Papaʻa Bay

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

Photos and local notes from a Kauai resident.

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

A local view

The resident knew this bay as a place to fish for ulua. He describes a walk along the sand that comes to a natural stop where the shore turns rocky.

Compare Papaʻa Bay with another beach

Papaʻa Bay photos

Select a photo to see the full view.

A wave breaks against rocks with the far shore in view.

Questions about Papaʻa Bay

How do I check for public access?

Use the State shoreline access guidance to find a public right-of-way. A view of the coast or a path in an old description does not establish a route across adjoining property.

Hawaiʻi shoreline access guidance

Report a correction for Papaʻa Bay

More of the East Side

Read the East Side guide

Sand curves beneath a green hillside at the far side of the bay.

East Side

Aliomanu Beach

Aliomanu has coarse sand, a flat reef, and small patches of shade under naupaka. The resident remembers finding shells in the sand.

Explore this beach

A thin strip of sand follows the water toward a green ridge.

East Side

Kuaehu Point

Pale sand gives way to dark rock at Kuaehu Point. From shore, the green hillside across the cove is as much a part of the view as the reef.

Explore this beach

Dark rocks run from the sand into the pale blue water.

East Side

Anahola Point

Dark rocks run from the sand into the water at Anahola Point. The bay’s outer reef breaks farther offshore.

Explore this beach