Winter-friendly Beaches on Kauaʻi
Hawaiʻi is the perfect winter getaway. Despite the rougher waters and additional rain, there are plenty of sunny beach days, post-shower rainbows, and swimmable spots to dive in here on Kauaʻi during the winter months. So grab your slippahs and check out a few of our favorite places to enjoy winter island-style!
- Poʻipū Beach Park – Poʻipū
World-famous Poʻipū Beach Park is a great location for snorkelers, sunbathers, families, and everyone in between. The two crescent-shaped beaches at Poʻipū are naturally protected by the reef, making for a sweet spot to swim while enjoying arguably the best snorkeling on the island. Coming together at Nukumoi Point, there is a shallow section for the keiki in front of the lifeguard tower and a playground for the littles up on the grass. Enjoy the shade of the ironwood trees by the keiki pond, public showers and bathrooms on site, and walkable options for a food break over at Brennecke’s or Puka Dog across the street.
- Salt Pond Beach – Hanapēpē
All the clues you need are in the name here. Salt Pond is as calm as a pond…filled with crystal clear salt water! Protected by the reef, the cove at Salt Pond is a swimmable beach year-round and the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and be one with the local…monk seals. (Often, you’ll see Hawaiian monk seals beached at Salt Pond enjoying a day in the sun. Always remember to keep a 20 ft radius for both your safety and the safety of the monk seal.) Located right near Holo Holo on Kauaʻi’s westside, Salt Pond is a great spot for late afternoon beaching followed by an epic Hawaiian sunset. Public bathrooms and showers are available, and lifeguards are on duty. Hand-crafted clay salt beds are next to the park, where authentic Hawaiian sea salt is harvested by local families. This sacred process is very special in Hawaiian culture–so much so that the salt is not permitted to be sold in any stores, simply given away or used to trade for fish or hunted game.
- Lydgate Beach Park – Wailua
Although Lydgate takes up 2 miles of shoreline, the north end of the beach is best for winter fun. There, you will find two pools separated by a large man-made stone wall, creating an extremely protected area for beach-goers. Other spots along Lydgate Beach may not be as safe during the winter months due to a northern swell, so sticking to the pool area is your best bet. Snorkelers–don’t worry! There are huge schools of fish within the pools to check out–like your own personal aquarium. Across from the beach is Kamalani Playground for those traveling with littles who need a swim break. Picnic tables and small pavilions make the perfect lunch spot, and lifeguards, public bathrooms, and showers are on site.
- Kalapakī Beach – Līhuʻe
Located in front of the Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi resort, Kalapakī is a beautiful and protected beach perfect for swimming, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Water sports rentals, surf lessons, and canoe and boat rides are available right on the beach, and beach volleyball courts are open for those looking to enjoy some pickup games. Duke’s Canoe Club Barefoot Bar and Restaurant is waiting should you need a meal or a mai tai, and other dining and shopping options are within close walking distance. Nāwiliwili Bay, Kauaʻi’s main harbor, provides a rock wall protecting Kalapakī beach from any harsh swells for optimum swimming, and in the distance, you’ll see Ninini Point Lighthouse guiding ships to port. Fun fact: You may recognize the Hāʻpu mountain range at Kalapakī Beach from Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions logo.
- Kiahuna Beach – Poʻipū
Kiahuna Beach, aka Sheraton Beach, is right next to Poʻipū Beach. It’s situated by the Sheraton Kauaʻi Beach resort, but not limited to resort guests. This is a great location for safe swimming with an ample sand bottom and surf lessons! Although the swell is bigger on the southside in the summertime, Kiahuna Beach is surfable year-round and a great place to learn if you haven’t surfed before. Showers are available on-site, and Lava’s is a great spot to grab some oceanside grub. You’d have to walk back over to Poʻipū for public restrooms, but the silver lining is that you’ll probably see some beached monk seals along the way!