Four Kauai beaches in or around Waimea town offer a choice of black sand beauty, popular spots for Kauai surfing, the remains of a Russian Fort and a five acre county park. This gateway community to Waimea Canyon also has unique places for our Kauai vacation rental guests to shop. You can enjoy many Kauai activities here during your visit. The Kauai beaches below are presented in the order that you will find them on your West Kauai adventure.
Pakala Beach: The main draw is surfing and watching the sport from the shore. Pakala Beach is also named Infinities because of the endless waves. Sunset is a wonderful time to come here for a romantic Kauai picnic. Located two miles before Waimea at Mile Marker 21. Park off the highway and follow the well worn pathway and small bridge to the beach. You will know “surf’s up” by the number of cars you see.
Facilities: None.
Fort Elizabeth State Park: Located at the entrance to Waimea before the bridge, the fort dates from 1817 when a German doctor, George Anton Scheffer, built it in the name of Czar Nicholas of Russia. The Czar never warmed to the idea and withdrew official support. For a time, Kauai’s King Kaumuali`i continued to fly the Russian flag in perhaps a subtle attempt to play one foreign power against the other. From here you have a commanding view of Waimea Bay. You can also linger along its black sand beach at the end of the dirt road.
Facilities: Restrooms and Showers.
Lucy Wright Beach Park: This is where Captain James Cook first stepped foot on the Hawaiian Islands back in 1778. It is now a five-acre county park and popular with Kauai families. You can swim when the water is clear. Often it is murky because this is where the Waimea River flows into the ocean. Many just enjoy walking along its beach of black, white and green sand. Turn left on Alawai Road to find the beach.
Facilities: Picnic, Camping, Pavilion and Restrooms.
Waimea State Recreational Pier: Mainly used for fishing and crabbing, this Westside contender to Hanalei Pier is a great place to watch the Kauai sunset. Walk along its black sand beach while you are here and look out towards the Island of Ni`ihau. Prior to 1930 this was an important port-of-call for whaling and Inter-Island steam ships competing with Koloa Landing. To reach the pier turn on Moana Road from Kaumuali`i Highway.
Facilities: Restrooms, Picnic Areas and Drinking Water.
After visiting any of these Kauai beaches, be sure to leave a comment with your tips and recommendations.
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