Kealia Beach, Kauai

Overview | Facilities | Map | Weather | Photos | Reviews

Kealia Beach at a Glance

Kealia Beach is a 150-foot (46 m) wide and 0.5-mile (805 m) long sandy beach located on Kauai’s Coconut Coast (east shore). Kealia means “salt bed” or “salt-encrusted area,” a name referring to the traditional Hawaiian method of collecting and drying salt. Kealia Beach has been a site of salt mining for centuries. It is a former plantation town with a sugar mill and a train depot.

While Kealia Beach offers limited swimming because there’s no reef to protect the beach from swells coming from the middle, this means plenty of waves to ride. Additionaly, the beach’s long sand bar constantly provides surf breaks that surfers and bodyboarders love.

The nearshore ocean bottom is a long sand bar with varying depths, creating a steady shore break year-round. Surfers and bodyboarders usually gather at the north end of the beach where the waves are better. However, during times of high surf during the winter and spring the conditions are dangerous due to strong rip currents. In the past, drownings and near-drownings have occurred here.

The northern part of the beach was once used by interisland steam ships that brought supplies for plantations. The remains of the jetty, formerly called Kealia Landing, is still visible from the shoreline. This is area is also best for swimming because the jetty makes for slightly more protected waters.

As with most Kauai beaches, Kealia Beach is subject to changing seasons. During winter months, dangerous waves and strong currents characterize the beach. This beach has no lifeguard, so better stay out of the water if you are not familiar with Hawaiian waves.

Kealia Beach in Bullet Points

• Good bodyboarding and surfing conditions
• Limited swimming, especially during times of high surf
• Former plantation town and salt mining location

• No facilities
• No lifeguards

• Swimming
• Bodyboarding
• Surfing
• Fishing

Address: Kuhio Highway 56, North of Kapaa, Kealia, Kauai, Hawaii 96751

Kealia Beach Map (top)

Kealia Beach Weather (top)

Now 71°F Windchill: 71°F Cloudy

Location: Kealia, HI, US Wind: 14 mph N Humidity: 78% Visibility: 0.1 mi Pressure: 29.99 in falling Sunrise: 6:44 am Sunset: 6:47 pm

Wed Hi: 78°F Low: 58°F Scattered Showers

Thu Hi: 78°F Low: 58°F Partly Cloudy

Kealia Beach Photos (click to enlarge) (top)

Kealia Beach Reviews and Comments (top)

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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.