Kalapaki Beach Lihue
A picturesque crescent beach in Lihue, offering a protected cove for swimming, vibrant sunsets, and water sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Kalapaki Beach Lihue
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque crescent beach in Lihue, offering a protected cove for swimming, vibrant sunsets, and water sports.
"Great beach especially if you are just here for a day on a cruise ship."
🌊 Embrace the Waves
While the cove is protected, waves can still be strong. Great for surfing and boogie boarding!
💰 Free Beach Access
The beach is free for everyone, even with the nearby resorts. Enjoy the amenities!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Protected Cove for Swimming
Kalapaki Beach
Enjoy calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and family fun in this sheltered bay.
Sunset Views
Kalapaki Beach
Witness breathtaking pink and blue sunsets over the Pacific, a perfect end to a beach day.
Water Sports Opportunities
Kalapaki Beach
Catch some waves with surfing lessons or try paddleboarding in this dynamic bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting to Kalapaki Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Embrace the Waves
While the cove is protected, waves can still be strong. Great for surfing and boogie boarding!
💰 Free Beach Access
The beach is free for everyone, even with the nearby resorts. Enjoy the amenities!
🚗 Smart Transportation
Look for free trolleys or shuttles in Lihue to save on taxi fares.
☀️ Pack Beach Toys
Kids love to dig! Bring shovels and buckets for extra fun in the sand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Embrace the Waves
While the cove is protected, waves can still be strong. Great for surfing and boogie boarding!
💰 Free Beach Access
The beach is free for everyone, even with the nearby resorts. Enjoy the amenities!
🚗 Smart Transportation
Look for free trolleys or shuttles in Lihue to save on taxi fares.
☀️ Pack Beach Toys
Kids love to dig! Bring shovels and buckets for extra fun in the sand.
🍕 Beachside Bites
Grab a pizza from Scorpacciata and enjoy it right on the beach!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kalapaki Beach is a beloved spot for its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and accessible amenities. While some note the waves can be strong and the water not always crystal clear at the shore, its protected cove offers calm swimming areas. It's a highly recommended destination for cruise ship visitors and locals alike, offering a quintessential Hawaiian beach experience.
"We visit the island in September so I’m not sure what the water is like in other months so the times we have been here - the waves are pretty big, you’ll walk out covered in sand and the water isn’t clear like other beaches but It’s a great area for surfing and for sunsets!"
beverly moreno
"The beach is free for everyone to use. Despite the existence of the Marriott close to the shores don't let that discourage you from trying out this beach. We've been visiting this beach for over 20 years and we still love it. Great place for the kids and adults."
Tiffany Rupp
"Great beach especially if you are just here for a day on a cruise ship.
Great little shops near by, restaurants and the water is lovely.
As always, there is the local mascot running around."
David Maurice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kalapaki Beach is centrally located in Lihue, Kauai. You can reach it by car, taxi, or by utilizing free trolleys and shuttles available in the Lihue area, especially if you're near the shops.
Yes, parking is generally available near Kalapaki Beach, often associated with the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort or nearby shopping areas.
Depending on your exact location in Lihue, it's often a walkable distance, especially if you're near the harbor or shopping centers.
Cruise ship passengers often find Kalapaki Beach very accessible. Free trolleys or short taxi rides are common options.
Yes, free shuttles and trolleys operate in the Lihue area, providing convenient access to Kalapaki Beach and other local attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kalapaki Beach is free for everyone to use. You don't need to purchase tickets to access the sand and enjoy the ocean.
Kalapaki Beach is a public beach and is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official closing times for the beach itself.
No advance booking is required to visit Kalapaki Beach. It's a public space open to all visitors.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for Kalapaki Beach, other than standard public beach rules.
Absolutely! Kalapaki Beach is a public beach, and access is not restricted to resort guests.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, volleyball, and simply relaxing on the sand. It's also a great spot for sunset viewing. 
Yes, Kalapaki Beach is highly recommended for families. The protected cove offers calmer waters suitable for children.
Yes, chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards are available for rent at Kalapaki Beach for a fee.
Yes, there are restrooms and outdoor showers available for public use at Kalapaki Beach.
The sand is typical of a Hawaiian beach. Some reviewers mention driftwood, but it's generally a pleasant sandy area for relaxing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and food trucks located near Kalapaki Beach, offering various dining options.
You can bring your own food or grab takeout from nearby eateries to enjoy on the beach.
You can find a range of options, from casual pizza at Scorpacciata to resort dining and local food trucks.
Yes, there is a bar located at Kalapaki Beach, providing refreshments for beachgoers.
Scorpacciata for pizza and options within the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort are popular choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography.
The crescent of the beach, the calm waters of the cove, and the sunset views are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
The beach itself, with the backdrop of the resort and the ocean, is the main attraction. The Kalapaki Beach Lookout also offers great panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and ocean. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beach is free, consider the convenience of nearby dining options. Grabbing a casual bite from a local food truck or a pizza from Scorpacciata can make for an easy family meal. The beach also offers opportunities for gentle wave play, and the surrounding area has shops that might interest older kids. It's a well-rounded destination that caters to the needs of families looking for a fun and accessible beach day.
🚢 Cruise Ship Day-Trippers
+1Many reviewers note that Kalapaki Beach is 'Great little shops near by, restaurants and the water is lovely,' providing a pleasant experience for those with limited time.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
You can often find surf schools or rental shops nearby offering lessons and equipment for surfing and paddleboarding.The beach's consistent wave patterns, especially during certain seasons, make it a reliable spot for water sports. Even if you're not surfing, watching the surfers can be entertaining. The beach's accessibility and the availability of rentals mean you can easily get out on the water and enjoy the Pacific. The vibrant energy of the beach, with people engaged in various water activities, adds to the overall appeal for enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Kalapaki Beach: Waves, Sand, and Sun
+1 For those seeking a more tranquil swim, the inner parts of the bay offer calmer conditions. Remember that driftwood can sometimes be present, a natural occurrence in any ocean environment.The sand at Kalapaki Beach is a pleasant golden hue, perfect for lounging and building sandcastles. The beach is free for public use, a fact appreciated by many visitors who return year after year.
When planning your visit, consider the timing. Weekdays outside of major cruise ship arrivals tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. Early mornings and late afternoons provide beautiful light for photography and a serene atmosphere. The presence of local roosters can add to the unique island ambiance, as noted by one visitor on a drizzly first day.
Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a family looking for a safe swimming spot, Kalapaki Beach offers a diverse range of experiences.Dining and Amenities Around Kalapaki Beach
A popular recommendation is Scorpacciata, a restaurant offering fast-fired pizza that you can enjoy dine-in or take to the beach across the street. This offers a casual and delicious option for beachgoers.For those staying at or visiting the nearby Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort, there are upscale dining options available within the resort itself.
Beyond food, essential amenities are readily available. Public restrooms and outdoor showers are provided, which are incredibly useful after a day spent in the ocean.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit