Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i
Laid-back Kaua‘i is renowned for its jaw-dropping scenery, lush jungle interior, and sleepy surf towns, but a visit would be incomplete without serious beach time. Powdery white and southerly Po‘ipū Beach Park offers plenty of amenities — lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic tables — and something for everyone: a natural wading pool for young swimmers, bodyboarding and surf breaks for the adventurous, and the chance to spot endangered monk seals and, from December through April, migratory humpback whales. Plus, the popular Spouting Horn blowhole is just a few miles down the road. It’s definitely worth a stop to see this ocean geyser that can shoot up to 50 feet (15 meters) high.
Farther west, Polihale State Park is home to the longest beach in Hawai‘i, its golden shores spanning 17 uninterrupted miles (27 kilometers). It’s also one of Kaua‘i’s most remote stretches — accessed by an unpaved road — so it’s ideal if you’re looking for deserted island vibes. The sunsets here are incredible and you can see the northern tip of Ni‘ihau, known as the Forbidden Island, offshore. Just be sure to pack your own snacks and beverages.
Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, Kaua‘i’s North Shore is home to a handful of must-see strands. The crescent-shaped Hanalei Beach, with its golden sand, typically calm blue water, and the 300-foot-long (90 meters) Hanalei Pier, is as picturesque as it gets. And it’s close to downtown Hanalei, where you can do a little shopping and enjoy a casual meal when you’re ready for a break from the sun. In terms of unspoiled natural settings, Hā‘ena Beach Park might rival nearby Hanalei — but it’s usually less crowded, so you’ll probably find more space for your beach towels while you splash and snorkel in the clear waters of Maniniholo Bay among vibrant tropical reef fish. And just a mile (1.6 kilometer) farther west, you’ll find Ke‘e Beach and the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail, a challenging 11-mile trek (18 kilometers), one way, along the Nāpali Coast that provides the only land access to the fabled Kalalau Beach.
