Hanakāpīʻai Beach

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A stream reaches the sea below steep green slopes at Hanakāpīʻai. Sand can build up in summer and wash away again in winter.

Photos and local notes from a Kauai resident.

Low branches frame the sand and pale water.

A local view

The resident remembers cool stream water and mountains close around him. He also recalls seeing people pulled off their feet in the shallows. Treat this as a shore view. The State warns of dangerous surf and rip currents here.

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Getting there

The trail starts inside Hāʻena State Park at Kēʻē. Hanakāpīʻai Beach is two miles along the trail. Check entry reservations and trail notices before leaving.

State Parks guide to the Kalalau Trail

Questions about Hanakāpīʻai Beach

Does the sand stay all year?

Sand builds up at Hanakāpīʻai in summer and winter surf can take it away. The State warns of dangerous currents here. Stay out of the water.

State Parks guide to the Kalalau Trail · Hāʻena State Park visitor information

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More of the North Shore

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North Shore

Kalalau Beach

Kalalau Beach lies below the fluted cliffs at the far end of the Kalalau Trail. What stayed with the resident was the contrast between the great walls of the valley and its cool mountain stream.

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Sand and overhanging trees beside the water.

North Shore

Kēʻē Beach

At Kēʻē, trees hang over the sand and a reef lies offshore. This beach inside Hāʻena State Park is also where the Kalalau Trail starts.

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Palms cast long shadows across the lawn beside the sandy beach.

North Shore

Hāʻena Beach Park

Hāʻena Beach Park is a County park on the North Shore with a picnic pavilion and lifeguard service. Nearby Kēʻē Beach is in a separate state park.

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