Pristine beaches line the coast of Kauai and some of the most beautiful are on the North Shore. Whether swimming, snorkeling or enjoying the sand, the clear ocean water will entice you. Click for more examples.
Sitting just to the north of Princeville is the crescent shaped Hanalei Bay. With a lush mountain backdrop it is the perfect spot to swim, paddleboard, sail, kayak, surf, or kickback with a good book. There is a life guard tower and a pier which enables you to have a panoramic view of the surrounding beauty.
Kauai has 113 miles of shoreline with 50 of those being sand beaches! One of those beaches consistantly ranks in the top ten beaches of the world – Lumaha’i Beach, which is the first beach north of Hanalei Bay. Tunnels Beach has a huge reef which makes it perfect for snorkeling and swimming with the sea turtles (honu). SeaLodge Beach (pictured below) is a secluded little piece of reef directly below our home, Honu Point, and can be accessed with a 15 minute walk. It is described as “A Real Gem” in The Ultimate Kauai guidebook.
Although it is not a beach, this idylic spot deserves mentioning. Among the rocks at water’s edge in Princeville, Queen’s Bath is a favorite with tourists. Although dangerous in the winter, calm waters during the summer makes it possible to walk to this seaside pond and float in the heavily salted water. Get there early and you might get the opportunity to watch sea turtles (honu) having breakfast along the reef.
Besides these gorgeous spots there are eleven other beaches on the north shore alone. So grab your beach towel and head out to experience a different beach every day of your stay. Ocean lovers will not be disappointed!