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Nearly every beach on Kauai is lovely but
the beaches on the north shore seem to have some extra charm or
appeal. Perhaps it's the fact they are rarely crowded, or
because they are surrounded by such beauty. Here are a few
of them.
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Anini
Beach |
'Anini
Beach: This great beach on Kauai's North Shore has a protective reef that
extends for over 2 miles. Snorkeling and swimming can be
some of the best & calmest on the north shore, and it's rarely
crowded. Be sure to stay
on the inside of the reef. From Hwy 56, take the Kalihiwai
Road on the WEST side of the beautiful bridge. When you come
to the fork in the road, stay left. Continue for about 2 miles to
the public camp areas, or if you prefer, continue on down the
beach to a less crowded area. Please note: there is a strong current that flows out of the channel to the
west of the reef so be aware of this and stay in safe
waters.
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Hanalei
Bay |
Hanalei Bay Pavilion: The heart
of Hanalei is lovely Hanalei Bay. It is a great place
for sunning, surfing and body boarding. There is a restroom
at the park and a life guard is on duty near the pavilion to watch
over the fun. Heading west on Hwy 56 after Princeville,
continue to Hanalei and turn right on Aku street by Zelo's Beach
House. When you come to the next stop sign, turn right onto
Weke Road. You will see the pavilion. There is usually
adequate parking. You may also continue down Weke to the end
where you will find the Hanalei Pier.
Lumaha'i Beach: This is one of
the most photographed beaches in the world, and is famous for
being the "Nurse's Beach" in the film South Pacific.
Lumaha'i is between mile #4 and #5 on Hwy 56. About half way
between them, you can pull out and park on the shoulder of the
road and hike down to the beach. While this is a beautiful
beach, it is not recommended for swimming.
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| Tunnels
Beach |
Tunnels Beach: Wonderful beach
with a fabulous view. Take your camera. Great area for
snorkeling in calm waters, though getting to it can be a
pain. There are only a few places you can park and they are
usually full. Look for dirt roads to your right after you've
reached mile marker 8 on Hwy 56. One option is to take Alealea
Street prior to mile 8. Park near the sand and walk left on the
beach.
Ha'ena Beach Park: Good area
for picnicking and searching for shells. Conditions can be
dangerous, but if the water is calm, there can be good
swimming. Continue on Hwy 56 to mile marker #9, across from
the Maniniholo Dry Cave. When you see the tents and the
hippies, you'll know you're there.
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Ke'e
Beach |
Ke'e Beach: Beautiful little
lagoon at the end of the road that has always been one of my
favorite places on Kauai. Snorkeling is usually
terrific. However, it's been getting more and more
crowded over the past few years. Finding a parking place can
be very difficult, particularly on weekends. Continue on Hwy 56
all the way to the very end.
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