Hideaways Beach, Kauai
Kauai has a number of secret gems and the appropriately named Hideaways Beach (see photos) is one of them. It can be accessed only after a difficult climb down a steep path. The beach is lightly visited. For those who know its beauty, a little trek down is definitely worth it.
There are actually two access trails to the hidden beach - the concrete pathway that leads down the cliff (which is used by guests at the nearby Pali Ke Kua Condominium), and the public right-of-way trail, which is much more difficult. In the beginning it is steep steps with a railing and after that the trail is a dirt path, which can be slippery and even dangerous when wet. It takes about 10 minutes to walk down to the beach.
The beach is crescent shaped and the large, grainy sand is a golden yellow where sea turtles can often be seen. Shady trees ring the beach. Just 300 feet (90 m) long, the beach provides an intimate and secret feel.
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 high, however, the water can be murky and rip currents and pounding shorebreaks form. Winter swells also tend to swallow up the narrow shoreline.
Because of the steep and difficult ascent required to access Hideaways Beach, it is not recommended for young children and people with mobility problems. Also, there are no facilities at the beach.
Hideaways Beach Overview
- Secluded sandy and narrow beach on the North Shore of Kauai, near the Pali Ke Kua Condominiums in Princeville
- Not recommended for small kids and people with mobility problems
- The beach has two beaches separated by rocky outcropping
- Great for swimming and snorkeling when the surf is calm
- Hazardous currents and shorebreak may occur at the beach
- Slippery rocks and sharp coral
- Located below the Princeville Hotel
Location: End of Ka Haku Rd., Princeville, Hawaii 96722 Directions: From Princeville, head to Highway 56. Take a right on Ka Huku Road. Stop a few meters before the Princeville Hotel. The staircase leading to the beach is near the parking lot. The second half of the descent involves a dirt path.
