Lumaha'i Beach
Lumaha'i Beach, Kauai
Lumaha'i Beach was made famous in the 1957 movie South Pacific. The beach is where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of her hair." Partly because of this history and partly because of its picturesque scenery, Lumahai has become one of the most photographed beaches on Kauai. Located just past Hanalei, this scenic beach is nearly a mile long and several hundred feet wide. Vegetated lava cliffs provide a vibrant backdrop.
While Lumaha'i Beach appears serene, there are dangers that lurk in its depths. The beach has no protective reef, making the coast totally exposed to the open ocean. Rip currents, powerful backwash, strong shorebreaks and high surf make it one of the most dangerous beaches on Kauai. On calm summer days, the Kahalahala (eastern) end of the beach may be calm enough to allow swimming.
Throughout the year, the western end attracts surfers and bodyboarders, but if you're not an expert at riding Hawaiian waves, the waves are certainly not friendly. Drownings and near-drownings have occurred here in the past. The beach is more suitable for a picnic or beach stroll.
Lumaha'i Beach Overview
- Wide sandy beach with shady areas
- Challenging waves for expert surfers only
- Swimming is not safe here on most days of the year
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Location:
Kuhio Highway (Hwy 560) Hanalei, HI 96714
Directions: Located about 2 miles (3.2 km) past Hanalei on Kauai's north shore. The first (east) section of Lumahai Beach (also known as Kahalahala) is just before mile marker 5. Park at the lookout and walk down the trail that leads to the beach (100 foot down). There are only a few small pullouts next to the highway, so you may not be able to find a parking spot here. To access the larger western section of Lumahai Beach, drive past mile marker 5 and look for the parking area just before the Lumahai River. There is a dirt parking area next to the highway. It is larger than the small pullouts at the other section of Lumahai Beach, but it can still get busy here on weekends or the peak tourist seasons.
- No facilities
- No lifeguards
- Surfing (for experts only)
- Swimming (best at Kahalahala section and on very calm days only)
Kahalahala section of Lumaha'i Beach
The two parts of Lumaha'i Beach
Powerful waves
Sunny day on the beach
Waves wash over rocks
North shore Kauai
Strong shorebreak
Beach is backed by trees
Dangerous shorebreak
Looking east
Lumaha'i River flowing into the ocean
West end of Lumaha'i Beach
Wide stretch of sand
Shady spot with ocean view
View to the Kahalahala portion of the beach
Scenic place
Lookout point near Lumaha'i Beach
