East Side, Kauai
Kalapaki Beach
A family-friendly beach on Kauai! It’s the perfect beach for swimming, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beauty of Kauai!
Discover Kalapaki Beach
Caution: Not A Lifeguarded Beach
Kalapaki Beach is a beach loved by both visitors and local residents. Located in Lihue, Kalapaki Beach is just minutes from the airport, restaurants, and gift shops, making it the perfect place to soak up the sun. The beach can be found by the Royal Sonesta Resort and parking for the beach is located between the resort and the Ocean Course Hokuala Golf Club. The beach is also accessible from the east end, by Duke’s Canoe Club and Anchor Cove Mall.
Since the bay is protected by a break wall, it’s the perfect place to go for a swim. However, we would not recommend snorkeling at this beach. Due to the sandy bottom and no reef in this ocean, there is not much to sea life to see here. There are plenty of other great water and beach activites you can enjoy at Kalapaki Beach!
This Kaua’i beach is located in Nawiliwili Bay and provides unbelievable views of the Hapu mountain range. To the right of the beach, you will find a surf spot perfect for beginners. Kalapaki Beach is a great place to learn how to surf, stand up-paddle board, boogie board, kayak, and hydrofoil. Kauai Beach Boys, located next to Duke’s Canoe Club, is a great place to take surf lessons on Kaua’i. The calm waves in the bay make this an excellent spot to practice your favorite water activities. It’s the perfect place for the whole family to swim and hang out. Be cautious as you are in the water by observing ocean safety, as there is not a lifeguard present at the beach.
If you would rather soak up the sun, you can find volleyball courts located along the sandy beach. Grab a group of your friends and enjoy the beautiful views while playing a quick game! Relax on the beach with a good book, get food from a local restaurant, and spend the day enjoying Kalapaki Beach. Don’t forget to stay for a beautiful Hawai’i sunset!
Kalapaki Beach is located three miles from the Lihue Airport at the bottom of Rice Street. You can access the beach by driving into the Kauai Marriott entrance and turning right after passing the main building. Follow the Shoreline Access signs to the large parking lot. You can also access the beach next to Anchor Cove Mall and Duke’s Canoe Club, where parking is limited. From here, you’ll walk to the beach over the stream or bridge by the resort.
Other Places to Visit on Kaua’i
Tunnels Beach
A favorite place for both visitors and locals, this beach is a true gem to the island of Kauai. If you’re searching for a pristine jungled mountain that fronts a sandy beach and idyllic waters, radiating deep blues and turquoise hues, then Tunnels Beach is the place for you.
Poipu Beach
The most popular beach on the south side of Kauai, Poipu Beach has a natural wading pool for kids, swimming, snorkeling, and a picnic on the beach! This beach is lifeguarded and there is a very shallow pool that is perfect for young children and those who are not strong swimmers.
Shipwreck’s Beach
Shipwrecks Beach is a great beach for hanging out in the sun or picnicking in the shade! A lovely stretch of white sand to bask in the sun’s rays and beautiful cliffs serve as a great backdrop. A lovely hike along the cliffs features an incredible, untouched coastline.