Salt Pond Beach Park Photos
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Salt Pond Beach Park, Kauai
Salt Pond Beach Park is the only place in Hawaii where salt is still gathered in the traditional Hawaiian way. Salt is produced during dry and extremely hot summer months. First, the salt ponds found at the southern end of the beach are filled with ocean water and are then left to evaporate. What’s left are rock crystals that are then bagged and used for cooking and medicinal purposes. The salt ponds are an important part of Hawaiian culture; you should never step on them whether they’re dry or wet.
Salt Pond Beach Park is a wide, reddish-golden sand pocket beach on Kauai's south shore that is generally safe for swimming all year round. At both ends of the beach are rocky outcrops; a natural rock ridge connects the outcrops, creating a small lagoon. This pool-like area is where families with toddlers usually swim. The beach is usually safe for swimming, except during times of high surf, when rip currents form in the channels between the ridge.
The area in the middle of the beach is unprotected. If you choose to swim in here, stay close to the shore. For snorkeling, the area near the lava rock outcrops - particularly the one near the salt ponds - provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. Moorish idols, goatfish, butterflyfish and unicornfish are some of the underwater creatures that can be ovserved here.
Salt Pond Beach Park offers stable tradewinds conditions as well and windsurfers come to surf here. Surfers, on the other hand, prefer the breaks on the reef. The beach park is also one of the most popular choices of locals for camping in Kauai. Secure a permit from the county before heading to the beach if you plan to camp.
Salt Pond Beach Park Overview
- The only site left where traditional Hawaiian saltmaking is still practiced
- Partially protected by two rocky points and a ridge
- Lagoon is safe for swimming even for kids
- One of the most popular camping sites on Kauai
- Trade winds offer excellent windsurfing conditions
- Good surf spots are near the reef
Location: Lokokai Road, Hwy 50, Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii 96716 Directions: From Hanapepe, drive past the Hanapepe Bridge. Take a left at Lele Road. A sign will direct to Salt Pond at the turnoff. Take a right at Lokokai Road. Continue driving for approximately half a mile; Salt Pond Beach Park is at the end of Lokokai Road.
