Find your just-right beach on the Garden Isle.

Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauai is known for its dramatic tropical landscape, which includes breathtaking mountain ranges, waterfalls, and lush greenery around every turn. It is also home to some of Hawaii’s best beaches, with more than 50 miles of white-sand coastlines and shimmering oceans for locals and tourists to explore year-round. Many of these beaches are easily accessible from the island’s top hotels. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to settle on which beach to include in your itinerary for this gorgeous island. To that end, we’ve narrowed down the list — here are the 12 best beaches in Kauai, great for any stretch of time you’d like to be on the sand and near (or in) the sea.

Hanalei Bay

Curving two miles in a crescent shape, Hanalei Bay actually offers three beaches: Black Pot Beach, Wai‘oli Beach, and Hanalei Beach. They all feature white sandy shores that stretch into sparkling waters, plus a spectacular tropical mountain backdrop. In the summer months, visitors can go swimming, bodyboarding, paddling, and more, while winter is recognized as the best season for incredible surfing.

Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach, or Makua, as the locals call it, is a favorite destination for surfers, divers, and snorkelers looking for adventure on Kauai. Framed by a lush mountainscape, this picturesque beach is named for the underwater caverns along the reef. Tourists head here to soak up the sun on the golden sand or search for sea turtles and other marine life while snorkeling through the striking turquoise lagoons.

Poipu Beach

Located on the South coast of Kauai, Poipu Beach is one of the island’s most popular beaches, renowned for its impressive surfing and snorkeling opportunities, as well as the chance to admire the endangered Hawaiian monk seals that frequent the shore.

Ke’e Beach

Ke’e Beach is the paradise at the end of the last road in Kauai, marking the beginning of the scenic Nāpali Coast. During long summer days, visitors love snorkeling in the crystalline waters, but be sure to stay until sunset for the mesmerizing views Ke’e is famous for.

Anini Beach

Anini Beach is an oasis on the North Shore of Kauai. Long stretches of sand are excellent for picnicking and sunbathing on warm summer days, and since it is a bit tucked away, it sees less crowding compared to other nearby beaches. Known for its snorkeling and swimming, the calm waters and shallow lagoons make it an ideal location for a family beach day.

Secret Beach

Also known as Kauapea, Secret Beach is a unique slice of Kauai on the North Shore. Stretching 3,000 feet long, it is accessible by a semi-steep and unmarked trail leading to stunning sandy shores and glistening ocean waves. While the waters can be rough, lounging on the soft sand while enjoying the views feels like your own private island.

Lydgate Beach

Situated at the mouth of the Wailua River on the East Shore, Lydgate Beach is an alluring getaway for those seeking a relaxing day of sun and sea. The multiple sheltered shallow pools make Lydgate ideal for families, while the 2.5-mile paved path is perfect for walking and cycling.

Kalapaki Beach

Kalapaki Beach, located south of downtown Lihue, is an energetic spot for beach lovers. Fronted by Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club, tourists flock here to swim or paddleboard in tranquil waters. The shore also offers opportunities for volleyball or simply relaxing under the sun while watching cruise ships sail out of Nawiliwili Harbor.

Salt Pond Beach Park

Situated on the West Shore near Hanapēpē, Salt Pond Beach Park is a popular destination for families, couples, and groups seeking a carefree day at the beach. A natural rock barrier creates calm conditions perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the shaded areas provided by leafy palms invite relaxation and scenic viewing.

Baby Beach

As its name implies, Baby Beach is favored by families, making it one of the best beach options on the island for kids. Escape the crowds of Poipu Beach and head here for shallow tide pools and protected waters, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for little ones to splash around.

Polihale Beach

Stretching more than 15 miles along the west shore, Polihale is the longest beach in Hawaii and a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s common to see people driving around the beach on ATVs while others set up picnics to enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset. The ocean currents can be strong here, so it’s ideal for picnicking and relaxing rather than swimming.

Haena Beach

Located on the North Shore of the island, Haena Beach is stunning from top to bottom. Mount Makana (Bali Hai) majestically looms above Haena, creating a dramatic backdrop of rich vegetation and tropical flowers over the brilliant blue waters. The gentle waves of Haena are filled with marine life for snorkelers and divers to discover, while breezy coconut palms provide plenty of shade for beachgoers.