Wailua Beach Photos
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Wailua Beach, Kauai
Wailua Beach is a wind-swept, white-sand beach located at the mouth of the Wailua River on Kauai’s Coconut Coast (east shore). This beach is 100 feet (30 m) wide and half-a-mile (800 m) long; it encompasses the Wailua River State Park and Wailua Bay.
With no protective reef to protect the beach against the open ocean and the strong tradewinds, the swells are always large – all the reason why surfers, and bodyboarders love Wailua Beach. This is despite the fact that the water tends to be murky because of the river water entering the ocean here.
Due to its poor water quality and exposure to open ocean, Wailua Beach makes poor swimming conditions and is not a beach for novices. Also, the river and the ocean are always clashing, creating nasty rip tides, dangerous shorebreaks and strong and treacherous currents.
Even though the beach is not good for swimming or snorkeling, many local families are seen picnicking under the Wailua Bridge located near the mouth of the river. Wailua River in itself offers many activities. During summer, outrigger canoe races are held here. Waterskiing boats, kayak equipment and hiking expeditions up the Wailua River are also offered by nearby rental services.
Located at the river's mouth (on the southern end of the beach) are several historical sites, including Hawaiian temples and petroglyphs believed to be carved by the very first Polynesians who arrived in Hawaii. The very first Polynesians are believed to have landed in Wailua Bay.
Wailua Beach Overview
- A wide beach
- Water is murky
- Located at the mouth of Wailua River
- Not good for swimming, snorkeling and novice surfing
- Located near historical sites
Location: 56 Kuhio Highway, Kauai, Hawaii 96746 Directions: Take Highway 560 (Kuhio Highway). A little past the intersecting Highway 580 (Kuamoo Road) is the now-closed Coco Palms Resort; Wailua Beach is across the street. To park, take a left into the Wailua River State Park. You can also park on Papaloa Road behind the Shell station if you want to access the beach from its northern end.
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