Kauai's coastline swings from the sheer, uninhabited cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to calm family-friendly bays, with a waterfall-fed river running through the island's green interior.
Seventeen miles of sheer, fluted green cliffs plunge straight into the Pacific along Kauai's northwest shore, accessible only by boat, helicopter, or the strenuous Kalalau Trail. Waterfalls cascade down the pali (cliffs) after rain, and hidden beaches like Kalalau appear only to those who hike or sail in. It is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world and the singular image most associated with Kauai.
A two-mile crescent of golden sand backed by taro fields and the jagged Makana ridge, Hanalei Bay is one of Hawaii's most photographed shorelines and a filming location for South Pacific. Calm in summer for swimming and paddling, it turns into a serious surf break in winter, drawing surfers to its consistent point breaks. The historic Hanalei Pier at the bay's center is a favorite spot for sunset photos and casual fishing.
Kauai's sunniest resort beach sits on the South Shore, with a sheltered cove ideal for young swimmers and reefs that make it one of the island's best snorkeling spots. Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles regularly haul out on the sand, and volunteers often rope off a viewing perimeter to protect them. A tombolo sandbar connects two small bays, giving the beach two distinct calm-water pools.
This 80-foot twin waterfall near Lihue drops into a wide pool and gained fame as the opening title shot of the 1970s TV show Fantasy Island. A roadside overlook offers a full view without any hike, making it one of Kauai's most accessible waterfalls. Flow varies significantly with recent rainfall, from a thin double ribbon to a thundering, unified curtain after storms.
Marking the end of the road at the base of the Na Pali cliffs, Ke'e Beach combines a calm, reef-protected lagoon with a dramatic backdrop and access to the start of the Kalalau Trail. It's also considered a sacred site, home to an ancient hula heiau (temple platform) still used for ceremonies today. Snorkeling is best in calmer summer months; winter swells can make the water dangerous even close to shore.
Tips for Beaches & Coastal Areas
- Haena State Park (Ke'e Beach) requires an advance online reservation for both parking and entry, even for Kalalau Trail day hikers
- Keep a legally required distance from monk seals and turtles resting on the sand
- Winter (Nov-Mar) brings large, dangerous North Shore surf — check ocean safety flags before swimming