Hideaways Beach (Pali Ke Kua)

Hideaways Beach, also known as Pali Ke Kua Beach, is a small Princeville cove with a steep public trail, reef snorkeling on calm days and very limited parking.

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Hideaways Beach (Pali Ke Kua Beach), Kauai

Kauai has a number of secret gems and the appropriately named Hideaways Beach is one of them. It can be accessed only after a difficult climb down a very steep path. You'll have to hold on to the metal poles and ropes that have been put there as a security measure. The trail is not suitable for people who are afraid of heights (next to the trail the cliff drops off sharply) or for small children or for people with physical limitations.

There are actually two access trails to the hidden beach - the concrete pathway that leads down the cliff, which is reserved for guests of the Pali Ke Kua condominiums and which leads to the east section of the beach, and the public right-of-way trail, which is much more difficult and leads to the west section of the beach. The first section of the public trail has steep steps with a railing and after that the trail is a dirt path, which can be slippery and dangerous when wet. It takes about 10 minutes to walk (or better said, to climb) down to the beach. Also, watch out for mosquitoes. There are plenty of them on the trail.

Hideaways Beach is crescent shaped and the large, grainy sand is a golden yellow where sea turtles can often be seen. Trees provide plenty of shade. Just 300 feet (90 m) long, the beach provides an intimate and secret feel. For those who know its beauty, the trek down to the beach is definitely worth it.

Swimming isn't the best here because of the rocky ocean bottom, but the snorkeling conditions are good when the waters are calm. When the surf is up, the water can be murky and rip currents can form. Winter swells also tend to swallow up the narrow shoreline. There are no facilities at the beach.

Key Features

Small Princeville cove below the Pali Ke Kua area
Steep public trail has steps, ropes and slippery sections after rain
Very limited public parking near Ka Haku Road fills quickly
Reef snorkeling is only for calm, clear ocean days
Winter surf can cover much of the narrow shoreline
Rip currents can form when the ocean is rough or murky
No lifeguards, restrooms or showers are available at the beach
Tree shade and cliff scenery give the cove a tucked-away north shore setting
The trail makes the beach difficult for many visitors with small children
Hideaways is mainly for careful beach time, scenery and calm-day snorkeling

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the trail to Hideaways Beach?

The trail is short but steep, narrow and uneven, with ropes and steps in places. Visitors should be comfortable climbing down and back up before heading to the beach.

Why does parking fill so quickly?

The public lot near the trailhead has only a small number of spaces, and it also serves nearby shoreline entry points. Earlier arrival gives visitors the best chance of finding a legal spot.

What happens to the beach in winter?

North shore winter surf can make the water rough, create rip currents and cover much of the narrow shoreline. Visitors should skip the water when surf is up.

Is Hideaways Beach a good choice for small children?

The steep trail, limited space and changing ocean conditions make this beach difficult for many families with small children.

What should visitors bring to Hideaways Beach?

Visitors should bring drinking water, sunscreen, a small beach bag and shoes or sandals with grip, since there are no beach services and the trail is easier with both hands free.