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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
Kealia Beach Facilities (top)
- No facilities
- No lifeguards
Kealia Beach Water Activities
- Swimming
- Bodyboarding
- Surfing
- Fishing
Kealia Beach Driving Directions / Location
From Kapaa, take Highway 560. Take a right a little past Mile Marker
10. Kealia Beach is north of Kapaa.
Address: Kuhio Highway 56, North of Kapaa, Kealia, Kauai, Hawaii 96751
Kealia Beach Map (top)
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Kealia Beach Weather (top)
Now 71°F Windchill: 71°F
Cloudy
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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
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Wed
Hi: 78°F Low: 58°F
Scattered Showers
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Thu
Hi: 78°F Low: 58°F
Partly Cloudy
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Kealia Beach Photos (click to enlarge) (top)
Kealia 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.
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