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.

Kauapea Beach/Secret Beach

Kilauea area, Kauai, Hawaii. This large beach is not easily reached, but offers beautiful views of the ocean and nearby historic landmark Kilauea Lighthouse, as well as some excellent camping.

Location :: Just outside Kilauea.

Access :: While traveling along Kuhio Highway, turn right onto Kalihiwai Road (just past Banana Joe's), take first dirt road on the right, follow this road for a mile until it turns right at an iron gate. Go downhill to the parking area and look for a homemade sign pointing the way to the beach trail. Follow trail for 15 minutes to arrive at Kauapea Beach. Kauapea is also known as "Secret Beach." (I guess it deserves its name, huh?)

Services :: Camping allowed with permit.

Notes :: Though it is fairly removed, there are private residences near the beach. Also, be aware that the locals use Secret Beach as a getaway of sorts in order to escape the tourist-infested sands of other well-known, less-secret beaches. Be respectful.

Kahili Beach/Quarry Beach

Kilauea area, Kauai, Hawaii. Locally known as Quarry Beach because of the nearby abandoned Kahili Quarry, Kahili Beach is, like Kauapea, far removed, and little-visited. The waters here offer decent swimming during periods of calm weather as well as good fishing. Many local fishermen flock here to catch the sleek transparent oio, used often for bait.

Location :: Outside Kilauea, on Kilauea Bay.

Location :: Once outside of Kilauea and past Kong Lung Store, take the second dirt road to the right and follow it for approximately 1.5 miles to the parking lot. Wade across Kilauea Stream to reach the beach.

Services :: None.

Notes :: Though many locals like to use the beach here to surf, this is not advised for any novice bodysurfer or anyone inexeperienced with Hawaiian waters.

Kalihiwai Beach

Kilauea area, Kauai, Hawaii. A generally unremarkable beach, Kalihiwai features good camping in the shadows of towering ironwoods.

Location :: Just outside of Kilauea, off of Kuhio Highway.

Access :: Kalihiwai Road.

Services :: None.

Notes :: Given the right conditions, swimming/surfing conditions here can be outstanding.

Anini Beach County Park

Kilauea area, Kauai, Hawaii. This is easily the safest of all North Shore Kauai beaches, and is also among the most scenic, sporting a long offshore coral reef that protects the waters, making for top-notch snorkeling. The beach is a big draw for windsurfers, and the waters here are known to be among the best on the island for the novice windsurfer.

Location :: Just outside of Kilauea, along Anini Road, just off of Kalihiwai Road.

Access :: Anini Road.

Services :: Showers, restrooms, grills, a polo field, beachside park, camping allowed (with permit).

Notes :: The beach was originally known as Wanini, as was declared by a weathered old sign that stood near the beach for years. However, the "W" eventually fell off of the sign, and visitors to the area began calling the beach Anini. The name stuck.