Wailua Beach

Wailua Beach is an east Kauai beach at the Wailua River mouth, with wide sand, surf views, driftwood, rough water and no lifeguards.

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Wailua Beach, Kauai

Wailua Beach is a wind-swept, half-mile long white-sand beach located at the mouth of the Wailua River on Kauai's Coconut Coast (east shore). With no reef to protect the beach against open ocean swells, the surf is usually up – 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 the open ocean, the swimming conditions are poor. Also, the river and the ocean are always clashing, creating strong rip currents and powerful shorebreaks. What the beach is lacking in terms of water activities, Wailua River makes up for it. It's a popular visitor destination. Kayak and boat tours and hiking expeditions up the Wailua River are offered by nearby businesses.

Located at the river's mouth (on the southern end of the beach) are two historical sites, the Hikinaakala Heiau and Hauola City of Refuge.

Key Features

East Kauai beach at the mouth of the Wailua River
Wide sand and open-ocean surf views
River flow can bring murky water and shifting conditions after rain
No lifeguards are stationed at Wailua Beach
Swimming is usually a poor choice because of surf, current and river-mouth water
Driftwood and wave action are common parts of the shoreline scene
Close to Wailua, Kapaa and Kuhio Highway
Nearby Lydgate Beach Park is a better choice for lifeguarded swimming
Wailua Beach is often less busy than larger east shore beach parks
Wailua Beach is mainly for shoreline walks, photos, river-mouth views and surf watching

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shoreline like at Wailua Beach?

Wailua Beach has a broad east shore setting with sand, driftwood, river-mouth scenery and open-ocean surf rather than a protected swimming cove.

Why does the water look different near the river mouth?

The Wailua River can carry sediment and freshwater into the ocean, especially after rain, which can make the nearshore water look brown, cloudy or mixed.

How does Wailua Beach compare with Lydgate Beach Park?

Wailua Beach is more open and river-influenced, while nearby Lydgate Beach Park has rock-walled swimming ponds, lifeguards and a larger public park setting.

Why do photographers stop at Wailua Beach?

The river mouth, driftwood, breaking waves and east shore light give the beach a different look from calmer resort-front beaches nearby.

What is nearby after a quick beach stop?

The beach is close to the Wailua River, Kapaa, Wailua shops and several east-side shoreline stops, making it easy to add to a short drive through the area.