Secret Beach

Secret Beach, also called Kauapea Beach, is a long north Kauai beach near Kilauea, with cliff views, a steep trail, strong surf and no lifeguards.

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Secret Beach

Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach), Kauai

Also known as Kauapea Beach, Secret Beach is not exactly secret, but it takes a bit more effort to get to it. This fact keeps visitors limited. No road leads to it, but a 10-15-minute hike gets you here. But it is definitely worth a visit because it is one of Kauai's most scenic beaches.

Secret Beach is backed by red and black sea cliffs and lush vegetation. It stretches for 3,000 feet (915 m) and to the east offers nice views of Kilauea Lighthouse and Moku'ae'ae Island, a bird sanctuary. To the west, about a quarter mile beyond the west end of the beach, is a sizable waterfall that plunges about 15 feet (4.5 m) into the ocean. Also, there are a few other smaller waterfalls along the beach.

The ocean bottom is mostly sandy and moderately steep. However, the swimming conditions vary. In the summer months when the ocean is usually calmer, swimming is possible here, but can be dangerous even then. Strong currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm, and there are no lifeguards stationed here, so be careful. In the winter months, don't think about swimming here.

The trail to the beach is a bit steep and winds through brush. It is slippery on rainy days. Some people prefer to hike it barefooted because of the reddish clay that is difficult to remove from shoes and clothing. Alternatively, you can wear neoprene boots or other water shoes that are easy to wash off.

Key Features

Long north Kauai beach near Kilauea
Also known by the Hawaiian place name Kauapea Beach
Reached by a steep trail that can be muddy after rain
No lifeguards, restrooms, showers or drinking water are available
Swimming is often unsafe because of surf, currents and shorebreak
Long sand and cliff views make the beach popular for walking and photos
Limited parking near the trailhead can fill quickly
Parts of the beach have a clothing-optional reputation, but public nudity is not legal in Hawaii
Distant views toward the Kilauea Lighthouse area may be visible from the shoreline
Secret Beach is mainly for walking, scenery, sunset light and careful ocean awareness

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Secret Beach also called Kauapea Beach?

Kauapea is the Hawaiian place name for this long north shore beach, while Secret Beach is the common nickname used by many visitors.

How difficult is the trail to Secret Beach?

The trail is short but steep, uneven and often muddy after rain. The walk back up can be harder than the walk down, especially in the afternoon heat.

Can visitors swim at Secret Beach?

Swimming is often unsafe. The beach has no lifeguards, and north shore surf, current and shorebreak can make the water dangerous.

Is Secret Beach clothing-optional?

Some people have treated remote parts of the beach that way over the years, but public nudity is not legal in Hawaii. Visitors should follow state law and respect families nearby.

What views can visitors see from Secret Beach?

The beach has long sand, cliffs, open north shore water and distant views toward the Kilauea Lighthouse area, especially clear from parts of the shoreline.