Salt Pond Beach Park
Photo by Douglas Peebles
Named for its traditional Hawaiian salt collecting ponds, this beach is protected by an outside reef with potential good winter snorkeling, fishing and swimming (conditions vary). Public parking, bathrooms and showers.
CAMPING PERMITS
Visit Kaua‘i County's website for info and applications
Things To Do
- Swimming
- Bodyboarding
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Beach walks
- Family days
- Camping
Cool Because
Protected cove in trade winds is a favorite Monk Seal hangout.
Hazards
Dangerous waves breaking on rocks, ledges and reefs. Sharp coral and slippery rocks.
Topography
Sandy beach is a little steeper than most. Shoreline has mixed sand and rock shelves. Mostly sandy mixed with reef underwater.
Not Good For
Surfing. Large outside reef protects bay from surf swells.
User Rating
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2.6 / 5 (310 votes)
lifeguarded
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Let's Discuss (77 comments)
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Sep 20, 2006 5:08PM
This is a good swimming beach for kids when the surf is not high. However, it can get a bit windy later in the afternoon. Pavillions. In my opinion, the best side of the beach is toward the salt ponds~ entrance near Port Allen airport. It is close to Inter-Island Helicopter, so kids can watch choppers take off and land. Perfect stop after going to Jo Jo's in Waimea to get my shave-ice fix!!
Jan 07, 2007 3:43PM
My husband and I love this beach. We have always enjoyed snorkeling here. We go to Kauai in January/February and the surf is always good. Now we have children and it is still a favorite of ours.
Jun 21, 2007 5:14AM
I'm getting married in Kauaui in Sept. Would this be a nice beach to get married at? It looks very nice?
Any suggestions??
Thanks
Janelle
Jul 06, 2007 12:25AM
Janelle, I would not recommend Salt Pond Beach Park as a good place to get married. 1) it can be hotter than Hades in September 2) it's not very pretty 3) do you want to contend w/ RVs, campers in tents, etc. in the middle of your nuptials? Suggest you try Hanalei Beach at sunset. I just saw a couple get married there a few days ago, and it was magical! Go to the western end of the bay,off Weke Road..there is a lifeguard station there, public showers, etc.
Jul 20, 2007 1:24PM
Salt Pond is an excellent beach for all types of beach combing activities. Being a local resident of Kaua'i, it is a local favorite. It's where we ALWAYS go to catch some fun in the sun. It's also very "kid-friendly."
It's one of the 7 beaches that has a life guard from 9 to 5 p.m. and it doesn't get as crowded as some of the more "tourist-geared" beaches like Poipu or some on the North Shore. It's also not secluded as some of the other beaches on the island so it's safe swimming all around.
Jul 25, 2007 6:00PM
We are coming down in mid October and have a 1 and 3 year old that loves to swim and looking forward to snokling. We can't deciced where to stay: Kekaha, Kapaa, or Kalaheo. We would like to be close to a beach the kids will enjoy. Which side of the island would be the best? Is the East side windy in October?
Thanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 26, 2007 7:46AM
Kapaa will be closest to the beach but generally you will find better conditions on the South shore in October. Kalaheo is a nice "upcountry" town.
Aug 03, 2007 5:22AM
My husband and I are renewing our vows on September 19th. We are staying on the North Shore that week and would like to know which beach would be your recommendation to renew our vows. We would like to do it at the same time as when we were originally married 20 years ago which is 3in the afternoon as we are going to the Smith's Luau for 5. We are a small group of 8 people. Any guidance would appreciated! THanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 03, 2007 8:02AM
Haena and Hanalei have some very beautiful beaches for renewing vows.
Aug 31, 2007 8:29AM
Hello. If you had to choose between the North or South side of the island between Dec. 25 - Jan 5th and snorkeling was a big draw....which side would you go to?
Thank you :)
Neal
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 31, 2007 8:48AM
South - no question. See our Seasonal Surf Trends Guide for a clear explanation.
Sep 17, 2007 5:35AM
We are coming to Kauai in early June and want sun and good snorkeling. Any suggestions as to towns to focus on finding accomodations?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Sep 17, 2007 7:54AM
June will be generally calmer on the North Shore. Accommodations from Kilauea to Haena are ideal for that time of year.
Oct 07, 2007 9:34AM
Hi, we will be in Kauai in January or February and would like to know which beaches are go for children (6,3 and 1 year old)- just for playing in shallow water. We are a little bit afraid about the high wave everywhere. Can you tell us something about the security on the campgrounds in the state and county and np parks. Thanks a lot.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 08, 2007 10:07AM
Bettina - I would look to East and South shores for calmer swimming in Jan-Feb. Each day is different so please check the current conditions before heading out. There is no security at State or County campgrounds and the crowd is mostly cool. Sometime people drink too much and you should not leave valuables in tempting places.
Oct 29, 2007 7:55PM
I will be camping in Kauai in December and January. I have previously camped on the North Shore during summer months, however, I would like to try Salt Pond Beach. I am concerned with the wind, every time I visited Inter Island Helicopters it was VERY windy. How is the wind at the actual campground. In your opinion, how safe is it for a visitor to camp there, I know it is a favorite local hangout.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 30, 2007 7:10AM
Mike - Salt Pond does get windy up by the point but the camping area is a bit more protected. True that the sometimes people like to party at Salt Pond. As with anywhere avoiding the wrong crowd and protecting valuables is something you should be concerned about. Most people are super cool.
Dec 09, 2007 10:53AM
I am going to Kauai in January - I would like to do some shore fishing while I am there. Where do you recommend? Should I bring my own equipment, if so, what? Do they rent fishing gear to shore fish?
Jan 07, 2008 8:58AM
We are planning a wedding on November and we want to get married on the south shore on the beach at sunset. Would you have any suggestions on a nice uncrowded beach?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 07, 2008 3:44PM
Hi Kimberly - most of the South shore beaches that face the sunset view are NOT uncrowded. I would try to work with a local wedding planner if you can afford it. W
Carol
Jan 22, 2008 6:19AM
For Dan who asked about shoreline fishing....see Endless Summer Fishing!
Jan 24, 2008 6:27PM
what beach would you consider the best for mid March for shore fishing. I will be there then. Also would you happen to know if i can access the inland spots to fish w/o a guide or do I have to charter someone to get in to those spots. Thanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 27, 2008 5:14PM
Glen - for shore fishing you have to look at the current conditions and go where the surf allows. Hawaii can be quite rough and windy and when it is your choices are limited. If the water lays down, then some of the less-fished spots open up. Check the current conditions and just like anywhere, work the reef channels, river mouths and areas where game fish might find food. Kauai has some fun inland bass fishing but you'll have to find a guide to access private areas. W
Feb 01, 2008 4:36PM
Hello, We are staying on the South Shore in Mid March and are getting married. What beaches do you recommend for a ceremony that are not crowed?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 01, 2008 5:15PM
Kimberly - in order to find an uncrowded beach you will have to hike / explore. Any nice beach with easy access will be more crowded. Mahaulepu is out of the way but a bit wild. W
Colette
Feb 21, 2008 7:16PM
Hi,
We are trying to pick the best place for a family of 11 adults, ages ranging from 80 (my mother, good physical health but can't do rigerous walking) to 41. 20-30 years ago we spent many vacations on Maui, this will be our first time back and may be our first time on Kauai. We will be traveling w/in the 1st 12 days of June. Hope to combine beach time with activities in town. What would you recommend?
Thanks,
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 21, 2008 9:05PM
Hi Collette. To accommodate your mom, I'd suggest beaches with very small surf, in any. Anini Beach and Hanalei Bay are typically 2 spots that are calm in the summer months. Anini has large rentals within walking distance of the beach. Trips to nearby Princeville and Kilauea are within a 5-10 minute drive. Hanalei also has a multitude of rentals within walking distance of both the beach and Hanalei town. Anyone else in the forum is welcome to offer their recommendations. Have a great trip! J
Mar 04, 2008 7:55PM
My boyfriend and I are coming to Kauai in May and want to camp for a few nights. Is salt pond safe for two 20 somethings? Is there another campground you recommend?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 04, 2008 8:38PM
Aloha Krist, Overall, Kauai is a safe place and the islanders have aloha. As with anywhere, being respectful and observing common courtesy usually makes for a pleasant stay. Salt Pond is a beach park that is lifeguarded and frequented by many locals - who are generally friendly. It is a spot that is good for families so you're apt to see big groups having BBQs, especially on the weekend. This is a good spot to camp if you're on the West side.
Another campground to consider on the North shore would be Anini or Haena. Where pretty much all of what I just described, applies as well.
Enjoy your stay! J
Mar 24, 2008 6:48AM
We are coming to Kauai on April 14th. I would really like to snorkel. Is this the best beach for an okay swimmer?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 24, 2008 7:26PM
Aloha Katie, Salt Pond is a lifeguarded beach so you can always ask them about conditions. It's not the best for snorkeling. You may want to try Poipu Beach Park or Lydgate (in Kapaa), which both have lifeguard towers too. J
Mar 28, 2008 12:48AM
My fiance and I will be getting married in Kauai in August. What is usual temperature at this time of year on the South Shore. I would really like to get married on Salt Pond beach. I've looked at so many pictures of beaches on Kauai and I don't really like the rocky shoreline on most of them (ex. Shipwreck). We will be having the ceremony during the week in the later afternoon, would it be typical to find this beach less busy at that time? I was also wondering what time is the average sunset at that time of year?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 28, 2008 6:06AM
Aloha Anna. Kauai is busy in the summer months, so know that you'll not find the beach empty. Weather here is in the 70's year round, high 70's in the summer months and a more humid climate. A great resource for the South side is the Poipu Beach Resort Association at www.poipubeach.org. Contact them for further info. Have a great wedding. J
Apr 26, 2008 6:01AM
my partner and i are coming to the north shore from my birthday week, Sept 12-20, i am not the best swimming and want to do a little snorkeling on a clam beach any suggestions?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 28, 2008 7:57PM
Aloha Sean. September sees the beginning of the winter swell on Kauai's North shore. The exact conditions won't be known until you get here: tune in to our ocean report and the lifeguards. Check out Anini Beach on the North shore, Lydgate on the East side and Poipu on the South side for typically calm snorkel spots (conditions permitting). J
May 07, 2008 6:42PM
We are coming to Kauai in early March of 2009 for our 25th anniversary. We are thinking of staying in the South because we want to try to have dry weather. We may stay at the Hyatt but thhis will be a splurge. Are we going in the right direction. If we add a day or 2 in Oahu is that going to be difficult? Should we fly into and out of Kauai? Thanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 07, 2008 8:28PM
Aloha Bonnie. As far as weather goes, the South and West sides are most likely to be the driest, though one can never know for sure. In terms of your other vacation plans, we cannot advise you. Kauai is a beautiful place and direct flights are available. Whatever you decide, we hope you have a beautiful celebration. J
May 10, 2008 1:28PM
I love this park, everything about it. It has a fantastic, enormous crescent-shaped beach, coconut trees swaying in the breeze, restroom facilities, lifeguard, the swimming is protected by the outside reef so it's always relatively calm yet has deeper water in which to snorkel. Just wonderful -- and since it's off the beaten tourist path, it's almost always uncrowded. Weekends are busier with local families, but I find that to be one of the better things about it. All in all a great beach!
May 29, 2008 7:43PM
Hi, a friend and I would LOVE to camp at Salt Pond Beach Park but we can't find any website or number to call to make a reservation. How can we book a spot for August (10 days) as well as get a permit to camp there?
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 30, 2008 6:58PM
Aloha Kerri-Ann. Mahalo for the comment. I've posted the link to the County's Parks and Recreation web page on Explorer's Salt Pond page now. Go to http://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments/ParksRecreation/CampingInformation/tabid/176/Default.aspx
to get contact info and download applications.
Have a great camping trip! J
Caitlin
May 31, 2008 9:29AM
I love your website, thank you for all of your advice!
I am planning a visit to Kauai from mid November to Early December with my husband and 3 year old daughter. We plan to camp part of the time and then rent a little house. We really like to snorkel and will want to learn and practice surfing during the whole visit. Of course, we want a child friendly/safe beach to base out of for both camping and the rental, and if you can snorkel or surf or both that would be amazing - or at least have it close by.... Which beach would be best to rent the house at? I was thinking Anini or Salt pond, what do you think?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 02, 2008 7:42PM
Hi Catilin. You're on the right track with Anini, though there can still be dangerous ocean conditions in the winter. However, this beach is usually protected from much of that as long as you stay near shore. Use caution and check the surf report. Salt Pond does not have much for rentals nearby, but Hanapepe is not far away. No surf at Anini in winter except for very experienced water people, though it has everything else you're looking for.
Glad you're finding the site helpful. Thanks for the feedback.
Aloha. J
Launa
Jul 01, 2008 2:44PM
My husband and I will be in Kauai the first week of july, where are the dryer and calmer beaches to visit.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 03, 2008 8:32PM
For an overview, check out our Seasonal Surf Trends:
http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/guides/beach/seasonal_surf_trends.php
July sees calmer conditions on the North shore. The driest sides of the island, year round, are the South and West sides, though the North shore mostly sees passing showers throughout the summer months. J
Aug 23, 2008 12:53AM
Hi, I am planning a (pretty last-minute...arg) trip to Kauai for family and friends between Christmas and New Years this year and wondering where we should stay that would be closest to the best beaches for our party, with the sunniest weather. We love to swim and snorkel and we have two 2-year olds with us. I am thinking Poipu of course, but wondering if there's another option that won't be so crowded? Thanks for any help!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 23, 2008 5:40PM
Tracy - South shores are generally sunnier (and calmer in Dec.) than North. You can always drive North or West for exploring. Mahaulepu is very nice for exploring. W
Sep 21, 2008 8:53PM
My wife and I love to fish but we have never fished on any Hawaiian island. I don't want to charter a boat. We would like to fish off the shore somewhere on the west side. Any suggestions? Where and when is really my question.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Sep 28, 2008 5:06PM
Hi Cory - there is good fishing in many areas in Hawaii. I'm not going to reveal any spots, but explore and use various spoons, curly tails and plugs at a fast retrieve. Be careful around surf! W
Nov 10, 2008 12:56AM
When I visited Kauai this past June I saw a Hawaiian monk seal here.
Jan 09, 2009 12:39AM
We are coming to Hanapepe in February. My husband wants good flyfishing, I would like snorkeling, and we have a 2 1/2 yr old that would love to play on the beach. We heard Salt Pond may be good. Do you have any other recommendations?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 09, 2009 5:15PM
Hi Susan - Salt Pond has a sheltered area for swimming / snorkeling and it's unlikely there will be any South swells in February. I suggest you explore some of the other locations featured on this site. I am a longtime shoreline fisherman and sometimes see people flyfishing around Kauai. Honestly the better gear is a spinning rod with surface lures. The wind and type of fishing make it hard to fly-fish. W
Jan 09, 2009 11:11PM
Thanks for the suggestion. One more quick question. Is there a good place to see/snorkel with sea turtles? I would love to see some!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 13, 2009 6:07PM
Hi Susan - anywhere there is reef you will find Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. They are prolific. W
Jan 21, 2009 2:27PM
we are coming to Kauai in Dec 2009 for a week with our adlut family. We enjoy ocean swimming and snorkling. I am not familiar with distances on the island. Would it be necessary to stay on the south side to enjoy the snorkling at Salt Pond or could we select the west or north shores? We also would like to be able to hike and kayak. Any suggestions??
Ralph
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 22, 2009 1:10AM
Hi Ralph - Salt Pond is near Hanapepe town on the southwest side of Kauai. From Poipu to Salt Pond will take about .5 hrs. From the North shore to Salt Pond is a approx. 1.5 hours. You might want to look at this on Google Maps.
Many great hikes of varying difficulty are featured on the site. Kayaking is good up Wailua or Hanalei rivers. Ocean Kayaking on the Na Pali is not possible in December due to large surf. W
SOS
Apr 18, 2009 8:17AM
This area has the highest diversity of corals on Kaua'i. Please help us protect this rare gem. Stand in the Sand. Organic Sunscreen. Fish don't need packaged fish food. Explore and Learn.
May 31, 2009 5:53AM
Some other sites and guides have mentioned Salt Ponds as a good surf break if you make the long paddle out past the reef. How long is the paddle? Will there be other surfers at this break in summer? Any tips on where to paddle out to get over the reef safely?
Thanks for a great site!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 02, 2009 1:05AM
Hi Matt - Salt Pond is fickle but can be fun. The paddle is not that long (probably about the same as paddling to Tunnels or Hanalei Point). If the waves are good then others will be out there. If you cannot recognize the channel and / or shallow areas in the reef then you probably should not be out there. W
Aug 10, 2009 3:39AM
We have four seniors, one using a mobility scooter, with accomodations in Koloa from 10/26 through 11/2. We'll be looking for scenery that can be enjoyed from scooter accessible paths, on shore or inland. What do you suggest?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 11, 2009 6:01PM
Hi Robert - that's a new question. We don't have many true recreational paths here yet. The primary accessible path is on the East shore, with sections at Lydgate and Kealia-Kapaa. In Koloa you'll be faced with traffic on all the roads, although you could probably have some fun around the Hyatt and towards Spouting Horn. I don't know if your scooter goes off road. Hope this helps have fun. W
Jan 26, 2010 8:59PM
What a fabulously helpful site! Thank you!
My husband and I are visiting both the south, and then the north shores in early March. We want to get in as much snorkeling as possible while on the south shore, and I wondered if you would recommend simply snorkeling off the beach (if so, which is best in March?) or if signing up for a snorkeling "tour" promises a much better experience?
Thank you so much for your assistance!
Mahalo,
Amanda
Mar 03, 2010 5:43AM
We are camping for the first time at Salt Pond - where is the best place to pitch our tent?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 03, 2010 4:17PM
Um, OK Sue - pitch your tent in an open, level spot with good drainage and as far from other campers as possible.
Mar 09, 2010 5:01PM
My husband and I will be visting Kaui the first week in April. We are in our 50\'s, resonable condition, good swimmers. We love skiing and hiking. We have snorkeled a couple of times, but being from Colorado, don\'t know much about oceans. We would love to snorkel, maybe with a small tour. Sny sugestions?
Mar 18, 2010 5:07AM
we are looking for a cozy campsite.prefere snorkling and swimming
would not mind hiking in for 30 minits
if nec.even better yet,on a motor bike??
thanks
diane
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 18, 2010 5:04PM
Hi Diane - the campsites on Kauai are Polihale, Kokee, Salt Pond, Anini, Kalalau, Camp Naue, Slogget.
Mar 21, 2010 6:30AM
I was at Salt Pond today and I really liked it! It wasn't crowded and on the east end of the beach are shallow places to swim where the current wasn't strong. The sun was out. There were lots of covered picnic areas. People pulled their pick ups up to the sand and were playing music so it was like having an island sound track while sun bathing. :) This site has been very helpful during our stay, I check the surf conditions on all sides of the island every day!
Rick
Mar 25, 2010 7:42PM
the snorkling is very, very bad. there are no fish what so ever. It is terrible for boogieboarding, because there are not any waves. It is a beach for babies mostly. I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 26, 2010 4:58PM
Thats too bad Rick - I've had fun surf and snorkeling at Salt Pond.
May 01, 2010 4:18PM
My wife and I will be in Kauai the second week of July. We have small children - 5 years old and 9 months old. We would like to stay near a beach that is good for little kids and has good snorkeling and swimming. I understand the North Shore is calmer in summer than the South Shore. What area would you recommend for what we would like and this time of year?
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 04, 2010 4:59PM
David - you should stay on the North Shore for calm summer conditions. Check our daily ocean report.
Sep 27, 2010 10:33PM
We are looking at going to Hanalai Bay in January, 2011. I know that is peak season for surf, and our group has young children (ages 1-3). Is the surf so rough that it will be unsafe for the kids to play on the beach (obviously supervised by parents)? Or is the surf far enough out that it's still pretty safe on the beach?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 03, 2010 6:24PM
Hi Todd - make no mistake, January CAN be rough. But that does not mean that it WILL be rough. The area down by the pier is calmer and swimmable unless the surf is very large. Talk to the lifeguards and check our Ocean Report.
Dec 16, 2010 4:31AM
My fiance and i are planning our honeymoon for the beginning of november. we are inexperienced swimmers so calm waters are definitely a must. we would also like to attend a sunset luau of somesort, and also check out some waterfalls and nearby restaurants. any recommendations?
Jan 19, 2012 10:11AM
Do you know of people who do serious ocean (open water) swimming on the South shore of Kauai. Looking for someone who might want to swim for up to an hour in the ocean each day. Thanks, Peter
Apr 28, 2012 1:09PM
Hello :)
My husband and I are planning a visit in June/July. We would like a sandy swim beach, low crowd, and a nice place to stay on the beach. Can you please give us some recommendations?
Thank you,
Christa
May 07, 2013 1:14PM
HI,
We are coming in September from the 11th to the 22nd. My kids love snorkeling. Does the south shore have decent snorkeling that time of year?
Thank you!
Chuck
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