Lumaʻhai Beach

Lumaʻhai Beach has moderate bacteria risk primarily due to the Lumaʻhai River at the eastern end. Kauaʻi receives more rainfall than any other Hawaiian island, and the North Shore is particularly wet. River runoff after heavy rain can dramatically increase bacteria levels near the river mouth.

The western section of the beach, further from the river, has better water quality. However, ocean currents can distribute river plumes along the entire beach after significant rain events. The DOH monitors streams in the area and issues advisories.

Based on: Lumaʻhai River inputs, North Shore rainfall patterns, DOH stream monitoring data

Lumaʻhai Beach is one of Kauaʻi's most photographed and iconic stretches of coastline, made famous as the filming location for the 1958 musical film South Pacific. The beach's combination of white sand, dramatic green cliffs, and turquoise water makes it stunning to look at, but it is not a beach for casual swimming.

The beach stretches for about half a mile along the North Shore. The eastern end has the Lumaʻhai River mouth and is accessible via a longer walk. The western end has a roadside pullout on Highway 560 with a short, steep trail down to the sand — this is the classic viewpoint.

During extended dry spells in summer, the far western section of the beach can have calmer conditions suitable for experienced swimmers. But conditions change rapidly on the North Shore and there are never lifeguards present.