Kealia Beach

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North of Kapaʻa, Kealia Beach follows the curve of Kūhiō Highway for half a mile. Waves break over sandbars along the shore. From the paved coastal path you can watch the surf without stepping onto the sand.

Photos and local notes from a Kauai resident.

A tall palm rises above the curving beach, with lines of surf rolling toward the sand. — From above Kealia, you can see the sweep of the beach in one view.

A local view

“Cookouts and family picnics abound because the surf is almost eternal.”

The resident remembers Kealia on weekends: longboarders at the breakwall and families spending the day on shore. He also points out the old cane haul road along the coast. You can see it marked on the state sketch below.

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Getting there

Entrance and parking

From Kapaʻa, follow Kūhiō Highway (Route 56) north. Turn into the beach park parking area on the ocean side of the highway, beside the long curve of sand.

Walk to the beach

Walk from the lot toward the water for the beach. For a longer walk, join Ke Ala Hele Makālae behind the sand and turn south toward Kapaʻa.

Kealia bay and parking sketch (1997, PDF page 2)

Go Hawaiʻi guide to Keālia Beach Park

Kealia Beach photos

Select a photo to see the full view.

Small waves trace the shoreline below a palm, with bright open water stretching to the horizon. — Lines of white water trace the sand below the bluff.

Questions about Kealia Beach

Can I walk along Kealia without walking on sand?

Yes. Ke Ala Hele Makālae is a paved path that runs behind the beach and leads south toward Kapaʻa. You can watch the waves from the path or step onto the sand for a closer look.

Go Hawaiʻi coastal path guide · Kapaʻa–Kealia coastal path

Why do surfers come to Kealia?

Waves break over sandbars along this stretch of open coast. The north end also has a breakwater. For conditions on the day, use the Kealia beach report or ask a lifeguard.

Go Hawaiʻi guide to Keālia Beach Park · Kealia beach report

Is there a place for a picnic?

Yes. The park has picnic tables, restrooms, and beach showers.

Go Hawaiʻi guide to Keālia Beach Park

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More of the East Side

Read the East Side guide

Shadows fall across the sand, with the water to the right and pointed green peaks beyond the far shore.

East Side

Anahola Beach Park

Trees shade the edge of Anahola Bay, with a green mountain ridge across the water.

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Foam reaches dark rocks below a wooded hillside.

East Side

Moloaʻa Bay

A curve of sand wraps around Moloaʻa Bay. Trees shade one end, and rocks break up the shore at the other.

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Turquoise water fills the bay between black rocks and a wooded hillside.

East Side

Papaʻa Bay

Dark rocks frame the near side of Papaʻa Bay. Across the green water, the beach makes a pale arc beneath the hillside.

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