Prince Kuhio Beach
A.K.A. P.K.'s (Prince Kuhio), Centers and Acid Drops • Photo by Wasabi
A narrow and short beach with great snorkeling in winter (when it's calm). Not much area for hanging out on this beach – most of the action is in the water. Roadside parking. Showers and restrooms.
Things To Do
- Surfing
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Bodyboarding
- Fishing
- Paddling
Cool Because
With a large summer swell you can glimpse some world class surfing here.
Hazards
Strong currents. Dangerous waves breaking on rocks, ledges and reefs. Sharp coral and slippery rocks.
Topography
Narrow sandy shoreline with slippery rock shelves. Mostly reef underwater.
Not Good For
This is not the best beach for just frolicking in the water or for a day long beach trip. It is right on the road and has almost no sand at times.
User Rating
Click a star to vote
2.9 / 5 (47 votes)
not lifeguarded
Your Questions Answered!
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Let's Discuss (11 comments)
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Nov 04, 2006 10:57AM
Aloha! This is one of Kauai's best beaches for sunsets and snorkeling, there happens to be a great restaurant right there also.
My young daugters and I love snorkeling here, they learned at Lydgate and now love to go to PK's. This is not a hang-out beach, really good for watersports, but not really hanging out since it's right by the road and is rocky. As soon as you get your gear on, go parallel to the bottom and make your way into deeper waters. And please, don't step on the reef or feed the fish. This damages our coral communities.
Jan 30, 2007 4:55PM
PK does have basic shower and lua (bathroom) across the street.
Jul 30, 2007 5:33PM
My husband and I are planning on a trip to Kaua'i from Nov. 3-14, 2007. As we have never been before could someone suggest which beach would be best at that time of year for snorkelling and calm waters? Does anyone know the average temp we should expect and which area has the least amount of rain at that time? Much appreciated!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 30, 2007 8:29PM
Islands are amazing because they offer such variety of ocean conditions in a small area. Just go to the LEEWARD side of an island if you are seeking calm conditions.
Leeward means protected or somehow blocked from the wind (and associated swell) and is therefore calmer. We rarely get surf coming from ALL directions and our Ocean Report will let you know if that is the case.
Onshore winds - those coming from the sea - create choppy conditions. Offshore winds - blowing from land to sea - create those smooth surface textures that us surfers love.
So - Kauai can be epic ANY time of year you just have to adapt to the conditions and read our Ocean Report. Have fun!
Sep 06, 2007 6:34PM
Hey Kaua\'i Expoler, isn\'t that a picture of Lawa\'i Beach not P.K.\'s?
In February 2007, on my second visit to Kaua\'i, I did a pretty good snorkling survey of the Island. The weather/surf wasn\'t so cooperative (in my expectational mind). In retrospect, P.K.\'s stood-up to all the good snorkling of Kaua\'i and had a dynamic, unique character. Difficult to enter & exit but I\'d return.
Someone please send me a truckload of money so I can feel better about another trip.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Sep 07, 2007 9:31AM
David - since we were kids we always referred to this area as "PK's" which is short for Prince Kuhio park. Lawai Beach is actually at Lawai Kai, the bay and beach in front of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (Allerton's) which is further down Lawai road past the spouting horn. Truckload of money on the way. WW
Sep 09, 2007 2:30PM
What are the best surf spots in December for an experienced surfer? medium sized waves,not huge. Thanks
Jan 18, 2008 11:06AM
Absolutely love this beach for snorkeling. The moment you are up to your knees in water, just drop in and you're immediately inside a tropical aquarium. The quantity and variety of life here is simply the best. I know it's taboo to feed the fish, but how about that bagged "fish food" they sell you at the dive shops? Is it unhealthy for the fish?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 18, 2008 12:13PM
Aloha Eric - glad you like the Prince Kuhio snorkeling. True that it is beautiful and easy to access (just watch out when there is a South swell running).
As far as fish food goes - my knowledge is that it offsets the natural balance of species. When there is a lot of feeding going on, certain species thrive and push out the others. NOT Good!
May 16, 2008 5:13PM
We love this beach and have been known to plop our beach chairs in the sand and hang out all day. Mostly we're here for the snorkeling, but we spend time sunbathing, reading and watching the surfers, too. Now, I'm confused about something...I thought feeding the fish was a big NO-NO, and I get irritated everytime I see some one doing it. But lots of people seem to be buying packaged fish food somewhere. If it's bad for the fish, why can stores sell the food? So what is the deal with that? Is is bad or not?
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 19, 2008 7:08PM
Aloha Colleen. Stores sell styrofoam coolers and we all know that they are terrible for the environment and we hope that no one purchases them. The same is true for "fish food". Feeding the fish upsets the natural balance in the food chain and basically trains the fish to expect to be fed. Please do not purchase fish food or feed them. For more preservation info you can check out our site's Beach Preservation page. Thanks for taking time to get the straight scoop. Aloha. J
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