These are the beaches of Kauai in and around Lihue on the eastern shore. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Niumalu Beach County Park

Lihue vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. Though Niumalu does not offer swimming, this small, county-maintained beach is home to many small fishing and charter boats that dock nearby. People fish off the wharf at Niumalu, and there's no reason you shouldn't join them. But be warned: Niumalu is not particularly renowned for its aesthetic qualities. Niumalu is surrounded on all sides by Lihue's industrial district.

Location :: West end of Nawiliwili Bay, along Huleia Stream, just outside of Lihue.

Access :: Waapaa Road.

Services :: Showers, restrooms, pavilions, camping allowed (with permit).

Nawiliwili Beach County Park

Lihue vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. Though Nawiliwili features decent swimming and sunbathing, a beach-spanning seawall does much to disturb the beach's scenic value. Nearby Kalapaki Beach (see below) offers better swimming/sunning without the seawall.

Location :: Along Rice Street, past the Kauai Marriot, northern shore of Nawiliwili Bay.

Access :: Rice Street.

Services :: Showers, picnic facilities, pavilion.

Kalapaki Beach

Lihue vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. Perhaps the best-known, most-frequented beach on the entire island, like Niumalu, Kalapaki is located in Lihue's industrial district, but the nearby Kauai Marriot, hides the city from the beach. Kalapaki is among Kauai's most beautiful beaches, and is probably the island's best beach for swimming. Also, the gentle wave action at the beach creates conditions that are ideal for the novice bodysurfer.

Location :: Along Rice Street, fronted by Kauai Marriot, northern shore of Nawiliwili Bay.

Access :: Rice Street.

Services :: Though the beach is open to the public, there are no facilities to speak of at the beach. Instead, the showers/restrooms at the Marriot can be used.

Notes :: You can expect a bit less hassle at the Marriot's showers/restrooms if you take the time to order lunch at the hotel's restaurant.

Ahukini Recreation Pier

Lihue vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. Though it's not a "beach" in the traditional sense of the word, the pier at Ahukini is worth mentioning as it features some of the island's best fishing.

Location :: North of Lihue Airport, along Ahukini Road.

Access :: Ahukini Road.

Services :: None.

Hanamaulu Beach County Park

Lihue vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. A beautiful beach with good swimming that sees few tourists, Hanamaulu is a popular favorite among the locals as it features, in addition to the beach, a lagoon area formed by the nearby Hanamaulu stream. The wooded banks of the stream are particularly popular among the area's children.

Location :: On Hanamaulu Bay, off of Kuhio Highway.

Access :: Kuhio Highway, to Hanamaula Road, right turn onto Hehi road.

Services :: Showers, restrooms, picnic facilities, pavilion, camping (with permit).