Kalapaki Beach
Photo by Wasabi
This natural harbor makes for great swimming and sailing, providing surf for a variety of levels. A beach for the whole family with a stretch of sand suitable for sandcastles, volleyball and sunbathing. Beachfront dining with shops and other restaurants all within a short walking distance. Public parking. Facilities.
Things To Do
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Sailing
- Paddling
- Beach walks
- Family days
- Sunbathing
Cool Because
The harbor makes for great swimming and surf conditions at a beach that is easily accessible. A spot for the entire family.
Hazards
Although the shoreline is mostly protected from large surf, dangerous conditions can exist in the water. Strong currents. Dangerous waves breaking on outlying rocks, ledges and reefs. Water can become murky after heavy rains.
Topography
Sandy and grassy shoreline protected by rocky jetties. Mixed reef and sand underwater.
Not Good For
Snorkeling - areas with sand bottom are not good for snorkeling because there is no reef to support a variety of fish.
User Rating
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3.1 / 5 (56 votes)
Your Questions Answered!
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Let's Discuss (41 comments)
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Jan 19, 2007 9:54PM
I haven't been to the beach but by the picture, wowwy!
Jan 20, 2007 9:44AM
THIS BEACH IS VERY GOOD FOR BODYBOARDING MAYBE YOU WANNA ADD BODY BOARDING
Feb 04, 2007 12:14PM
I visited Kauai in December. A lot of the other beaches had high surf so I ended up discovering Kalapaki, which was much calmer. What a great beach! The picture doesn't even do it justice.
Jun 02, 2007 10:29AM
My fiance and I are considering honeymooning in Sept / Oct 2007 at the Kauai Marriot which is on this beach. What is the water temperature like at this time of year? And are the waters crystal clear like Waikiki Beach?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 13, 2007 10:17AM
@ MaryGrace: The water temperature during your vacaation will be around 75 degrees. This beach is located next to Kauai's largest harbor which make the water very murky. But everything is relative, so yes, the water is as clear as Waikiki Beach. But Waikiki is not very crystal.
Jun 17, 2007 5:04PM
Thanks! What beach(es) would you recommend for crystal clear water?
Jun 18, 2007 10:53PM
There are many factors that make the water clear or murky. Onshore winds and chop, currents, surf, and runoff from streams / agriculture all affect the clarity of the water. Poipu and Haena consistently offer very clear water - but there certainly are exceptions to that.
Jun 22, 2007 11:23AM
Our family is thinking about visiting Hawaii for the 1st time. We would stay at the Kauai Marriott? What can we expect as far as weather and water tempature? Are there enough family activites for children 9 to 12?
Yacine
Jul 04, 2007 1:32PM
I like Kalapaki a lot. It's central, and great for relxaxing and wading in the water. Body boarding can be very good there too.
It gets crowded though.
Leslie Miller
Jul 19, 2007 11:23AM
When I visited Kauai two years ago, we ate dinner at Duke's....it overlooked a body of water. What is the body of water called and do people swim/kayak/snorkel in it? It looked like a very protected bay.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 19, 2007 12:48PM
That is Kalapaki - and yes it is very protected. Good for surfing and kayaking but not the best snorkeling.
Aug 22, 2007 9:10AM
it has been one time,, when u guys are right,, i live in here in kauai-- Today kalapaki is 1-2 ocassional 3.. kealia,, might have one 5 feoter today, maybe,,, but is not 3-5 either,,, now that im use to it,, i just know is always, exagerating..
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 22, 2007 9:40AM
Milo - not sure I understand your post. I think you are stating that we exaggerate the surf heights. First, heights are the face or front of the wave. Second, the heights are based on lifeguard reports on-location. We do not get Kalapaki reports (no lifeguards) and Kalapaki is partially inside the harbor so it is blocked from windswell. W
Oct 09, 2007 9:56AM
Can you please tell me if this beach is within walking or bike walking distance from the Nawilliwilli Harbour where our cruise ship will dock? Thanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 09, 2007 10:33AM
Kalapaki is a short walk from the cruise ship docks - just follow the long corridor of shops to the beach. W
D Alex
Oct 29, 2007 11:12AM
We will be spending five days of our honeymoon in Kauai and are looking for a resort that is walking distance to a nice beach with calm water. I'm not the greatest swimmer, so a swimmable beach that is not dangerous is a must. Thanks so much!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 30, 2007 7:08AM
D - Depending on the time of year I would either reccomend the Hyatt or Sheraton (South) or the Princevill Hotel (North). Please see our seasonal surf trends page for more information.
Dec 07, 2007 1:05PM
I am stayig at the Grand Hyatt in June. How far of a walk is it to Poipu Beach?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 07, 2007 1:11PM
Shipwrecks beach is right in front of the Hyatt. Poipu Beach Park is about 2 miles.
Dec 13, 2007 10:23AM
GM Zopp, since you will be at the Hyatt in June, do pay attention to the warnings at Shipwreck's Beach. There are often large summer swells that come into that area and it can be quite dangerous. The surf breaks right on shore and can be fun for boogie-boarding if it isn't too big. Take a short drive down the road to Poipu Beach Park for safer conditions or just enjoy the Hyatt's incredible swimming pools and waterslide.
Dec 13, 2007 3:09PM
My wife and I are staying at the Hilton. Is the beach accessable from this hotel?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 13, 2007 8:12PM
Yes - just ask the Hotel staff. East shore beaches are best when the winds are light or from the West.
Jan 21, 2008 12:51AM
we are looking to travel to kauai the first couple weeks of march and our main goal is to learn how to surf. Which side of the island would you suggest for us to stay at and do you have a hotel recomendation?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 21, 2008 4:28PM
Hi Michele - Hanalei Bay is prime learn-to-surf territory in March. Kalapaki also has a little surf break but the setup at Hanalei is better. We do not make suggestions on specific accommodations in this forum but Princeville has many places to stay.
Feb 09, 2008 1:26AM
Hi! We were thinking of spending our honeymoon in Kauai but it doesn't sound like there's a lot of safe snorkelling, swimming, playing in the ocean like what we enjoyed at Kaanapali Beach in Maui last March. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 09, 2008 1:29AM
Hi Erin - Kauai has some amazing snorkeling and ocean-play but it is a bit more exposed than the protected waters off Kaanapali. The posts and info on Kauai Explorer definitely err towards caution because it is so tragic when a vacation is cut short by drowning or injury. If you have never been to Kauai you should check it out. W
JimmyV
Feb 12, 2008 2:56AM
I am staying in the Marriott with 2 teenagers in late June. They are new surfers. Will they find this a challenging surfing area? or is it a a real "beginner" area. If this is not a good spot for bigger kids - what is the next best area?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 12, 2008 8:56PM
HI Jimmy. I'm assuming you mean the Marriott at Kalapaki beach. There is also a Marriott hotel in Poipu. Kalapaki is a good beginners beach. Tune in with the concierge for ocean conditions when you're there. Since it will be summer, another spot to check out would be Hanalei Bay, a popular spot for new surfers. J
Feb 22, 2008 7:40PM
I am coming to Kauai at the end of March with my two teenage daughters. They would like to learn how to surf. Where would be the best place to do this at this time of year. Also, my oldest daughter is a certified diver where would you suggest we go to do that. Thank you.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 23, 2008 6:36PM
Hi Becky - for surfing try Hanalei Bay (you can get lessons through the Hanalei Surf Company). Because the conditions vary so much it's best to SCUBA with a local company that can take you to the right place. W
Mar 02, 2008 3:26AM
We'll be staying at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club the second week of March 08'. I understand snorkeling at Kalapaki Beach is not the best.....where are the best and easiest access places on Kauai to take my son, a novice snorkler?
Also, I would like to take a relatively short hike in and around Waimea Canyon with my wife and kids ( 13 and 15 ), maybe to a waterfall......any suggestions? Thanks, Craig in VA
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 03, 2008 6:52PM
Aloha Craig. The best snorkeling spots near your region would be Lydgate on the East side or Poipu Beach park on the South shore. As for hiking, most Waimea Canyon hikes are considered "moderate" and fairly long. There are some spectacular lookouts to the canyon clearly marked with parking lots on the road to Kokee. Stop by the Lodge in Kokee to get more info about short/easy hikes. Berry Flats is a good bet for families, but no waterfalls or vistas. Definitely drive to Kalalau Lookout. Enjoy! J
Larry
Mar 20, 2008 9:14PM
I am thinking of staying at marriott resort and beach club in late May /Early June.How is airport noise around beach and do they have a ton of cruise ship passengers flooding this beach daily?Thanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 21, 2008 12:27AM
Hi Larry. This area does get more cruise ship passenger traffic than it used to, but the hotel works to make sure only guests are using their pool and facilities. Of course, the beach belongs to everyone. As for airport traffic, I haven't found it noticeable when I spend time there. The resort's central location means you can access more remote beach locations on any other part of the island in a short time by car. Enjoy your stay. J
Apr 22, 2008 11:33AM
Aloha. I've been reading the questions and comments on this site. It's been so helpful. I'll be in Kauai (Hilton) with my husband and two teens at the end of July. (We're so excited!) I have two questions: 1) Where's the best place to take a surfing lesson for all of us. And 2) Is there a place in Kauai to take an outrigger canoe ride? (We did that in Oahu, we rode the waves in on a canoe....sooo much fun!)
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 22, 2008 8:36PM
Aloha Nancy. Glad the forum has been helpful. Hanalei Bay is a great place to learn to surf, but check the conditions in July as it may be completely flat. Kalapaki is another location that is a great place to learn. Tune in with the surf lesson companies who can probably steer you in the right direction for the outrigger canoe fun. J
May 02, 2008 3:26PM
My wife and I and my teenage daughter will be staying at the Pono Kai Resort in mid July of 2008. Do you recommmend a beach close by that is good for just getting in the water and having fun. We are all good swimmers and like to boogie board. Also is the beach in front of the resort good for swimming?
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 05, 2008 6:47PM
Aloha Steve. Are you asking about the Pono Kai resort or Kalapaki beach in front of the Marriott? It's best to speak directly to the hotel desk where you are staying to get the most updated ocean conditions about the beach there. Check Lydgate when you're on the East side, as well. J
Jun 24, 2008 9:04PM
I will be in Kauai in Sept or Oct this year. Where is a good place to surf. I am a longboarder and my girl friend is learning. Ideally I would love a long ride, almost any size(2-20 feet). What spots would you recomend? Thanks for your help
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 26, 2008 7:50AM
Aloha. Sep and Oct are the months that surf begins to get big on the North shore. Not good for beginners. Kalapaki could have something for both of you, depending on specific conditions when you are here. Veer towards the South and West sides during the Fall for smaller waves. Keep in mind that conditions are changing and could be unpredictable. Stay tuned with our surf report and ask the lifeguards. J
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 26, 2008 7:50AM
Aloha. Sep and Oct are the months that surf begins to get big on the North shore. Not good for beginners. Kalapaki could have something for both of you, depending on specific conditions when you are here. Veer towards the South and West sides during the Fall for smaller waves. Keep in mind that conditions are changing and could be unpredictable. Stay tuned with our surf report and ask the lifeguards. J
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