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Kaua'i Beaches
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NW |
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NE |
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SW |
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WHAT TO KNOW
Kaua'i can lay
claim to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, from the
often photographed Lumahai Beach, (where Mitzi Gaynor in the movie South Pacific tried to "wash that man right out of" her
hair), to the serene and somewhat secluded Maha'ulepu Beach, to
the expansive and scenic Polihale Beach where the Pali's
rise up from the sand like majestic sentinels guarding a
lush and rugged northern coast. Be sure to use our Kauai
Beach Map (PDF) to locate the suggested
beaches below.
Although the beaches
are lovely and the water heavenly shades of blue, there are a few
things that should be remembered during a trip to the
beach.
First, even though the ocean looks
inviting and local surfer dudes make riding the waves look easy; rip
tides, sneaker waves, shore breaks and submerged coral can quickly
turn a day of fun into a painful occurrence or even tragedy. Kaua'i
experiences approximately 10 drownings each year, 73% of which are
visitors. Read the tips below so you or your loved ones aren't a statistic.
Secondly, the beach is NOT a garbage can! Please don't forget to pack out what
you brought, or at least deposit your trash in the nearest receptacle.
Kaua'i is a wonderful place, so let's leave it that way for others
to see. In fact, something that not only helps the environment but
beautifies the beach, is to spend a 1/2 hour or so picking up garbage
at each beach you visit (we bring sacks left over from
buying groceries). You'd be amazed at how many people actually get
into the action. Before you know it, the beach is clean, you've gotten
some exercise, and you can leave feeling good about yourself!
Can't beat THAT!
Lastly, beach
conditions are generally better in the mornings. The north
shore beaches tend to be more tranquil in the summer, whereas
the south shore beaches are best during the winter due to the
prevailing weather patterns. Regardless, ANY beach can be dangerous
at ANY time of the year. Always use caution!
ALWAYS CONSIDER THE FOLOWING OCEAN SAFETY
TIPS:
- Never turn
your back on the ocean
- Swim at beaches
with lifeguards
- Check with lifeguards
for conditions
- Read and observe
posted sign warnings
- Watch children
carefully
- Watch the surf
for at least 15 minutes before entering the water
- Never attempt
to swim at the water's edge during big surf
- Never surf or
bodyboard in big waves unless you are an expert
- Never rely on
your board or leash as a substitute for your swimming ability
- Never swim in
big surf if you are not a strong swimmer
- Do not drink
alcohol or do drugs and swim
- Keiki
(children) and "Newbies": Watch out for
your own and others' surfcraft after wiping out
- IF IN DOUBT, JUST STAY OUT!
HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Sharp coral
- Dangerous shore
break
- High surf
- Strong current
- Waves on ledge
- Theft!
- Sunburn
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