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Kaua'i Beaches
NORTHWEST BEACHES
Kauai's lush,
north shore beaches are certainly some of the most scenic on the island
and getting there can be an adventure of it's own. First, note that
as the highway leaves Princeville, it changes from Highway 56 to
Highway 560 and the mile markers start over again for no apparent reason. Another unusual
occurrence is a series of one lane bridges (of which there are several)
that are crossed starting with the Hanalei River. Take heed
of the following protocol while crossing these bridges: all
vehicles on one side of the road cross before the other side proceeds.
So, if the car in front of you begins to move, then so should you.
Otherwise, wait for the other side of traffic to cross first.
Ke'e
Beach
This
lovely little, north shore beach lies literally at the "end of the road" of
Highway 560. Plenty of swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed
at this reef protected stretch of sand. There are facilities
here, but the place is extremely popular with tourists (it's also
the start of the Kalalau Trail) and parking can be difficult to
impossible subject to the weather and time of year.
Tunnels
Beach (Makua Beach)
Depending
on who you talk to, "Tunnels" beach could be named after sub-surface
reef tunnels or the perfect tunnel-shaped waves that surfers
love to ride. Either way, this is an excellent place to
snorkel, sunbathe, swim and fish (when rip currents are not present).
There are no facilities here, access to the beach can be tricky
after north shore storms and "parking areas" consist of a few
short dirt roads past mile marker 8. Regardless, this beach should
be on everyone's "To Do" list.
Lumaha'i
Beach
Yes, this IS the
famous Bali Hai beach from the movie South
Pacific and it's no wonder why the producers
chose this picture perfect beach. However, the water is as
equally DANGEROUS as the surroundings are beautiful. Even the
smallest waves should not be taken lightly and more than a
few people have been swept out to sea. Recently, two children
were left "parentless" when both their mother and father drowned
while on vacation. However, this is a great beach on which
to sunbathe, lazily pass the time reading a good book, or just
enjoying the view. Getting down to this beach can be a bit
treacherous by taking a foot path from the top of the lookout
or from the parking area near Lumaha'i Stream.
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