Kauai Beach Guide

Papa'a Bay

Papa'a Bay is a secluded northeast Kauai beach near Kilauea, with white sand, shallow reef scenery, movie history, a public trail and no lifeguards.

Plan Your Visit

Papa'a Bay, Kauai

If you have seen the action adventure movie Six Days, Seven Nights starring Harrison Ford and Anne Heche, you may recognize this beach, since it was the setting for the plane crash scene. Movie producer Peter Guber found Papa'a Bay so picturesque that he purchased all 174 acres surrounding the bay and built a large luxury oceanfront estate, which he called Tara.

In November 2009, the property was sold for a record sum of $28 million, the highest price ever paid for an existing home on Kauai. The estate had been listed for sale since 2004 with an asking price of $46 million.

There have been access issues to Papa'a Bay in the past, and even a few arrests were made because people were allegedly trespassing through private property. The existing public access trail to the bay involves a 5-10 minute hike across a somewhat steep hill and through the brush and about 100 yards of boulder-hopping.

Key Features

Secluded northeast Kauai bay near Kilauea and Moloa'a Bay
Reached by public trail through an area with nearby private property
White sand, shallow reef scenery and green coastal backdrops shape the beach
No lifeguards, restrooms, showers or drinking water are available
Calm days may allow careful nearshore water time, but conditions can change quickly
Winter surf, currents and reef make swimming and snorkeling unsafe on many days
Papa'a Bay appears in the movie Six Days, Seven Nights
Limited parking and trail entry keep the beach quieter than easier shoreline areas
Visitors should stay on the public route and respect signs, fences and nearby homes
Papa'a Bay is mainly for scenery, photos, careful beach walks and quiet shoreline time

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do visitors reach Papa'a Bay?

Visitors reach the beach by public trail. The surrounding area includes private land, so stay on the public route and respect signs, fences and homes nearby.

Was Papa'a Bay in a movie?

Yes. Papa'a Bay appears in the movie Six Days, Seven Nights, which is one reason the secluded bay is familiar to some film fans.

Can visitors swim at Papa'a Bay?

Only consider the water when the ocean is calm and clear. There are no lifeguards, and surf, currents and reef can make the bay unsafe.

What should visitors know about the reef?

Shallow reef and rocky bottom sit close to shore in places. Visitors should avoid standing on coral and move slowly if they enter the water.

Why is Papa'a Bay quieter than many Kauai beaches?

The trail entry, limited roadside parking and lack of facilities keep casual beach traffic lower than at easier beach parks.