Hawaii / Kauai Beaches

Photo by Jim McKinlock
© All Rights Reserved

For those who want to return to the Garden, there’s no better place to start than Kauai. But this verdant paradise is not for your average Beach Buba. Here visitors hike twenty miles up jungle trails in a single day and then get in a little wind surfing besides. Like camping? Camp on any one of Kauai's beaches. But if you’re planning on a refreshing swim come morning, then you had better ask yourself one question: "Do I feel lucky?"

Because this extinct volcanic cone rising from the depths of the Pacific has only limited reef protection. This means that ocean currents come in swiftly and move close along the shore. Blink twice, Jimbo, and you’re halfway to Japan. So, enjoy the beautiful unspoiled beaches, but adhere to a few rules. Never swim alone. Never turn your back on the sea. Never stray too far away from the beach and don’t go in at all if the surf‘s up. Unless you're a surfer.

During the summer months you'll find calmer waters at most beaches on the north shore, so that’s the best time to visit. Hanalei Bay, Ke’e and Tunnels all have some reef coverage, allowing you to enjoy most water sports in these locations. If you want a little more privacy, head over to Anahola or Kalihiwai where you might have a beach all to yourself. East coast beaches with good swimming include Kalapaki on the outskirts of Lihue and Lydgate at Wailua, where a special breakwater has been built. On the south shore the Salt Pond is good for a relaxing swim or you can try the ever-popular Poipu for a convivial bun-bake.

But to visit what is undisputedly the wildest beach of Hawaii, head over to Polihale beach on the west coast of Kauai. Here the virgin sand stretches for as far as the eye can see with nothing but restless seas pounding it. But you better bring that 4-wheel drive the rental guy suggested, as well as food, water and anything else you need, Bulldog, ‘cause there ain’t no general stores along this untamed coastline. And the only sane swimming is at Queen’s Pond at the southern end of this wilderness - and then - only if it‘s a very very calm day. Otherwise, get a tan, roast a few weenies or write some poetry. And don’t forget that camp shovel when you go off to ponder the grandeur of it all.