Donkey Beach at a Glance
Some years back, Donkey Beach on Kauai's east shore was considered one of the
best nudist or topless or clothing optional beaches. But
even then, the beach wasn’t great for swimming, but it
was popular among sunbathers who wanted it au naturel.
The beach’s secluded location made it a perfect spot for
nudist or clothing optional visitors. To get to the
beach, one had to take a hike across a sugarcane field.
Earlier owners permitted people to cut through the field
to the beach.
As Donkey Beach’s fame went far and wide and the
sugarcane field got new owners (who happened to be land
developers) who did not want to displease high-end
clients, anti-nudity laws were upped. The new owners
also hired security guards to prevent trespassers.
Today, Donkey Beach continues to be visited as a good
beach for sunbathing. It is not excellent for swimming
or snorkeling since the water is choppy and rough, but
where conditions are good, surfers and bodyboarders can
be seen at the beach. Because of its popularity, Donkey
Beach is no longer as secluded as it had been years ago.
The beach has been referred to as Donkey Beach for a
long time. Most people don’t know that its official name
is Paliku. It was nicknamed Donkey Beach after the
donkeys and mules that were herded in a pasture located
next to the beach. The donkeys were owned by the Lihue
Plantation Company and were used to tow bundles of seed
cane.
Donkey Beach in Bullet Points
- Used to be a nudist beach
- Best for sunbathing
- Official name is Paliku
- Water conditions are not so good for swimming or
snorkeling
Donkey Beach Facilities (top)
Donkey Beach Water Activities
- Sunbathing
- Surfing
- Bodyboarding
Donkey Beach Driving Directions / Location
Coming from Kapa'a, take Highway 56. Park at about a
half mile away from Mile Marker 11. Donkey Beach is
approximately 10 minutes away.
Address: Kuhio Highway, Mile Marker 11 Kauai, Hawaii
Donkey Beach Map (top)
Loading...
Donkey Beach Weather (top)
Now
74°F
Windchill:
74°F
Partly Cloudy
|
Location: Kealia, HI, US
Wind: 20 mph N
Humidity: 55%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.08 in falling
Sunrise: 6:43 am
Sunset: 6:47 pm
|
Thu
Hi: 76°F
Low: 58°F
Partly Cloudy
|
Fri
Hi: 77°F
Low: 59°F
Showers
|
Donkey Beach Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Donkey Beach Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
|
