Lumahai Beach Park at a Glance
Lumahai Beach Park’s claim to fame is in the 1957 film
South Pacific. The beach is where Mitzi Gaynor “washed
that man right out of her hair.” Partly because of this
history and partly because of the beach’s picturesque
beauty, Lumahai Beach Park has become one of the most
photographed beaches on Kauai. Located around the bend
of Hanalei Bay, this crescent-shaped beach with a
white-sand shoreline is nearly a mile (1.6 km) long and several
hundred feet wide. Vegetated lava cliffs provide a
vibrant green backdrop.
While Lumahai Beach appears serene on the outset, there
are dangers that lurk in its depths. The beach has
no protective reef, making the coast totally exposed to
the open ocean. Rip currents, powerful backwash, hard
shore breaks and huge powerful waves make it one of the most
dangerous beaches on Kauai. On summer days though, the
Hanalei (eastern) end of the beach is calm enough to
allow swimming. Throughout the year, the western
end attracts surfers and bodyboarders, but if you’re not
an expert at riding Hawaiian waves, the waves are
certainly not friendly. Drownings and near-drownings have occurred here in the past.
Lumahai Beach Park is approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km) west from
Princeville on the north shore. There are two ways to access the beach
park. One is to hike around the cliffs from a roadside
parking lot. The second access is located at the Lumahai
Bridge a few more miles up the highway. Because of
the difficulty involved in accessing the beach and
because of the limited activities offered by the beach,
it is almost always empty. If you want miles of quiet
and sheer beauty all to yourself, this is the place to
visit. The beach is great for picnicking or beachwalking.
Lumahai Beach Park in Bullet Points
- Beautiful tropical scenery
- Sandy beach and shady areas
- Challenging waves good for expert surfers only
- Swimming is not safe here on most days of the year
Lumahai Beach Park Facilities (top)
- No facilities
- No lifeguards
Lumahai Beach Park Water Activities
- Surfing
(for experts only)
- Swimming (during calm ocean conditions only)
Lumahai Beach Park Driving Directions / Location
Take Highway 560 (Kuhio Highway). Halfway between Mile
Marker 5 and 6 is Lumahai. Park at the lookout at Mile
Marker 5, then hike to the beach following the trail.
You can also park at the western of the beach a little
past Mile Marker 5 and just before you get to Lumahai
River.
Address: Highway 56, Kauai, Hawaii 96714
Lumahai Beach Park Map (top)
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Lumahai Beach Park Weather (top)
Now
73°F
Windchill:
73°F
Mostly Cloudy
|
Location: Hanalei, HI, US
Wind: 15 mph NE
Humidity: 78%
Visibility: 0.09 mi
Pressure: 30.11 in steady
Sunrise: 6:46 am
Sunset: 6:46 pm
|
Mon
Hi: 77°F
Low: 61°F
Showers
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Tue
Hi: 81°F
Low: 60°F
Scattered Showers
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Lumahai Beach Park Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Lumahai 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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