Nukoli'i Beach Park
Nukoli'i Beach Park is the longest stretch of beach on Kauai's east shore, offering two miles of golden sand and peaceful surroundings. Located near the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort and Wailua Golf Course, it's a great spot for beachcombing, fishing, and relaxing in solitude. While not ideal for swimming due to rocky bottom and strong currents, it's perfect for long walks and shoreline exploration.
Nukoli'i Beach Park, Kauai
Nukoli'i Beach Park, with its 2 miles (3.2 km) of white-sand shoreline, is the longest beach on Kauai's east shore. It starts from where Lydgate Beach Park ends and spans the area fronting the Wailua Golf Course and the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort. The beach provides poor swimming conditions because of surf and currents and because the bottom is rocky and shallow.
However, Nukoli'i Beach offers good snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing opportunities when the ocean is calm. Offshore, a reef provides shelter from waves, but not during the high surf season. Always monitor surf conditions before wading in. There is no lifeguard, so better stay out of the water particularly during the winter months.
Nukoli'i Beach is sometimes referred to as Kauai Beach and sometimes as Kawailoa Beach. This is one of those Kauai beaches that never gets crowded. Most of the time it is rather deserted. Surfers can sometimes be seen here to ride the surf break called Graveyards, while beachcombers find plenty of room and shady spots for a picnic.
In the 1970s, Nukoli'i Beach Park was the last beach between Lihue and Kapa'a to be developed. After years of controversies and political disputes between the county and Committee to Save Nukoli'i, a citizen's group, Nukoli'i was finally developed in 1986 as a beach park complete with facilities. That same year, the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort fronting the beach also opened.
Key Features of Nukoli'i Beach Park
- Longest beach on the east shore: Stretching for 2 miles, Nukoli'i is ideal for quiet walks and coastal views.
- Limited swimming options: The ocean is rocky and currents can be strong; swimming is best near the golf course during calm days only.
- Good for fishing and snorkeling: Calm ocean days provide fair opportunities for fishing and water exploration.
- Rarely crowded: Visitors will often find the beach nearly empty, with plenty of shady picnic areas.
- Historic development: After local disputes, the beach was developed in 1986 alongside the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nukoli'i Beach good for swimming?
Generally no. The beach has strong currents, shallow rocky areas, and no lifeguards. Limited swimming is possible near the golf course on calm days.
Where is Nukoli'i Beach located?
Nukoli'i Beach lies between Lihue and Wailua, fronting the Wailua Golf Course and Hilton Kauai Beach Resort.
Is parking available?
Yes. There are three access points with parking, including one at the end of Kauai Beach Road, which has restrooms and picnic tables.
Is fishing allowed at Nukoli'i Beach?
Yes. The beach is a local fishing spot, particularly when the surf is calm. Reef fish and shoreline species are common.
What else can I do at Nukoli'i Beach?
It's ideal for long beach strolls, quiet picnics, sunbathing, photography, and watching surfers at the Graveyards surf break.