These are the beaches of Kauai's Coconut Coast in and around Wailua and Kapaa. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Lydgate Beach
Wailua area, Kauai, Hawaii. The only beach to be found in the Wailua vicinity, Lydgate features two large protected lava pools that allow great swimming year-round. The first of these is entirely protected and perfect for the young and learning-to-swim, while the second, less-protected pool is excellent for both swimmers and snorkelers alike. An added bonus: despite the great swimming, the beach is seldom crowded.
Location :: Along Kuhio Highway, south side of the Wailua River, behind the Holiday Inn.
Access :: Kuhio Highway.
Services :: Nearby Lydgate State Park offers picnic facilities, restrooms, grills, showers.
Kapaa Beach County Park
Kapaa vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. This mile-long stretch of sand covers over 15 acres and is a beautiful beach to look at, despite the surroundings: Kapaa is located in a run-down section of the town.
Location :: Northern Kapaa, off of Kuhio Highway.
Access :: Kuhio Highway.
Services :: Showers, restrooms, picnic facilities, grills.
Kealia Beach
Kapaa vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. This little-visited beach boasts a wide sandy beach that curves as it stretches for nearly a half-mile. Since it is not a county/state-designated beach park, there are no facilities here, but the swimming is good on calm days.
Location :: Kealia, just north of Kapaa.
Access :: Kuhio Highway.
Services :: None.
Donkey Beach
Kapaa vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. This unofficial surfing beach is found at the end of a ten-minute walk from the highway. Designated "Donkey Beach" by locals, this secluded stretch of sand is perfect (and popular) for unofficial camping. Though it is known as a surfing beach, the undertow here is severe and the waters rough, the waves suitable only for experienced surfers.
Location :: Off of Kuhio Highway, north of Kealia.
Access :: Pull over by the highway where other cars are parked. Walk from there to the nearby cane road and follow the road for ten minutes to reach the beach.
Services :: None.
Notes :: It is possible to access the cane roads directly by way of Kealia Beach, but a permit issued by the Lihue Sugar Company is needed to travel along them. Permits can be obtained at Lihue Sugar Co office in Lihue.
