Kee Beach Park at a Glance
Ke’e (pronounced Kay-ay) means “avoidance” in Hawaiian.
However, the beach is far from being avoided by people.
In fact, Ke’e Beach Park is one of the most popular
beaches on Kauai.
Ke’e Beach has beautiful reddish-golden sand. The beach
marks the end of Highway 50 and the beginning of the
enchanting Na Pali Coast. Fronting the beach is a white
shoreline with coconut palms, and ironwood and guava
trees make for a nice backdrop.
Backpackers and hikers often stop at the beach to take
the head trail for the 11-mile Kalalau Trail located
near the beach’s parking lot. Another path leads to the
Ke Ahu o Laka hula platform and the Kauluapaoa Heiau , a
stone temple dedicated to the goddess of hula, named
Laka.
But those attractions are not the biggest reason why
Ke’e Beach is always overcrowded. Nor is the reason
because Ke’e Beach has been featured on The Thornbirds.
Ke’e Beach is sought for its water that equals none in
clarity: it is the most popular snorkeling spot on the
northern coast of Kauai.
Protected by a reef running parallel to the shore and
extends to the shore protects the lagoon from big ocean
swells, the reef lagoon is always calm. Under the sea,
wrasses, goatfishes, convictfish, butterfly fish, and
other reef fishes swim in abundance. Its shallow and
sandy further makes it a beach for the whole family.
Swimmers should avoid the reef channel located east of
Ke’e. The channel connects the lagoon to the ocean. When
surf breaks on the reef, dangerous rip currents are
formed. Rips can sweep you from the lagoon to the open
ocean or to the Na Pali Coast where there are plenty of
undertows and sudden drops. Plus, there are no
lifeguards.
Summer months are the best time to snorkel or swim Ke’e
Beach. During winter months, high surfs can smash right
over the reef into the lagoon; they make the water not
only murkier, but also dangerous.
Kee Beach Park in Bullet Points
- White sandy beach with crystal clear water
- Safe swimming and snorkeling beach
- Great surrounding tropical scenery
- Many shady areas make the beach park perfect for
picnic
Kee Beach Park Facilities (top)
- Restrooms
- Picnic facilities
- Drinking water
- Showers
- Shaded parking
Kee Beach Park Water Activities
- Swimming
-
Snorkeling
-
Diving
- Windsurfing
- Surfing
- Fishing
Kee Beach Park Driving Directions / Location
Take Highway 560 heading to Hanalei. Drive past Hanalei
all the way to the end of the road. Ke’e Beach Park is
at the end of the road.
Address: Foot of the Na Pali Coast Trail
Kauai, (end of the road, North Shore), HI 96722
Kee Beach Park Map (top)
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Kee Beach Park Weather (top)
Now
76°F
Windchill:
76°F
Partly Cloudy
|
Location: Hanalei, HI, US
Wind: 16 mph NE
Humidity: 74%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.1 in rising
Sunrise: 6:52 am
Sunset: 5:53 pm
|
Fri
Hi: 82°F
Low: 66°F
Scattered Showers
|
Sat
Hi: 84°F
Low: 66°F
Scattered Showers
|
Kee Beach Park Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Kee Beach Park 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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