Wainiha Beach Park

Wainiha Beach Park is a rugged Kauai north shore beach near the Wainiha River mouth, known for fishing, surfing, wild scenery and unsafe swimming conditions.

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Wainiha Beach Park

Wainiha Beach Park, Kauai

Wainiha means "unfriendly water" in the Hawaiian language. Wainiha Beach is one of the few Kauai beaches that is off limits to swimming at all times of the year. The beach has no reef to shelter it from large ocean swells. Anyone who dives into the ocean here has to deal with dangerous rip currents, a powerful backwash and strong shorebreak. A few drownings and near-drownings have happened here in the past.

Wainiha River flows into the ocean at the eastern end of the beach. The nearshore water tends to be murky from the silt deposited by the river. When the conditions are right, surfers can be seen on the river side of the bay riding a break.

Key Features

North shore setting: Rugged beach between Hanalei and Ha'ena
River-mouth location: Wainiha River enters the ocean nearby
Unsafe swimming: Strong currents, backwash and shorebreak are common
No reef protection: Large swells can reach the shoreline
Fishing spot: Shoreline fishing is one of the main beach uses
Experienced surf only: Surfing may happen when conditions are right
Wave watching: Better for viewing from shore than entering the water

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Wainiha Beach Park located?

Wainiha Beach Park is located along Kuhio Highway between mile markers 6 and 7 on Kauai's north shore, between Hanalei and Ha'ena.

Is Wainiha Beach Park safe for swimming?

No. Wainiha Beach is unsafe for swimming year-round because of rip currents, powerful backwash, strong shorebreak and no reef protection.

Are there lifeguards at Wainiha Beach Park?

No. There are no lifeguards at Wainiha Beach Park.

What can you do at Wainiha Beach Park?

Common activities include fishing, photography, wave watching and surfing for experienced surfers when conditions are right. Most visitors should stay out of the water.

What facilities are available at Wainiha Beach Park?

There are no facilities and no lifeguards at Wainiha Beach Park.