Lumahai Beach

Sep 02, 2006 10:48AM

I think that you should let it be known that many people have died here by being swept off the rocks. Thus, in my opinion the warning should be even sterner......... even if it sounds frightening to people. Thanks.

Sep 06, 2006 11:52PM

Yes, the comment above is true, people do get swept off the rocks. Here is a helpful hint, if the rocks are wet, stay off of them. The ocean waves have been there and you should not be there. I have seen people walk on wet rocks and after 5 minutes another set of waves come and cover the people. There are some basic rules to safety. Here is my basic rule, during large surf days, don't walk on wet rocks. My second rule, have fun!!!

Apr 30, 2007 6:02PM

Hello. I have read about how people drown due to currents and rip tides along north shore beaches. I do not understand why being swept out is so dangerous. I mean, what happens to people out in the deeper parts of the water? It seems like once they are out there, they drown within minutes. Please explain. Thanks.

Jun 26, 2007 8:33AM

I have been coming to Kauai for 40 years, and the highlight of every visit for me is a trip to Lumahai. As long as you're an experienced ocean swimmer and observe the wave patterns before entering the water, you can swim safely in the large [pools on the Hanalei end of the beach].

Aug 31, 2007 7:04AM

i would recomend this beach if u like to bodyy surf or bodyboard
its aaa relly funn beaachh

Sep 08, 2007 2:15AM

The report of a woman being swept off the beach and drowned makes me wonder if this beach is even safe for walking. I am considering staying in a house near this beach in mid-November. I would like to walk on the beach early each morning but now wonder if that would be safe. Any advice for beach walkers?

Regina

Oct 02, 2007 6:24PM

Hey - what a great informative site, with real feedback , too.
Thanks a great deal,
Ethan

Oct 09, 2007 5:34PM

I lived on Kauai in 1987. I am a very experienced bodysurfer. I was nearly sucked out in less than two feet of water. I had to do everything I could to keep from being swept out. And I grew up @ THE WEDGE in Newport. This place make the Wedge look WEAK. I didn\\\'t even go out after this event. I was PISSED. It was like it wanted me. RESPECT this place. I recall LUMAHAI translates in Hawaiian to \\\"Unfriendly Waters. C.M. 2007\\\'.

Oct 11, 2007 12:12PM

My daughter and I went to Lumahai Beach both in the Summer and Winter of 2001, I had no problems with the water, the waves were great, yes the current was very strong. But if you use common sense and swim parallel to the beach you'll be surprise how you can get back. JUST REMEMBER ONE THING, DON'T PANIC and you won't Die!

Lumahai is my favorite beach, I even have the e-mail address as lumahaibeach50

Oct 12, 2007 10:55AM

Your right W, I live near San Francisco there is a beach called Ocean Beach off of the great highway the waves are so powerful they will pull you out to sea. I think the problem is that many people take the ocean for granted, they turn their back wham they get knocked out. Ocean Beach had several deaths in the past, some times they haven't been found.

When my daughter and I were at Lumahai, I had seen several small children playing near the shore. I took it upon myself to tell the parents about Lumahai that its NO PLACE FOR CHILDREN to swim unless your a strong swimmer and you know what your doing even then you might run into trouble.

PARENTS, DO NOT TAKE YOUR SMALL CHILDREN TO LUMAHAI BEACH, THE CURRENT IS SO STRONG THAT THEY WILL DROWN AND BE SUCKED OUT TO SEA. MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED AT LUMAHAI.

Phil

Nov 18, 2007 6:29AM

The parking our last visit to Lumahai Beach in 2/2002 was horrid. We couldn't park our rental car. Hoping this visit 2/2007 some changes have been made, such as a trolley to the beach, no way would we suggest to pave Kauai for parking. K

Nov 29, 2007 3:07PM

Could please advise me on the route of the East side bike path and is there a bike rental? Thanks, K

Dec 30, 2007 12:51PM

Hi all
expecting to arrive for a week around 23 jan 08, the island seem like a great place to visit but well spread. can anyone suggest a place to hire a jeep or similar to get around?
Great web site

Thx
Kev

neiil

Jan 04, 2008 7:18AM

Aloha! Congratulations folks - an excellent exchange of comments & information. Anyone who visits this site before visiting magnificent Kaua'i has no excuse for not being a well informed visitor regarding the ever present danger at risky but always beautiful Lumahai! Mahalo!

Feb 26, 2008 11:25PM

By far my most 2nd favorite beach of all, Ke'e being my first. This beach is so beautiful. The water is almost always the perfect temperature. It gets a little deep almost right away, but in the summer, when the tides are low. You can spend hours splashing around. It's never crowded nor full of shady people. You can dive off the rocks, snorkel or just float about. It's beautiful. But DO follow caution. When the waves are high and rough, it can be extremely dangerous. Lots of people have lost their lives there because the fail to heed caution. Nothing would suck more for you than drowning to death on your vacation. Other than that, go out, take your lunch(make sure to pick up your trash), oil up, get some sun, catch some waves and have a blast.

Mar 24, 2008 12:44AM

I read the comments here before going to this beach and let me tell you folks, it scared me! The water here is very powerful and the undertow is just huge...I didn't even want to get close to it. I warned a young pregnant woman with a toddler about the waves. My boyfriend and I were nervous about her playing with her toddler so close to the waves, so I decided to warn her... I was rudely told that she grew up there and she knew what she was doing. So, with exception to her, be careful at this beach. It's not for novice swimmer, and it's definately (in my opinion) NOT a beach for children.

Apr 01, 2008 4:21PM

My wife and I visited this beach in Feb 2008. It was my favorite thing we did on the island. Very big, dangerous surf that day, 20 foot waves breaking right on the rocks, shooting spray about 60 feet into the air.

To those of you who do not understand how people drown, let me share my thoughts.

I grew up swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, etc. I consider myself an experienced swimmer. One morning I went snorkeling in SoCal with my brother in law. It was our first time to the spot, so we just put on our gear and went straight out into the water looking for a good spot. We had to swim a bit before we found some good rocks & fish etc. However, I wasn't swimming "smart" and expended way too much energy getting to the good spot. Once I got there, I was exhausted, short of breath, and panting. I didn't know what was happening. Even though my head was above water, I couldn't seem to get enough air out of each breath. It felt like I was trying to breath through a McDonald's coffee straw. My first instinct was to try harder to keep myself above water. Then I realized that was making me MORE tired. So I turned on my back and just let myself float for a bit, knowing that I could at least keep my face out of the water by floating. In the meantime my brother-in-law joined me to make sure everything was OK. By relaxing & regaining my strength, I was able to regain control & was fine. However, I definitely understand how people drown, even experienced swimmers. The Panic factor should never be underestimated.

Anyone who thinks he has mastered the ocean is woefully ignorant & may eventually pay the ultimate price.

Apr 07, 2008 7:30PM

I have been to kauai 25 time's usually in early spring or sometime in the summer month's and usually when i go to lumahai in late june an early july i have seen it very calm and have enjoyed some fun snorkeling and fishing from the rock's, and trust me always be cautious when fishing from the rock's when your concentrated on the fish a rogue can come an let you know who's boss. Do you know if there is good Ulua fishing from Lumahai?

Apr 17, 2008 1:51AM

My husband and I stopped to have lunch at Lumahai Beach on Monday. We could hardly believe it when we saw two men wade into the crashing waves near the lava outcrop. They were in trouble immediately and couldn't get back to shore...they were struggling and being carried out ...hopefully clear of the lava rocks. Rescuers arrived with 15-20 minutes and at that point we left....I haven't heard any news so am hoping that all went well. It was a very terrifying event to watch and I felt sick for the guys struggling in the water.

May 05, 2008 8:21AM

The situation with the college girl getting swept out and nearly drowning was because she was walking into the river mouth to take pictures of the rocks and a wave came up and swept her off her feet and the rivers currents carried her directly out into the oceon. It truely is a beautiful beach with great history, but much caution must be observed here in order to enjoy it safely. Kauai's beauty can be hipnotizing. Whether your driving down the road or walking down the beach enjoying the prestine beauty Kauai has to offer you must always be aware of your suroundings and the possible danger you can find yourself in.

Jul 12, 2008 10:55AM

I really appreciate everyone's comments! I wanted to ask whether the above commments apply to Kahalahala Beach (I guess that's the east part of Lumaha'i--separated by the main part of Lumaha'i by lava rocks). A guidebook I was reading said that during calm waters in the summer, Kahalahala is good for swimming, even with children.

Or, is it just better to stay off any part of this beach with children. We're in Kauai now (July).

Jul 21, 2008 10:16AM

Hello all. Lumahai is by far my most favorite beach in the world. in the summer months it is perfect for jumping off the rocks, and just hanging loose. But do heed caution, this beach Can be Very dangerous. every single ocean warning is posted at this beach, from rip currents to high surf to slippery rocks. i live here an i know how dangerous it can be. At times it can be EXTREMELY cold, especially in the early evening.

Jul 23, 2008 7:01PM

I\'ll be in kauai next week and want to take my kids to lumahai beach - my dad took me and my sibs there 30 years ago. But, my kids won\'t be swimming there - I remember seeing a guy get swept off the rocks and smashed up against them repeatedly until some locals saved his life. At age 14 I swam in those huge waves -had fun - survived- but I can\'t believe my parents let me. We\'ll take the hike through the jungle and hang out on the beach for a while, but our swimming will be confined to Kee Beach

Sep 27, 2008 7:14AM

The surf and currents at Lumahai are very powerful and should not be taken lightly. I am glad to hear there is a lifeguard posted there now. I lost a good friend there while we were trying to help a boy in trouble in the surf. It was December and the surf and currents were treacherous. I thought of myself as a strong swimmer until faced with the force of the water at that beach. Lumahai is beautiful beach but beware it can be deadly.

Oct 11, 2008 12:55PM

Hi there - this is a great website! Wish I would've found this before my trip to Kauai last week, but I'll be back next year=)

I have a weird comment/question for you. My friends, husband and I were visiting the North Shore beaches on Sept. 29th and came upon some strange signs tacked onto trees at the roadside entrance to Lumahai. These large homemade signs read "LOCALS ONLY! NO TOURISTS ALLOWED. LEAVE US ALONE!"

It gave us an uneasy feeling, so we just backed out and moved on to the next beach. I was bummed because I really wanted to show my friends (who were first time visitors) Lumahai. We worked with a tour guide the next day who said there is an ongoing tension among locals over tourists on their turf. This was the first I'd ever really sensed that tension.

Did anyone else see these signs? Any idea what that was all about?

Oct 14, 2008 10:58PM

HI:
We just returned from Kauai two days ago and saw the signs that POOK refers to. We were unnerved also so we just turned around and left (after taking pics of signs). As a long time visitor we were disappointed at not getting to enjoy this beach once again. The real pity is seeing visitors from a cruise ship turned away for the same reason. The last time we experienced this type of sentiment was 10 to 15 years ago in the Anahola-Aliomanu area. We now stay in this area and find the sentiment much reduced. As for the beach saftey advice, keep up the warnings.

Feb 22, 2009 7:01AM

ok so i satyed on hawaii last summer and people make lumahai out to be super dangerous, but in reality it really isnt. just stay off of the rocks and you will be fine. if you swim near the rocks the water is pretty shallow, i would say 12-15 feet being the deepest and the currents in this little cove are not that strong. i went to this beach every other day when i was on the island and nothing happened.

Apr 09, 2009 2:11AM

Chris said "I was nearly sucked out in less than two feet of water. I had to do everything I could to keep from being swept out. It was like it wanted me." That is NO joke. I'm 44, was born and raised on Kaua'i, grew up bodyboarding almost every accessible break and this is the ONLY place that gives me the creeps.

May 26, 2009 10:43AM

Last week I saw Hanalei topped America's list of best beaches. I remembered liking the quiet beach just to the west way better from my visit to Kauai in 1999. I had to look it up and found my way here.

Apparently my incident at Lumahai was no fluke. I was bodysurfing and remember riding a wave that had to be ten feet tall. I will never forget the "oh sh*t" moment when I looked down and saw bare sand at the bottom of the wall of water. When it crashed, I landed on my head and somehow did not break my neck, and I consider myself very lucky to have ended up with only a splitting headache and a very sore neck.

If anybody is reading this before a trip to Lumahai -- stay the heck out of the water. It is the most beautiful and serene beach I have ever visited, but you may ruin the trip (maybe end your life) if you try to enjoy the experience from anywhere other than the sand!

Jun 30, 2009 12:10AM

Hi we are staying at Wainiha. What can you tell me about swimming at Wainiha Beach or bay? Or maybe Kepuhi Beach. We will be there 3 weeks starting the first of September. Thank you.

Jul 01, 2009 2:21AM

We are coming to the north shore from Sept. 11th to the 29. Our house will West of Wainiha Beach Park. I was wondering how the beach and swimming is at Wainiha or Kepuhi Beach. And is Kahalahala Beach safe to swim at? Look forward to this trip very much. Our first time to this particular island. Thank you.

Aug 03, 2009 5:31PM

I just returned from a day at Lumahai. I consider it the PERFECT beach, because it has something for everyone: Fresh or salt water, calm or raging water, warm or cold water, sandy beach or lava rock - all in one place. If you aren't an experienced ocean swimmer, the Lumahai river is there - calm, cool, clear and refreshing. If the surf scares you, stick to the river, and enjoy watching the surf from a distance. If you know how to swim in surf, you can swim out the river and into the ocean (the rip will take you out 25 yards offshore in a heartbeat), then swim east (parallel to the shore) until you can swim back in. I made that swim a dozen times, and loved it. My kids swam in the river - they are strong swimmers, but not ready to take on the currents. There were a group of body-surfers playing in the surf all day, and conditions were excellent. This is still my favorite beach on Kaua'i. Easier to get to than "secret beach," better conditions, fewer people.

Yes, it can be dangerous if you panic. The rescue tube placed 100 yards from the shore won't be much help when needed, but it's a nice gesture.

Aug 16, 2009 3:41AM

I travel back to Kauai every year to reload on the spirit of the islands. I lived on Oahu for a long time and would make my vacation spot this great Island. I too was saddened by the "no tourists signs" and a bit embarrassed when I took my parents there to experience what I believe a truly amazing beach. I could not even get them out of the car. Hopefully these signs have been removed as I am bringing my children to Kauai for the first time. I dont want to explain to them about the loss of Aloha by a select few. On a side note this is an amazing, dangerous, beautiful and awe inspiring beach. I recommend seeing it from a distance for new comers. Worth the trip!

Sep 08, 2009 9:52PM

Here we come! We will be there Friday with no computer to check ocean reports. We will check with lifegaurds and such. I am not sure how far a head you can look. If you can look at this weekend what does it look like at Tunnels and Ke'e? Great site it is very appreciated.

Oct 31, 2009 9:18PM

Aloha Kimo,
Yes, these signs are no longer there. It is true as the staff mentioned, it is a vast minority who act out loud like this. It is everywhere you go in the world unfortunately, but Aloha is alive and well on the island. The true locals welcome everyone who respects the islands traditions. Peace and Aloha

Nov 04, 2009 6:45AM

So, would this be a good beach to get married on? No one would be swimming. Any suggestions on a fairly accessible beach that doesn't draw to many people?

Nov 20, 2009 8:51PM

This is a very dangerous beach. Very beautiful, but my advice is to say at least 100 feet from the water (the tides come in quickly).

Nov 20, 2009 11:27PM

Kevin can I suggest Kepuhi Beach on the north shore. It normally has little to no one on it. It has easy access from the road. Is very pretty. It is west of the Hanalei Colony Resort on Alamoo Rd. Great beach, great location and even the locals rarely go there. Hope it helps.

Dec 07, 2009 7:42PM

Lumahai is hands down my favorite place on Earth. Just want to point out that you can have a *great* time hanging out in the river and on the bar separating the river from the ocean, squishing the sand in your toes and watching the waves. (Though I've been there in summer- the bar might be more challenging in winter.)

Absolutely sublime. No need to brave the big water. :^)

Dec 25, 2009 12:25AM

Was curious about the outcropping of lava rocks and little cove of rock cliffs to the east of Lumahai - does this area have a name? I ventured out a little ways onto the rock cliffs (climbing down from the road and not up from the beach). Avoided wet rocks, of course. This was a good thing because there were a few sets of waves that came crashing in, sending water well above the edge of the cliffs on the east side of this area. This was spectacular to witness, and I am curious if anyone knows roughly how tall these rock cliffs are relative to the level of the ocean or if there\'s a way to estimate the size of these waves? Thanks! M.

Jan 23, 2010 11:50PM

My family which includes two children (ages 5 and 7) is traveling to Kauai in March. Can you recommend a safe beach for them to explore during the Winter months?