Eons of wind and rain have created this geological masterpiece of an island, with its fabulous beaches. In fact, Kauai, the oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands, has more sand beaches per mile of shoreline than any of the other seven islands. Gorgeous white sand beaches make up about 50 miles of Kauai's 113 miles of shoreline. That works out to some 44% of the shoreline, far greater than the shoreline percentage of any other island. (Oahu has only half that number.)
The most popular beaches are on the island's north and south coasts. They can be crowded, especially on weekends. But there are plenty of beaches, white sand, and surf for everyone. Be sure to read "Safety in the Surf" to learn how to avoid potential dangers in Kauai's ocean environment.
Hawaii's beaches belong to the people. All beaches (even those in front of exclusive resorts) are public property and you are welcome to visit them. Hawaii state law requires that all resorts and hotels offer public right-of-way access (across their private property) to the beach, along with public parking. So just because a beach fronts a hotel doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the water. It does mean that the hotel may restrict certain areas on private property for hotel guests' use only. Generally, hotels welcome non-guests to their facilities. They frown on non-guests using the beach chairs reserved for guests, but if a non-guest has money and wants to rent gear, buy a drink, or eat a sandwich, well, money is money and they will gladly accept it from anyone. However, that does not mean that you can willy-nilly cross private property to get to a beach. Look for BEACH ACCESS signs; don't trespass.
And one last note: Despite what you may have heard, nudity is against the law in Hawaii. You can be prosecuted. (Yes, the police do arrest people for being bare on the beach.)
For beach toys and equipment, head to Activity Warehouse, 788 Kuhio Hwy. (across from McDonald's), Kapaa (tel. 800/688-0580 or 808/822-4000; www.travelhawaii.com); or to Chris the Fun Lady, 4-746 Kuhio Hwy. (across from Waipouli Town Center), Kapaa (tel. 808/822-7759; www.christhefunlady.com).
Stargazing--Any Kauai beach is great for stargazing, almost any night of the year. Once a month, on the Saturday nearest the new moon, when the skies are darkest, the Kauai Educational Association for the Study of Astronomy sponsors a star watch at three different locations around the island: the Pioneer Seed Company's parking lot, about 1 mile past the intersection of Highways 50 and 580 in Kekaha; the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Poipu; and the Princeville Hotel, in Princeville. For information on the next star watch, contact KEASA, P.O. Box 161, Waimea, HI 96796 (tel. 808/245-8250; www.keasa.org). The 2-hour stargazing starts at 7pm in winter and 8pm in summer.
Safety in the Surf
Before you even think about packing your bathing suit, get a copy of the free brochure Kauai Beach Safety Guide. It could save your life. This color brochure explains how to avoid potential dangers in Kauai's ocean environment. The power of the ocean is nothing to fool around with. The surf can increase in size in a short period of time, or an offshore rip current can carry you out to sea;. Even a walk alone on the beach without paying attention to the ocean can have potentially dangerous results (like being swept out to sea).
The number-one advice given by this brochure (put out by the Kauai Ocean Rescue Council) is to swim at beaches where there are lifeguards and to talk to the lifeguards before entering the ocean. The brochure lists all beaches on Kauai and whether a lifeguard is on duty. It also lists each beach's potential hazards, like strong currents, dangerous shorebreaks, high surf conditions, slippery rocks, sharp coral, sudden drop-offs, and waves on ledges.
In general, the north and west shores are hazardous in winter (Sept-May), with big surf. In summer, the opposite is true, and the big waves occur along the south and east shores. But hazardous conditions can occur on any beach at any time of the year. The brochure stresses the following points:
Swim in lifeguard areas and check with lifeguards on ocean conditions before you go into the water.
Watch the ocean at least 20 minutes before you go in. Lifeguards can show you what potential hazards to look for.
Always (always, always, always) swim (or snorkel) with a buddy.
Always keep a close watch over young children.
You can get this free brochure by contacting the Kauai Visitors Bureau, 4334 Rice St., Suite 101, Lihue, HI 96766 (tel. 808/245-3971).
