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beaches kauai

Kalihiwai Beach

Warning: This beach is popular with locals. Have respect.

Located on scenic Kalihiwai Bay on Kauai’s north shore near Kilauea town, Kalihiwai Beach offers calm water for swimming during the summer months and is a popular surfing beach during winter.

Kalihiwai Beach
This beach is great for picnics with a wide swath of white sand and lots of shady areas

The beach area is bordered by lava cliffs while ironwood trees along the shore provide plenty of shade for relaxing. On the east side of the bay, a rock shelf extends out from cliffs under the water creating a world-class surf break for expert surfers, particularly during the winter months when the big swells create giant hollow waves. When the ocean is calmer in the summer months there are often good surfing waves for beginners, and also fun bodyboarding waves.

Great For

Swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, surfing for locals only during large surf, kayaking, fishing.

Highlights

During the winter months, Kalihiwai has some world-class surfing waves for experienced surfers. This beach is also great for picnics with a wide swath of white sand and lots of shady areas for relaxing. Dolphins are often seen offshore, and kids love to play in the Kalihiwai stream water. A popular activity is paddling a kayak up the river to a spot where you can visit a waterfall. Snorkeling is best on the eastern end of the bay but only during the calm days of summer.

Kalihiwai Beach, Kauai by gotprinceville

Need to Know

Kalihiwai Beach is subject to strong shore break waves, powerful backwash, and dangerous currents, particularly during winter. Always stay close to shore and never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas.

Lifeguard

None

Facilities

No

Access

Follow Hwy. 56 west from Kilauea town toward Hanalei and turn right on Kalihiwai Road just before Mile Marker 24. Plenty of parking fronts the beach.