16. Lydgate Beach Park

Category: Activities
Lydgate Beach Park
© hydrobiolog/stock.adobe.com

17. Po'ipu Beach Park

Category: Activities
Po'ipu Beach Park
© fominayaphoto/stock.adobe.com

18. Polihale State Park

Category: Activities
Polihale State Park
© Juergen Wallstabe/stock.adobe.com

19. Salt Pond Beach Park

Category: Activities
Salt Pond Beach Park
© MNStudio/stock.adobe.com

20. Shipwrecks Beach

Category: Beaches
Shipwrecks Beach
© Lynn Yeh/stock.adobe.com

21. Tunnels Beach

Category: Beaches
Tunnels Beach
© steheap/stock.adobe.com

22. Wailua Beach

Category: Beaches
Wailua Beach
© Eric BVD/stock.adobe.com

23. Waimea Beach

Category: Beaches
Waimea Beach
© fominayaphoto/stock.adobe.com

24. Waioli Beach

Category: Beaches
Waioli Beach
© shoenberg3/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Kauai, commonly referred to as "The Garden Isle," is known for its lush tropical rainforest climate, which has been immortalized in feature films such as Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific.
  • Visitors to the island's Napali Coast (video) can relax on beaches in the backdrop of Mount Makana, which served as the inspiration for the fabled Bali Ha'i.
  • Luxurious resorts flank popular family beaches such as Kalapaki and Waipouli Beach, while sites such as Waioli Beach are renowned as some of Hawai'i's best surfing spots.
  • Many of the island's beaches are protected from strong wave currents during the summer months by surrounding barrier reefs, making them great spots for young and novice swimmers to hone their water skills.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.

Book a Stay with Us


Explore the Texas Hill Country Like a Local -- check into one of our rentals for a longer stay.