Beaches Near Kilauea (Kauaʻi)

About Kilauea

Kilauea is a small former plantation town on Kauaʻi's North Shore, best known for the Kilauea Lighthouse and Point wildlife refuge where you can spot nesting seabirds and migrating whales in winter. The town itself has a handful of shops, a farmers market, and some excellent restaurants.

This part of the North Shore sits between the protected reef beaches near Princeville and the wilder surf breaks further east. Several of Kauaʻi's most beautiful — and most powerful — beaches are within a short drive. Conditions on the North Shore change significantly between summer (calmer) and winter (big surf, strong currents). The Kilauea Lighthouse and wildlife refuge are worth visiting during your stay — the point offers panoramic ocean views and whale watching from December through April.

From Kilauea, all beaches are reached via Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) heading west. Anini Beach and Kalihiwai Beach are accessed by side roads that branch off before Princeville. Hanalei Bay is past Princeville through the one-lane bridge. Secret Beach requires a short but steep hike from a trailhead just north of town.

Best for swimming and snorkeling: Anini Beach (reef-protected). Best for scenery: Hanalei Bay (mountain backdrop). Best for seclusion: Secret Beach (hike-in only). Most sensitive to rain: Kalihiwai Beach (river mouth).

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Kilauea, Kauaʻi:

• Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
• Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
• Best rain-resistant option: Anini Beach (West) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
• Check the Kauaʻi live advisories page for current conditions