• January 12, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Anahola Beach Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© eSchmidt/stock.adobe.com

2. Anini Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© norinori303/stock.adobe.com

3. Baby Beach Po'ipu

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© KRIDSADA/stock.adobe.com

4. Brennecke's Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© tomertu/stock.adobe.com

5. Fuji Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© jrobertwilliams/stock.adobe.com

6. Ha'ena Beach Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© eddygaleotti/stock.adobe.com

7. Hanalei Pavilion

© bonniemarie/stock.adobe.com

8. Hanalei Pier

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© eddygaleotti/stock.adobe.com

9. Hideaway Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© VitalyTitov/stock.adobe.com

10. Kalapaki Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© CrackerClips/stock.adobe.com

11. Kalihiwai Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© luckybusiness/stock.adobe.com

12. Ke'e Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Jennifer Jean/stock.adobe.com

13. Kealia Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Jennifer Jean/stock.adobe.com

14. Kekaha Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© flares38/stock.adobe.com

15. Kiahuna Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Don Landwehrle/stock.adobe.com

16. Lydgate Beach Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© hydrobiolog/stock.adobe.com

17. Po'ipu Beach Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© fominayaphoto/stock.adobe.com

18. Polihale State Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Juergen Wallstabe/stock.adobe.com

19. Salt Pond Beach Park

Category: Activities & Fun Outdoors
© MNStudio/stock.adobe.com

20. Shipwrecks Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Lynn Yeh/stock.adobe.com

21. Tunnels Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© steheap/stock.adobe.com

22. Wailua Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Eric BVD/stock.adobe.com

23. Waimea Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© fominayaphoto/stock.adobe.com

24. Waioli Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© 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.

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