
Lucy Wright Beach Park
Budget-friendly camping on Kauai with unique black/green sand, but be aware of mixed safety reviews and rough waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Lucy Wright Beach Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Budget-friendly camping on Kauai with unique black/green sand, but be aware of mixed safety reviews and rough waves.
"Affordable camping at $3/night, but be mindful of the 'rough crowd' and rough waves."

Camping Permit Info
Secure a camping permit in advance, as availability can be limited. ๐๏ธ
Be Aware of Surroundings
While some find it fine, others report warnings from locals. Stay vigilant. ๐

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.4 ยท 85 reviews
Type
Park
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Black/Green Sand
Lucy Wright Beach
Experience the striking, unusual black and green hues of the sand, a rare geological feature.

Local Canoe Culture
Lucy Wright Beach
Observe local residents engaging in traditional canoe activities, offering a cultural insight.

Budget Camping
Lucy Wright Beach Park Campground
Affordable camping option at $3 per night, ideal for short stays or those on a tight budget.
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Planning Your Visit
Camping Considerations
Beach Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Camping Permit Info
Secure a camping permit in advance, as availability can be limited. ๐๏ธ
Be Aware of Surroundings
While some find it fine, others report warnings from locals. Stay vigilant. ๐
Rough Waves
The ocean here can be rough; exercise caution if swimming. ๐
Unique Sand Color
Appreciate the distinctive black and green sand. โจ
Tips
from all over the internet
Camping Permit Info
Secure a camping permit in advance, as availability can be limited. ๐๏ธ
Be Aware of Surroundings
While some find it fine, others report warnings from locals. Stay vigilant. ๐
Rough Waves
The ocean here can be rough; exercise caution if swimming. ๐
Unique Sand Color
Appreciate the distinctive black and green sand. โจ
Local Spot
Expect to see locals enjoying the beach, especially with canoes. ๐ถ
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lucy Wright Beach Park is a highly affordable camping destination, praised for its low $3/night cost. While some visitors find the atmosphere fine and the unique black/green sand interesting, others report warnings from locals about safety and a 'rough crowd.' The beach itself features rough waves, making it more suitable for observation or experienced water sports enthusiasts.
"I camp there and overall it was fine. I was kind of scared at first because of all the bad review and people talking about the "rough crowd" hanging there, but really it is not worst than the other camping in kauai. The location is depressing (old baseball field) but it will do for a night or two of cheap camping (3$ a night)"
Carl Lizotte
"It was the only camping spot left on the island but when we showed up, a local immediately warned us to be careful and watch our car. We spent maybe 45 minutes there- even set up our tent - but then decided to move on. Seemed liked it might get noisy after dark and that we might regret staying there. Not a place I wanted to spend a day of my vacation and risk loosing any valuables or getting a bad night's sleep. $3 per pserson."
Julie Griswold
"People were warning us about this place, with how sketchy it was, but honestly, it wasnt bad. Granted, it was a weird site, literally on an old baseball field. I felt safe. While there were a few people who were likely homeless, they didn't bother us or make us feel uncomfortable. In a pinch, this is a fine place to camp."
Jon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Lucy Wright Beach Park is located on the west side of Kauai. Driving is the most common way to access it. From Lihue, head west on HI-50 W towards Waimea. Turn right onto HI-520 N (Kekaha Road) and continue until you reach the park entrance. Parking is available within the park grounds.
Public transportation on Kauai can be limited, especially to less central locations like Lucy Wright Beach Park. It's advisable to check with the Kauai Bus service for routes that might get you close, but a rental car is generally recommended for ease of access.
The campground is situated within the park. Once you enter Lucy Wright Beach Park, follow the signs for the campground. It's often described as being on an old baseball field, so keep an eye out for that distinctive layout.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Yes, a camping permit is required to stay at Lucy Wright Beach Park. It's recommended to secure this in advance, as spots can fill up, and last-minute scrambling can be difficult in Hawaii.
Camping at Lucy Wright Beach Park is very affordable, costing approximately $3 per person per night. This makes it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
There are typically no entrance fees to access Lucy Wright Beach Park itself. The fees are associated with camping overnight.
While the beach is generally accessible during daylight hours, camping facilities have specific check-in and check-out times. It's best to confirm these details when obtaining your camping permit.
๐ซ ๐๏ธ Onsite Experience
The sand at Lucy Wright Beach Park is notably unique, often described as having a black or green color. This distinctive hue is a key feature of the beach.
The waves at Lucy Wright Beach Park can be very rough. It's not always ideal for casual swimming and is often frequented by locals with canoes, suggesting it's a spot for more experienced water enthusiasts or for observation.
Basic facilities are usually available for campers, but specific amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas can vary. It's advisable to check with the permit office for the most current information on available facilities.
While it's a budget-friendly camping option, some reviews suggest caution regarding the atmosphere and rough waves. Families might prefer beaches with calmer waters and more amenities, depending on their priorities.
Reviews are mixed. Some visitors find the atmosphere fine and safe, while others have been warned by locals about potential issues and describe a 'rough crowd' or individuals who may be experiencing homelessness. It's a place where assessing your comfort level is key.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
The most striking photographic opportunities lie in the unique black/green sand and the rugged coastline. Capturing the local canoe culture and the expansive, sometimes dramatic, ocean views can also yield compelling shots.
Given some of the mixed reviews regarding safety and atmosphere, it's prudent to be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, including camera equipment. Keeping gear secure and out of sight when not in use is a good practice.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. These times might also offer a calmer atmosphere before the beach becomes busier with local activities.









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