These 6 Kauai beaches should be on your Hawaii BUCKET list.

1) Hanalei Beach

The half-moon bay of Hanalei Beach is naturally beautiful. High sea cliffs, sheer volcanic ridges, and golden sand surround the ancient sunken valley. Hanalei Bay stretches two miles from point to point and indents the coast a full mile inland. There are coral reefs are on either side of the two points, and in the middle of the bay. Due to a nearby sunken ship, Hanalei has a great snorkeling environment. Black Pot, near the pier, is one of the best areas for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.  Swimming is excellent here year round, making it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. <directions>

2) Poipu Beach

The most popular beach on the South Shore is Poipu Beach, which is fronted by Poipu Beach Park, and a few resorts. Poipu Beach was named America’s Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among the 10 “best” beaches selected nationwide. This beach is a series of golden sand crescents.

3) Ke’e Beach State Park

Located on a reef-protected Cove, Ke’e (pronounced Kay-ay) Beach attracts swimmers and snorkelers. Take note, though, to stay inside the reef area.  Outside of the reef, conditions are unstable and the waters can be dangerous. Be sure to take a short walk towards Ha’ena for a panoramic view of the Na Pali Coast. <directions>

4) Tunnels Beach

Easily one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, Tunnels Beach is excellent for swimming year round and provides excellent snorkeling conditions as it is protected by a fringing coral reef. Surrounded by the peaks of Bali Hai, Tunnels Beach is one of the best locations to watch the sunset on Kauai. <directions>

5) Anini Beach

Although unguarded by attendants, Anini, a famous beach spot on the northern shore of Kauai, is one of the most protected beaches in the county, thanks to the adjacent reef that runs along the whole two-mile-long stretch of Anini’s coastline.

Home to Hawaii’s longest and widest fringing reef, Anini provides some of the best weather and water conditions that are suitable for almost all kinds of water-related activities. <directions>

6) Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park is a remote wild beach on the western side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is by far the lengthiest beach in Hawaii, Polihale Beach is a 17-mile-long stretch of glistening white sand and remarkable dunes. Access to the beach is down an unsurfaced old cane trail road which makes it appear like a desert highway rather than a coastal island. <directions>