Kauai - Beach Questions

[travelbugforever]

This July, we will be renting a car for a day in Kauai. Does anyone know if Hanalei Bay or Haena Beach Park rent umbrellas and chairs? I am looking for very calm surf with soft white sand. Also, what time do we need to get to the parking lot to get a parking spot? Are there signs on the main road directing people to these beaches? We will be coming from the port.

 

We plan on showering, if showers are available, at the beach prior to leaving.

 

After the beach, I think we might visit Waimea Canyon. How does that sound, any suggestions?

 

One more question....Is the surf calm at K aanapali Beach/Maui in July? Also,

where is public parking for this whole area as we will be driving from the port?

 

Thank you very much!;)

[Cruisin' Chick]

If your plan for Maui is just to go to Ka'anapali, you can take a taxi or the public bus. We went with the taxi option for our last cruise and the driver gave us his business card for calling for a pick up later to return to Lahaina. We were actually going to Whaler's Village next to the beach. On a previous cruise we did catch the bus (in Lahaina, the stop is outside the back of the Cinema Wharf Mall), but it was pretty crowded.

[travelbugforever]

Thank you.

[PNW Traveler]

There is no guarantee of very calm surf. Surf levels are just weather dependent. Summer levels are generally calmer than winter, but of course, can vary. Depending on the day of the week and the surf levels, the parking lots may fill early in the day. There is always overflow parking and parking on the side of the road. Regarding sand - Kauai really doesn't have the extra fine sand typical of Florida gulf or Caribbean type beaches, sometimes known as "sugar sand." The texture varies based on location, wave action and local coral. Regarding beach choices - another choice on the north shore is Anini Beach Park, a long beach with options for shade under the shoreline trees. It will be busy with local families on weekends. Two other choices for calm surf are Lydgate Park on the east shore Coconut Coast and Baby Beach near Poipu.

Beach umbrellas work sometimes, but Hawaii has it's "trade winds" and beaches can be breezy, making umbrellas and large sunhats a bit of a challenge. You'll find the locals under the shade trees, not using beach umbrellas.

I've included a link to a rather good list of beach parks.

http://www.gohawaii.com/en/kauai/guidebook/topics/beaches-of-kauai/

[travelbugforever]

Thank you for all this helpful information. I also like the website you directed me to. It's just what I need!

[PNW Traveler]

Thank you for all this helpful information. I also like the website you directed me to. It's just what I need!

 

You're welcome! Have a great day at the beach.