Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
Yes
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
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The aptly named Secret Beach (also known as Kauapea Beach) provides both seclusion and beautiful scenery. You'll have views over Kauai’s north shore as well as the cliff-dwelling Kilauea Lighthouse. By Hawaiian standards, this is a large beach, measuring nearly 3,000 feet long and up to 100 feet wide.

This destination is best known as Secret Beach because access requires more effort than simply parking beachside. To reach Secret Beach you must follow an unmarked, unpaved road to a small parking lot and walk for about 10 minutes on a foot path down to the west end of the beach. This foot path is not exceptionally steep, but it is usually slick and muddy, making the hike down and back up a challenge for some.

While access is not especially easy, the reward definitely outweighs the effort once you are oceanside. In addition to the exceptional views, Secret Beach offers surfing, fishing, sunbathing, snorkeling, picnicking, and seashell hunting. Also, in keeping with the theme of secrecy, there are no facilities at this beach, so be sure to bring your food, water, and sunscreen.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Seclusion. Long, sandy beach.

Cons

Ease of access can vary. Swimming conditions not ideal due to currents.

Features

Fishing
Picnic tables
Surfing
Waterfalls
Tide pools
Wildlife

Location

Comments

05/13/2018
Access to Secret Beach has changed since this original post. From Kuhio Hwy turn onto Kalihiwai Rd and within the first quarter mile turn right onto an unnamed dirt road. Park at the end of the road, you'll be looking at a few houses, to the left in between two stone walls you'll see the start of the trail. Downhill and clay so it can be slippery but there are rocks and roots on the trail to provide footing.
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