The Beach for Everyone: Hanalei Bay

(Photo: Getty Images)

There are certain beaches on every island that visitors and locals would consider “perfection.” Waikīkī Beach on Oʻahu, Hāpuna Beach on the Island of Hawaiʻi and Kaʻanapali Beach on Maui to name a few. And for Kauaʻi, Hanalei Bay is that perfect beach. Suitable for families—kids love jumping off the small pier—with its numerous amenities and lifeguards, Hanalei Bay also has great surf for wave riders of all disciplines. Travelers looking for the perfect shots to fill their social media will also adore the area’s epic sunset views. And with the town of Hanalei literally steps away from the beach, visitors can easily find a place to grab lunch or snacks to fuel their day at the bay.

The Beach for Families: ʻAnini Beach

(Photo: Getty Images)

It sounds wild to say that a beach with no posted lifeguard would be one of the best beaches for families, but ʻAnini Beach is incredibly safe to swim at—even with young keiki (kids). It has one of the longest fringe reefs around the state sitting far out past the shorelines, making for a great natural barrier against turbulent waves and swell. While the beach is safer than others in the area, it’s always a good idea to check the local surf forecast and to avoid entering the ocean if there are waves, especially for those not accustomed to swimming in Hawaiian waters.

The Beach for Snorkelers: Tunnels Beach

(Photo: Getty Images)

Yet another Kauaʻi north shore beach—last one, we promise—Tunnels Beach is truly a snorkeler’s paradise. With a lush jungle backdrop and the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast nearby, the view above land is hard to beat, but the vibrant ecosystem and under the ocean’s surface will take your breath away—because you’ll have to dive down to see it. Thriving reefs, underwater lava tubes and massive collections of local fish are all on display here, and there is a snorkeling zone close to the shoreline that’s perfect for less advanced swimmers.

The Beach for the Adventurous: Māhāʻulepū Beach

(Photo: Getty Images)

Travelers who aren’t afraid to get their feet dirty to find a relatively remote beach will want to check out Māhāʻulepū Beach. While you can commute to it with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, the best way to reach the beach is by parking near the CJM Country Stables and finding the Māhāʻulepū Cave Trail. The route takes you across a small portion of the rocky coastline before depositing you at the Māhāʻulepū Cave—which is absolutely worth checking out. Next to the cave however is Māhāʻulepū Beach, a wonderful stretch of coastline that is rarely ever crowded except for the occasional pack of horseback tour guides trotting along. The entire coast is worth exploring, but make sure you have enough energy to hike it back to your car.

The Beach for Resort Guests: Poʻipū Beach

(Photo: Getty Images)

Having been called one of the best beaches in America, Poʻipū Beach is actually two beaches in one—separated by a narrow sandbar. For those staying in one of the many world-class resorts and hotels on Kauaʻi’s south shore, Poʻipū Beach is only steps away from your lobby doors. This makes it easy to make quick trips back to your room or hotel for snacks or lunch, and if you don’t want to use the beach’s public restroom—as many of us tend to avoid—having your accommodation so close can be a lifesaver. The beach is also magnificent and is a great place to walk down to for a grand sunset spectacular.

The post 5 Kauai Beaches for 5 Types of Travelers appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Aerial panoramic image at sunrise off the coast over Hanalei Bay and pier on Hawaiian island of Kauai (Photo: Getty Images)

As an island chain, Hawaii is home to hundreds of beaches, each possessing its own set of unique qualities. What makes one beach great for surfers and water-sport enthusiasts does not necessarily make for a great destination for families or vacationers looking to relax on the shore.

To help narrow down the search for the your own personal perfect beach destination, the following list is a compilation of what are widely agreed to be the top five beaches on Kauai.

Hanalei Bay

Located on Kauai’s North Shore, Hanalei Bay is a beach like no other. With more than two miles of soft white sand and set among a backdrop of majestic mountains, Hanalei offers a little bit of paradise for everyone. Experienced surfers have the luxury of large waves, while beginners are treated to smaller waves that lap closer to the reef. During the summer months, the bay is calm, turning into a virtual wonderland for swimmers and stand-up paddlers. The beach itself is never crowded, which offers plenty of room for children and families to play.

Tunnels Beach

One of the best snorkeling destinations on Kauai, especially during the summer months when the ocean is at its calmest. Running two miles long from Hanalei Colony Resort to Haena Beach Park, this North Shore beach is famous for its huge half-moon-shaped reef located just 1/8-mile offshore. Deep-water caverns located close to shore also make for a great diving site, while swimmers and families with young children enjoy the shallower, calmer areas of the beach.

Poipu Beach

There truly is something for everyone at this South Shore beach. Crowned America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel, Poipu Beach is naturally split into two smaller bays by a sand bar, which usually is the napping spot of a Hawaiian monk seal. To the west of the sand bar is what is known as Baby Beach, a protected cove perfect for very young children. The eastern section is a beachgoers paradise with loads of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and snorkeling to boogie boarding and surfing.

Kiahuna Beach

This South Shore beach is one of Garden Isle’s most popular beaches, largely due to the fact that Kiahuna presents an ideal spot for swimmers, beginner surfers, boogie boarders, and, on occasion when the weather conditions are right, snorkelers.

Mahaulepu Beach

Another idyllic stretch of beach located on the South Shore, Mahaulepu Beach is a popular destination for windsurfers, snorkelers, swimmers, fishers, and sunbathers. The undeveloped shoreline offers miles of exploring, including a fascinating hike that goes past geological and cultural sites found along a coastal trail. To access the remote beach, take a two-mile car ride to the end of Poipu Road, then travel east on the dirt cane field to the main cane haul road intersection and turn right. There you’ll find a security shack posting beach hours (beach access closes at 6 p.m.) that are strictly enforced by the landowner, who allows public access at their own risk.

The post Top 5 Beaches on Kauai appeared first on Hawaii.com.