Secret Beach Kilauea Kauai
A secluded North Shore gem with golden sands, dramatic lava rocks, and stunning views, accessible via a scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, cooler temps
Secret Beach Kilauea Kauai
Best Time
Less crowded, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded North Shore gem with golden sands, dramatic lava rocks, and stunning views, accessible via a scenic hike.
"This is a HIDDEN Gem! Hardly anyone was there but it is a little bit of a hike down to the beach."
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy sandals or shoes for the muddy, steep trail. Leave the flip-flops at home!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade here! Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Golden Sands
Kauapea Beach
Miles of pristine golden sand meet turquoise waters, offering a true sense of escape from the crowds.
Dramatic Lava Rock Formations
Along the shoreline
Striking lava rocks create a dramatic contrast with the ocean, perfect for exploring tide pools.
Kilauea Lighthouse Views
Overlooking the ocean
Catch a glimpse of the iconic Kilauea Lighthouse perched on the cliffs in the distance.
Cascading Waterfall
Near the cliffs
A beautiful waterfall often cascades down the cliffs, adding to the beach's magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trail to Paradise
Embrace the Seclusion (and the Sun!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy sandals or shoes for the muddy, steep trail. Leave the flip-flops at home!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade here! Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable visit.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is limited and unmarked. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk to the path.
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Currents are strong. Use caution if swimming, especially with children. Life jackets recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Trail-Ready Footwear
Wear sturdy sandals or shoes for the muddy, steep trail. Leave the flip-flops at home!
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Little shade here! Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for a comfortable visit.
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is limited and unmarked. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk to the path.
🌊 Respect the Ocean
Currents are strong. Use caution if swimming, especially with children. Life jackets recommended.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
Keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife, especially monk seals.
🚫 No Facilities Here
Bring your own water and snacks. There are no restrooms or lifeguards on duty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Secret Beach's secluded beauty and peaceful atmosphere, calling it a 'hidden gem' and a 'highlight.' The dramatic scenery with golden sands and lava rocks is a major draw. However, the steep, muddy, and unmarked trail can be challenging, and the strong ocean currents make swimming difficult for some.
"Very muddy but not all that difficult. At a small point towards the end, there is an old rope tied to a tree trunk that helps but it doesn't stretch the whole way. Once you get to the beach, it's so peaceful and beautiful! Very sunny with little shaded areas, unless you want to sit far away from the water. Plenty of parking at the top but you may have a short walk to the path's entrance."
Brittany
"This is a HIDDEN Gem! Hardly anyone was there but it is a little bit of a hike down to the beach. It is an unmarked gravel road that you turn down just keep going. The hike to the beach is probably a little over a quarter mile. I did it in Sandles. People were carrying boogie boards and umbrellas. You have a view of the lighthouse. The current is strong here. If you have little kids I'd recommend life jackets. There are no restrooms or life guards."
Jacque
"Highlight of our honeymoon. Secluded and gorgeous. Excellent Waves. Wrote our names in the sand. Really is a 'secret beach'. The trail down is fairly quick descent. The opening to the beach is a wonderful experience. The way up is steep, but manageable!"
Lori Muncy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Secret Beach, also known as Kauapea Beach, is located on Kauai's North Shore between Kilauea Lighthouse and Kalihiwai Valley. The access is via an unmarked, unpaved road off Kauapea Road. Look for a small parking area and then follow the trail down. 
The hike is described as a steep descent and ascent, and can be muddy. While manageable for most, it's recommended to wear appropriate footwear like sturdy sandals or hiking shoes.
There's a small parking lot at the top of the trail. It can fill up, so arriving early is advised. Some visitors park on the edges of the driveway.
You can drive to a small parking area near the trailhead, but the beach itself is only accessible by foot via a hike.
Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals are essential due to the muddy and steep trail. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sun protection.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Secret Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. It's free to access.
As a natural beach, there are no official opening or closing hours. Visitors typically access it during daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to visit Secret Beach. It's a public access area.
While there aren't specific 'Secret Beach' tours, many Kauai North Shore tours may include a stop or pass by the area. You can also visit independently.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Dogs must be leashed, and visitors are asked to pack out everything they pack in.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy sunbathing, walking along the shore, watching the waves, and exploring tide pools. It's a great spot for relaxation and photography.
Swimming can be challenging due to strong currents and large waves, especially during certain times of the year. It's best for strong swimmers or wading.
Shade is very limited on the beach itself. You might find some shade near the cliffs or by bringing your own umbrella.
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife, particularly monk seals.
You might spot monk seals basking on the sand, and various seabirds. Please maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Secret Beach is a secluded natural area with no vendors or dining facilities. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
The nearest dining options are in the town of Kilauea, which offers various cafes and restaurants.
Yes, picnicking is allowed. Just be sure to pack out all your trash to keep the beach clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers stunning views, especially with the lava rocks, the ocean, and the Kilauea Lighthouse in the background. The waterfall is also a great subject.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh due to direct sun.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check current FAA and local Kauai rules before flying. Respect privacy and wildlife.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastline. A polarizing filter can help with ocean glare.
The dramatic lava formations, the cascading waterfall, and the distant Kilauea Lighthouse provide unique and memorable photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Despite these considerations, the secluded nature and natural beauty can be a memorable experience. Watching the waves and exploring the tide pools (with supervision) can be exciting for older children. The chance to see monk seals is also a highlight, provided everyone maintains a safe and respectful distance.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Adventurers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The natural beauty, including the often-present waterfall, provides stunning backdrops. Visiting during golden hour will elevate your shots with magical light. Be prepared for the hike down and up, and consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery. Content creators will find the secluded and picturesque setting ideal for creating engaging visuals. The 'secret' aspect adds an element of intrigue. Remember to be mindful of the environment and any wildlife, ensuring your content promotes responsible tourism.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Kauapea Beach
The experience of arriving at the beach is often described as a 'magical' reveal.
Ocean Safety and Wildlife Encounters
Secret Beach is also a habitat for local wildlife, most notably the Hawaiian monk seal. These endangered animals are often seen resting on the sand. It is imperative to give them plenty of space and never disturb them.
Photography Opportunities
The Kilauea Lighthouse, visible in the distance from the beach, adds an iconic landmark to your shots. +1 Many visitors capture the beauty of the cascading waterfall that often flows down the cliffs, adding a unique natural feature to their photos. For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light enhances the colors and textures of the landscape.
Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the vastness of the beach and coastline, while a polarizing filter can help manage glare on the water. Remember to be respectful of the environment and any wildlife present while you're capturing the magic of Secret Beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit