Lydgate Beach Park

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Near the mouth of the Wailua River, two ponds sit behind a wall of dark rock. Waves break on the far side. Behind the sand, Kamalani Playground and a paved coastal path make Lydgate as much a park as a beach.

Photos and local notes from a Kauai resident.

A dark rock wall curves around the pond, with sand in the foreground and breakers beyond. — The rock wall outlines the pond at Lydgate.

A local view

“It’s Kauai meets Disneyland at this little getaway.”

This beach gets a lot of traffic so sharing a little spot on the beach is a requirement. There are a lot of kids here for the obvious reason that it is a great place for them. Don’t be surprised if some over sunscreened 13 year old runs by and kicks over your sandcastle.

Compare Lydgate Beach Park with another beach

Getting there

Entrance and parking

From Kūhiō Highway (Route 56), take Leho Drive and then Nalu Road into Lydgate Beach Park. Use the park parking area near the pavilion for the ponds and Kamalani Playground.

Walk to the beach

From the parking area by the pavilion, head toward the lifeguard stand. The rock wall around the ponds is just beyond it. The paved coastal path also meets the park off Nalu Road.

Lydgate parking and pond sketch (1997, PDF page 2)

Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association directions

Lydgate Beach Park photos

Select a photo to see the full view.

An elevated lifeguard tower stands on grass behind the beach. — The lifeguard tower is a landmark on the walk toward the ponds.

A sandy shore extends into the distance, with driftwood along the edge of the grass. — The open shoreline beyond the pond area.

A steep-roofed wooden pavilion stands beside a path and lawn. — Kamalani Kai pavilion, in a separate part of the park.

Questions about Lydgate Beach Park

What makes the ponds at Lydgate different from the open beach?

Rock walls separate two ponds from the open ocean. From the sand you can see the breakers beyond the wall. Kamalani Playground and the paved path give you options for a day on land.

Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association directions · Go Hawaiʻi coastal path guide

Where does the coastal path start?

The southern section of Ke Ala Hele Makālae meets Lydgate Beach Park off Nalu Road. Parking and restrooms are near this end of the paved path.

Go Hawaiʻi coastal path guide

Do I need a permit to camp at Lydgate?

Yes. Apply for a Lydgate campground permit through the County. Its booking page lists maintenance closures and available dates.

Kauai County camping information

Report a correction for Lydgate Beach Park

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