Salt Pond Beach Park at a Glance
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 in Bullet Points
- 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
Salt Pond Beach Park Facilities
(top)
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Picnic pavilions
- Parking
- Lifeguards
Salt Pond Beach Park Water Activities
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Windsurfing
- Surfing
- Camping
- Picnicking
Salt Pond Beach Park Driving Directions / Location
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.
Address: Lokokai Road, Hwy 50, Hanapepe, Kauai, Hawaii 96716
Salt Pond Beach Park Map (top)
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Salt Pond Beach Park Weather
(top)
Now
79°F
Windchill:
79°F
Fair
|
Location: Hanapepe, HI, US
Wind: 8 mph W
Humidity: 54%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.22 in falling
Sunrise: 6:51 am
Sunset: 6:47 pm
|
Thu
Hi: 77°F
Low: 63°F
Mostly Sunny
|
Fri
Hi: 78°F
Low: 62°F
Sunny
|
Salt Pond Beach Park Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Salt Pond 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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