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Nearly circular in shape, Kaua‘i is ringed by 113 miles of shoreline, with almost half giving way to sugar-fine golden-sand beaches. Perhaps the best way to sort out Kaua‘i’s beaches is to consider water safety factors. To be safe, pick a lifeguarded beach. For more on beach conditions, go to hawaiibeachsafety.com. Here are a few suggestions:
SOUTH SHORE Po‘ipū Beach Park, located past Kōloa on Po‘ipū Road, is a predictably sunny, user- friendly beach. It’s equipped with lifeguards, restrooms and showers, picnic tables and a convenience store where snorkel and beach equipment rentals are available.
Māhā‘ulepū, near the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa, is a beautiful swimming, snorkeling, walking and kiteboarding beach. Salt Pond, near Hanapēpē, is a popular, nearly rain-free spot for family outings. To find the beach, turn makai (toward the ocean) off Kaumuali‘i Highway at the west end of Hanapēpē and drive on Lolokai Road toward the coast.
EAST SIDE Lydgate Beach Park is located just sount of the Wailua River, near Kapa‘a. The park features a wide sand beach and a pair of rock-rimmed pools. A good family beach, Lydgate has a children’s play area as well as walking and biking paths.
Kalapakī Beach at Nawiliwili Bay in Līhu‘e fronts the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and a good beach for swimming and surfing.
Kealiā Beach Park, just north of Kapa‘a on Highway 56, is a popular surfing and sunning beach.
Fuji Beach on Moanakai Street in Kapa‘a, known locally as Baby Beach, is a small neighborhood beach protected by a sandstone breakwater. Kiteboarders often appear offshore.
