Lydgate Beach Park, Kauai

Overview | Facilities | Map | Weather | Photos | Reviews

Lydgate Beach Park at a Glance

Lydgate Beach Park is one of the most popular beach parks on Kauai, located on the island's east coast. The beach park's main attraction is the large, double-sections lagoon that is protected from ocean swells by an artificial reef. The reef was built by local volunteers in the 1970s using huge boulders. The lagoon is divided into an inner and an outer lagoon by two man-made rock walls. The inner lagoon is shallow and ideal for children, while the outer lagoon is deeper and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A lifeguard tower overlooks both pools.

Lydgate Beach Park is a beach for the whole family. It also attracts nearly every type of beachgoer including campers, surfers, picnickers, snorkelers, windsurfers (when wind conditions are favorable) and beachcombers. However, Lydgate doesn’t make great surfing and bodyboarding as sandbars are not consistent. The artificial barriers also ensure that the beach maintains tame, small waves.

While water activities inside the lagoons are generally safe, any activity outside of the lagoon is not. The ocean is unpredictable, so venturing outside the breakwater might lead you to becoming one of the statistics of people who drowned here. Swimmers are also advised to stay far from the slippery boulders especially during high wave season.

Lydgate Beach Park has a grass field where locals are often seen flying kites or playing frisbee. South of the lagoons is the famed 16,000-foot (1,486 sq. m) Kalamani Playground, which was built by 7000 local volunteers in 1994. Further south is a second playground called Kalamani Kai Bridge. The bridge was designed by local keikis (children) themselves. To reach the playground, you can bike or walk down the 2.5 mile (4 km) pedestrian and bicycle path running along the coast.

North of the lagoon are several religious and historical sites including the remains of the Hikina Akala Heiau, a Hawaiian temple that dates as far back as 800 A.D. Next to the the heiau are the remains of Hauola, a sanctuary for Hawaiians who have broken a taboo.

Lydgate Beach Park was named after Rev. John Lydgate, a civic leader and former church pastor of Lihue Union Church and Koloa Church. It is located near the mouth of Wailua River on Leho Drive. This huge and wide beach has been used as the setting for a number of films such as Diamond Head and Blue Hawaii.

Lydgate Beach Park in Bullet Points

• Large family beach
• A double-sectioned lagoon, one ideal for children and one for adults
• Protected by an artificial reef barrier
• Has a 16,000 square-foot (1,486 sq. m) playground
• Has a pedestrian and bicycle path

Lydgate Beach Park Facilities (top)

• Showers
• Restrooms
• Lifeguards
• Playground
• Picnic tables
• Parking

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Windsurfing
• Picnicking
• Beachcombing
• Camping

Address: Nalu Road, Uninc Kauai County, Hawaii 96746

Lydgate Beach Park Map (top)

Lydgate Beach Park Weather (top)

Now 67°F Windchill: 67°F Cloudy

Location: Kapaa, HI, US Wind: 16 mph N Humidity: 63% Visibility: 0.1 mi Pressure: 30.11 in falling Sunrise: 6:41 am Sunset: 6:48 pm

Sat Hi: 75°F Low: 65°F Scattered Showers/Wind

Sun Hi: 75°F Low: 68°F Scattered Showers

Lydgate Beach Park Photos (click to enlarge) (top)

Lydgate Beach Park 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.