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Review of kauai beaches including sand, snorkelling, swimming and kauai beach resorts in Poipu, Lihue, Wailua, Kapaa and Princeville to Hanalei.
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Kauai beach locations are undoubtedly the most breath-taking in the State. This smallest but oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands has a valued reputation for adventure, eco tourism and great sightseeing.
In relation to the size of its coastline, there are more beaches on Kauai than any other Hawaiian Island. There are lovely stretches of sand along the entire west coast, at Poipu on the south coast and between Princeville and the Na Pali mountains on the north coast. However, the surrounding scenery, which in places is absolutely stunning, and swimming conditions make all the difference when selecting your beach destination.
The highest concentration of beach resorts is at Poipu, along the sunny South Coast. Accommodation here sits side by side along the three miles of sandy coastline which in places is broken by large rocky outcrops. There are lots of vacation rentals at the west end of Poipu, beyond which is the spectacular blowholes, a major tourist pull. A few small hotels and some vacation rentals can be found around historic Waimea Town. This is the access point to the unusual Waimea Canyon, with stunning vistas and lots of hiking trails.
More affordable accommodation can be found along the East Coast in the seaside towns of Lihue, Wailua and Kapa'a. Lihue Town is set inland, but the popular beach area has fine sand alongside a protected harbour with safe swimming year round, some surfing breaks at the harbour mouth, and several world championship courses along the wild coastline beyond the beach. To the north of Lihue lots of accommodation can be found between the small towns of Wailua and Kapa'a, an area referred to as the Royal Coconut Coast for it was the main residence of the ancient Hawaiians and in early European times, was a large coconut plantation. Here there are some fine archaeological sites alongside the river valley and waterfalls to explore by kayak. The beaches here are OK, but often not good for swimming due to rough seas and dangerous currents.
The charming town of Hanalei along the rain-forest North Coast with its adjacent purpose built resort village of Princeville back into some of the islands most breathtaking wilderness and has lovely remote beaches along a winding coastal road and several excellent places for snorkelling. Hanalei has several small hotels and lots of vacation rentals and bed and breakfast guesthouses. The extremely beautiful Na Pali coastline is accessible from here, with one of the best hiking trails in the State winding its way through rainforest alongside the steep cliffs. Sailing charters and helicopter sightseeing of the otherwise inaccessible Na Pali Coast is Kauai's most popular tourist attraction.
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