Kekaha Beach
Photo by Wasabi
An uncrowded wide, white sand beach that stretches for miles, Kekaha is a popular fishing spot. The water often takes on the murky, red tint characteristic of the Waimea area. Roadside parking, temporary restrooms.
Things To Do
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Bodyboarding
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Beach walks
- Family days
Cool Because
Almost guaranteed sunshine and miles of beachcombing.
Hazards
Strong currents. Dangerous waves breaking on sandbars and reefs.
Topography
Sandy shoreline. Mixed reef and sand underwater.
Not Good For
The miles of sand make snorkeling at Kekaha a very uneventful activity.
User Rating
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2.8 / 5 (63 votes)
lifeguarded
Your Questions Answered!
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Let's Discuss (18 comments)
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Aug 29, 2006 4:44AM
Watch out for speeding trucks and SUVs. At least one person has been run over here while sunbathing. In the past, fishermen drove slowly in their army Jeeps, all following the same path. Now, heedless drivers race all over the beach with their giant tires, and there is not one smooth-sand spot on the entire beach.
The easiest access is from the Kekaha end, if you don't mind being right next to the highway. To get away from the highway, you can drive west down the beach, but the Navy has barricaded it about two miles down in case terrorists are driving on the beach. This action is of doubtful legality, but the state has done nothing to protect public access.
The Navy does allow access, with permit, to the west end at Major's Bay, and the upside here is that driving on the beach is prohibited (or was the last time I was there), so it's a far better beach experience. The winter surf at Major's can be exceptional.
The strength of the currents here cannot be overemphasized. You can quickly be swept far away from the place you entered the water.
Mar 27, 2007 9:24AM
watch out for big waves that pound...
Jan 27, 2008 10:22PM
We will stay at Kekeha beach on March,
Are dangerous waves often ?
I interested in fishing, How can I do
this at beach,
Im from Europe, Czech rep,
Thank you
Tony N
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 28, 2008 8:55PM
Aloha Tony. Ocean conditions are always changing, so it is best to use caution whenever you are in the water. I have personally seen a person get caught out on a boogie board in the water at this beach and my friend, who is a surfer, had to rescue him. Kekaha beach has a lifeguard, so ask about the conditions while you are there. You can also check Explorer's Daily Ocean Report for surf heights, etc.
Enjoy your stay! J
Jan 30, 2008 7:30PM
Beachcombing definition please....
I have read that taking seashells are illegal, I guess I always thought beachcombing meant finding things like shells, driftwood, sea glass..... I surely do not want to get a fine for my child taking a seashell!
Thanks for your help.
Jan 31, 2008 12:56AM
I would like to know where is the best spot to surf on sand with nice clean waves. I would also like to know where is the volleyball ??
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 01, 2008 5:06PM
Justice - we do not know of any laws prohibiting the taking of seashells. People do it every day here. W
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 01, 2008 5:07PM
Samuel - Hanalei is usually clean and offshore with sand bottom in the bay. Vollyball at Hanalei Bay and Kalapaki. W
Feb 14, 2008 6:37PM
I'm interested in having a beach party for some friends on this beach. Does anyone know whether there are BBQ facilities at the beach? And, whether we can have a small fire pit? Do we need a permit for alcohol, etc.?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 14, 2008 8:37PM
Hi Karl. This beach has pavilions, which sometimes have BBQs. I'm not certain if the pavilions here offer this but I would recommend bringing your own anyway. The BBQs that are provided at some of the beach pavilions are often pretty old and rudimentary. You'll see folks enjoying small fires and alcoholic beverages on Kauai beaches. Whether you technically need a permit for a fire is best asked to the County. You can call them at (808)241-4460. Use good judgement and common sense. The West side is very dry, so extinguish fires completely before leaving. J
Apr 27, 2008 5:35PM
Aloha! Coming to Kauai the middle of May and looking for some body surfing for a 50 yr young kid that kicks butt! Any suggestions for this time of year?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 28, 2008 8:05PM
Aloha. You'll want to stay tuned to our ocean report for more exact conditions during your stay. The surf begins to lessen on the North shore in May and increase on the South and West side. You can still check out Hanalei Bay for some body surfing and if the waves aren't too big, check Poipu Beach park. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard. Have fun! J
May 17, 2008 1:55AM
I will be arriving for a 7 day vacation trip with the family. However I looking forward to some surf fishing. According to this site kekaha is consired a hot sport for fishing. Is the fishing at best from a boat or from the surf. What kind of bait do you recomend or do you use artificial lures. Any tips will be appreciated.
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 20, 2008 9:36PM
Aloha Joel. You may want to check out the DNLR site: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/fish_regs/kauai.htm
with specifics to fishing or contact them directly. You may also find an insider's scoop by stopping in at one of the island's variety stores, which sell bait and other outdoor gear and tackle. You can also do an online search to see businesses that specialize in fishing tours. Enjoy your vacation. J
Jun 25, 2008 3:59PM
I will be at Kekaha in November of this year. Very excited. Does the surf pick up around that time of year? And what beach would be the best for snorkeling? Thank you...
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 26, 2008 7:44AM
Aloha Luis. Surf picks up on the North shore in November and is typically smaller on the South and West side (Kekaha, included). Snorkeling could be happening at Poipu Beach Park this time of year. Check in with the lifeguard. J
Jul 18, 2008 3:19PM
FANTASTIC WEBSITE!!!! CONGRATULATIONS
We will staying in a house on Kekaha in late August and am wondering if we can do any leisure fishing with family, nothing major, just to while time away, using regular fishing poles. Does Kekaha have any pier to do this? How about bait? Thank you
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 21, 2008 8:31PM
Mahalo for the feedback. You may want to check in with West Side Sporting Goods in Waimea (808 338-1411). They might be able to help you with recommending a decent spot and should be able to supply you with bait, etc. Enjoy your trip. J
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