SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES : BEACHES

From Pali Ke Kua, there is a private paved trail leading to a secluded lovely sandy beach set inside a reef, where you can watch the sun sparkle on the waves in near solitude. It is a peaceful spot, secluded and beautiful -- actually two beaches connected by a rocky point.

To get to the beach from our suite, walk along the cliff to the start of the trail. The paved beach access trail winds its way down the cliff to sea level. There are several benches along the trail, should you wish to stop and admire the outstanding native tropical vegetation that surrounds you. You’ll even find banana trees on the trail!

Once you reach the end of the trail, approximately a 5-minute walk, you will reach the Beach Gazebo. This is a wonderful place for a beachfront picnic or BBQ. The beach is a 1-minute walk from the gazebo.

The first section of beach, which is sometimes referred to as Hideaways Beach and sometimes as Pali Ke Kua Beach, rests in a cove. The sand is golden-brown, and it is punctuated with stunning black lava rocks. To your front is an unobstructed view of 5,000 miles of deep blue Pacific Ocean.

Between you and the ocean is a huge reef that breaks the waves and provides an ideal habitat for fish and other sea creatures. There are openings in the reef that provide ample space for swimming or snorkeling. Beyond the reef, you can watch expert surfers ride waves that reach 30 feet during winter storms. Farther out, you might see dolphins and whales at play. As you look in the opposite direction, you’ll see a cliff that is densely packed with lush green tropical vegetation. To your left and right you’ll also see nothing but majestic nature. To be surrounded by all this natural beauty is a rejuvenating experience.

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The second section of beach is a picture-perfect beach with a tree centered in the middle of it for shade. The beach is bordered by huge lava formations on each end. This section of beach offers a captivating view of Bali Hai.

The water at these beaches is clear nearest the shore. Several feet out, it takes on a glistening emerald color. As you look out to sea, this emerald water gradually becomes deep blue.

The two beaches are separated by a lava cliff. There a four ways to cross between the beaches: hike through a forest trail hike along the top of the lava formation swim around the lava formation, or use the path at the public parking lot in the Princeville Hotel View the portion of the photo gallery devoted to Hideaways Beach here.
OTHER NORTH SHORE BEACHES The North Shore has some of the most spectacular beaches on the island and, for that matter, in the world! These world-class beaches are within a short drive of `Ikena Kai! Pu’u Poa Beach for a panoramic Hanalei Bay view and amenities at the Princeville Hotel. Sealodge Beach for general beauty. Ke`e Beach for snorkeling, sunsets, and the Na Pali coast. Hanalei Beach for great surfing or body boarding, lifeguards, food, and the scene. Tunnels Beach for absolutely outstanding snorkeling. Secret Beach for sheer beauty, huge surf, tranquility, and nude bodies. Lumaha`i Beach from the movie South Pacific. Anini Beach for windsurfing and snorkeling. Moloa`a Beach for a beautiful bay, white sand, and clear water. Queen’s Bath is a natural pool in a lava shelf.
OTHER KAUA`I BEACHES Here’s a brief overview of some nicer beaches to visit on other parts of the island. Poipu Beach (South Shore) for lifeguards and snorkeling. Maha`ulepu Beaches (South Shore) the prettiest beach on the South Shore. Wailua Beach (East Shore) for body boarding or surfing. Kealia Beach (East Shore) for surfing. Lydgate State Park (East Shore) for the best walking beach on the island, and a boulder-enclosed snorkeling area. Polihale Beach (West Shore) for 15 miles of wide sandy beach and sand dunes.
Copyright © 1999 Mitch Muroff. All Rights Reserved.