From Waimea Bay west to Sunset Beach, these are the beaches of Kauai's wild North Shore. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. A one-mile indentation in the northshore, Hanalei features beautiful golden sands, gentle waves, and awesome views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside. Swimming is generally safe during the summer, but like all North Shore beaches, stay out of the water during the winter months.
Location :: Outside Hanalei, along Kuhio Highway.
Access :: Kuhio Highway.
Services :: Picnic tables, restrooms, pavilion.
Notes :: The formation of the bay at Hanalei makes for the perfect harbor, and many world-class yachtsmen call Hanalei their home port for a few months during the summer. The nearby Hanalei Canoe Club is famous for the many world-class canoe teams it has produced.
Lumahai Beach
Hanalei vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. At first glance, the beach appears perfect. With a perfectly-curled sandy beach lying at the base of volcanic crags with jungle just visible in the background, it's hard to imagine that the area could get anymore postcard-perfect. But be warned: dangerous rip tides plague the area at all times of the year, and the water should only be entered on the calmest summer days.
Location :: Just beyond Hanalei Bay, along Kuhio Highway.
Access :: Kuhio Highway.
Services :: Emergency phone.
Notes :: In the film "South Pacific," Lumahai served as the striking backdrop to Mitzi Gaynor's performance of the song "I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair."
Tunnels Beach
Haena vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. Besides being one of Kauai's most beautiful beaches, Tunnels also features some of the island's best snorkeling as the beach is protected by a coral reef. Underwater caves, seen to the left when facing the sea, give the beach its name. The beach here is cool and well-shaded by ironwood trees. In addition to the great snorkeling, Tunnels boasts excellent summer swimming.
Location :: Approximately .6 miles past Hanalei Resort, off of Kuhio Highway.
Location :: Kuhio Highway.
Access :: None.
Notes :: A nude beach is located nearby.
Haena Beach County Park
Haena vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. Haena is a beach better used for camping swimming/sunbathing. The sand here is coarse, and the waters safe only during the summer, though an offshore reef affords great snorkeling opportunities.
Location :: Maniniholo Bay, along Kuhio Highway.
Location :: Kuhio Highway.
Services :: Picnic facilities, grills, showers, pavilion, camping (with permit).
Notes :: On most days, Kuulei's kaukau wagon is parked here, usually pulling in at about 10 AM.
Kee Beach
Haena vicinity, Kauai, Hawaii. A popular yet relatively unremarkable beach, Kee sports good summertime swimming and an offshore coral reef.
Location :: The northern end of Kuhio Highway. At the end of the road --- literally.
Access :: Kuhio Highway.
Services :: Showers, restrooms, changing houses.
Notes :: On calm days, you can walk left around the point to get a absolutely dazzling view of the Na Pali cliffs. By following this path, you'll pass several hidden beach homes, one of which was used as the site of a romantic rendezvous in the TV mini-series "The Thorn Birds."
