Kauai Beach – Donkey
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Donkey Beach (Paliku) on the East Side of Kauai is a good beach for sunbathing, offering plenty of sand and some shade trees. Swimming here can sometimes be dangerous due to strong currents and hard breaking waves. Surfing and bodyboarding are good when conditions are right. The paved bike path also provides easy access and great views from above the beach. This semi-secluded beach is about a 10 minute walk from the parking area.
Back in the 1960s mules and burros were used to haul cane to fields close to the beach and it was dubbed Donkey Beach. At the time, one had to hike across a sugarcane field to get to the beach making it more secluded. But, the parking lot with facilities, and the bike path make it more accessible giving everyone plenty of room to roam and enjoy nature.
Best for sunbathing
Good Surfing
Good Bodyboarding
Not so good for swimming
Not so good for snorkeling
Facilities at parking area
No lifeguards
Directions:
Traveling North from Kapa’a on Highway 56, pass Kealia Beach and go approximately 1.25 miles (about .5 mile after Mile Marker 11) and pull into the parking area. Follow the paved walkway for a ten minute stroll which meets up with the bike path.
Please remember:
When in doubt, don’t go out.
Water Safety Rules found at Kauai Lifeguard Tribute
Kauai Lifeguard Tribute
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Kauai beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, but they are also among the most dangerous because of large waves and strong currents. Lifeguards are stationed at the most popular beaches to provide information and assist you in case of an emergency. They want you to have a safe and enjoyable time at our beaches, so it is far better to recognize that a beach is too dangerous and move to another, than to attempt entering the ocean and risk injury. Because conditions at beaches change quickly, Kauai lifeguards encourage you to follow these rules:
Water Safety Rule #1
The best place to swim is in front of a lifeguard stand. If you choose to enter the water on a secluded beach, no matter how good a swimmer you are, you are making what may be a fatal mistake.
Water Safety Rule #2
Never turn your back on the water, not even for a photograph. Most people who get in trouble never intended to go in.
Water Safety Rule #3
If in doubt, don’t go out. Swimming in front of the strong currents sign is a bad idea, even for a strong, experienced swimmer.
Water Safety Rule #4
Don’t panic. Try to look at it as your own tread-water tour of Kauai. You will eventually be rescued or get pushed ashore.
Kauai Beach – Hideaways
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Hideaways Beach (Pali Ke Kua) is a small, secluded, sandy beach on the North Shore of Kauai. When the surf is calm this is an outstanding beach for swimming and snorkeling with a variety of fish, coral, and an occasional sea turtle.
But first, is the challenge of getting there. To access the beach, locate the foot trail near the small public parking area (seven spaces) and follow the trail between the parking and the tennis courts. The first part of the descent is down a steep rocky stairway with a railing. (Did we mention it was steep.) Then, you will have to negotiate a dirt trail which can be very slippery, but there are usually ropes to assisted you. Your reward near the end of this ‘hike’ is a breathtaking look down onto the beach. The beach is actually two short, golden yellow, course sand beaches separated by a rock outcropping. Shady trees ring the beach. Just 100 yards long, Hideaways provides an intimate and secret feel.
Secluded sandy beach
Good swimming
Good snorkeling
Some shade trees
No facilities
No lifeguards
10 minute hike
Directions:
Take Highway 56 North to Princeville. Turn right on Ka Haku Road (with water fountain). Go to the end of the road to the St Regis Hotel. Parking is on the right just before their gate house. The trail starts between the parking area and tennis courts.
Please remember:
When in doubt, don’t go out.
Water Safety Rules found at Kauai Lifeguard Tribute
