Kauai Vacation Rentals

For more information, call us at +1 800 325-5701

  • Call
    +1 800 325-5701
  • Chat
    Start Chat
  • Login
  • Search

Kauai Vacation Rentals

by Parrish

  • Text
  • 800-325-5701
  • Chat
  • HOME
  • by COLLECTION
    • North Shore & Eastside
      • Anahola Collection
      • Anini Kilauea Collection
      • Cottage Collection
      • Haena Collection
      • Hanalei Collection
      • Oceanfront Collection
      • Princeville Collection
    • South Shore
      • Cottage Collection
      • Elite Collection
      • Kiahuna Golf Village Collection
      • Kukuiula Collection
      • Oceanfront Collection
      • Poipu Beach Collection
      • Poipu Beach Estates Collection
      • Poipu Kai Collection
    • Speciality
      • Beachfront Collection
      • Extended Stay Collection
      • Family Collection
        • North Shore Family Collection
        • South Shore Family Collection
      • Local Collection
      • Pool Collection
        • North Shore Pool Collection
        • South Shore Pool Collection
      • Promo Collection – Current Special Rates & Deals
      • Romance Collection
  • by PROPERTY
    • North Shore
      • North Shore Homes
        • 2 Bedrooms
        • 3 Bedrooms
        • 4+ Bedrooms
      • North Shore Condos
        • 1 Bedroom
        • 2 Bedrooms
        • 3+ Bedrooms
    • South Shore
      • South Shore Homes
        • 1 Bedroom
        • 2 Bedrooms
        • 3 Bedrooms
        • 4+ Bedrooms
      • South Shore Condos
        • 1 Bedrooms
        • 2 Bedrooms
        • 3+ Bedrooms
    • Eastside
      • Eastside Homes
        • 4 Bedrooms
      • Eastside Condos
        • 2 Bedrooms
  • by RESORT
    • North Shore
      • Emmalani Court at Princeville
      • Hanalei Bay Resort
      • Nihilani at Princeville
      • Pali Ke Kua at Princeville
      • Plantation at Princeville
      • Sealodge at Princeville
      • Villas of Kamalii at Princeville
      • Villas on the Prince at Princeville
    • South Shore
      • Kahala at Poipu Kai
      • Kiahuna Plantation Resort
      • Koloa Landing at Poipu
      • Lawai Beach Resort
      • Makahuena at Poipu
      • Manualoha at Poipu Kai
      • Nihi Kai Villas
      • Pili Mai at Poipu
      • Poipu Crater Resort
      • Poipu Kapili
      • Poipu Makai
      • Poipu Palms
      • Poipu Sands at Poipu Kai
      • Poipu Shores
      • Regency at Poipu Kai
      • The Villas at Poipu Kai
      • Waikomo Stream Villas
      • Whalers Cove
    • Eastside
      • Hale Awapuhi
      • Kaha Lani Resort
  • ELITE
    • South Shore Homes
      • Akahai at Poipu Beach
      • Hale A Kai
      • Hale Ilikai
      • Hale Luana
      • Hale Makai
      • Hale Maluhia Estate at Poipu
      • Hale Naia
      • Honu Kai Villa
      • Kauai Kai
      • Nanea
      • Sandy Beach House
      • Sunset Makai Hale
      • Villa Kailani
    • Kukuiula Makai Cottages
      • Kukuiula Makai Cottage #8
      • Kukuiula Makai Cottage #27
      • Kukuiula Makai Cottage #29
      • Kukuiula Makai Cottage #36
      • Kukuiula Makai Cottage #53
      • Kukuiula Makai Cottage #71
    • North Shore Homes
      • Kapiolani Villa at Princeville
  • CONCIERGE
    • Concierge
      • Grocery Shopping
      • Island Host
      • Private Chef
      • Weddings and Celebrations
    • On-Island
      • Activities
      • 16 Things Not to Do on Kauai
      • Sunscreens That Protect Coral Reefs
    • Travel
      • Hawaiian Airlines
      • Car Rentals
  • ABOUT
    • Kauai
      • Activities
      • Beaches
      • Blog
      • Events
      • Kauai Life
      • Shopping
      • Kauai Videos
      • Weather
      • Webcam
    • Parrish
      • Aloha Vacation Villas
      • Best Rate Guarantee
      • Contact
      • Damage Protection
      • Favorites
      • Honors
      • History
      • Jobs on Kauai
      • Press
        • Hawaii Top Workplaces
        • JP’s Forbes Feature
        • TGI – Local News
      • Press Releases
      • Rental Policies
      • Store
      • Travel Insurance
    • OWNER LOGIN
  • PROMOTIONS
  • to MAUI
  • Login
Kalapaki Beach
Parrish Blog
  • Activities
  • Beaches
  • Concierge
  • Events
  • Kauai
  • Parrish
  • Promotions
  • Shopping

Kalapaki Beach and Lihue Honored in 20 Best Small Towns in America

Take a peek into the history of this Kauai beach that lured the first major oceanfront Kauai resort to its shores. While here on your Kauai vacation, enjoy its graceful half moon of golden sand and majestic views of the Hapu mountain ridge. Only five minutes from the airport, our Kauai vacation rental guests often make this their first or last beach stop. Located in Lihue, this beach is one reason the community was chosen by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America.

Kalapaki Beach History.

Hawaiians lived along its shores and Captain James Cook arrived here in 1778. Princess Ruth Keelikolani later sold most of Kalapaki to William Hyde Rice. A large section became the Lihue Ranch and his residence. Queen Liliuokalani attended a grand luau here in 1891 and during World War II this area survived a shelling. Another notable to grace this beach is legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku who held a swimming demonstration at Nawiliwili. Fast forward to the 1960’s when the first resort opened, the Kauai Surf. It was replaced by the Westin in 1987 and then became the Kauai Mariott in 1995.

Kauai Beach Tips at Kalapaki.

The wave action is gentle at most times with long swells combing the sandy-bottomed beach. Kalapaki is best for swimming and stand up paddling, fair for snorkeling and a great place to try either body surfing or beginning with a board. You can rent beach equipment here, play volleyball, park yourself on a beach towel and find many places to eat from Duke’s Canoe Club to plate lunches and Hawaii Shave Ice.

Lap swimming is best just off shore. On the eastern side near the cliffs you’ll have calmer surf and more chance of seeing fish if you’re looking for Kauai snorkeling options.

Kalapaki Beach Amenities.

Best for: Swimming, surfing, walking and families.

Facilities: Public parking, showers, restrooms, beach rentals and food. No lifeguard.

Tip: Kalapaki Beach is the only place on Kauai where sailboats – Hobie Cats – are available to rent.

Driving Directions to Kalapaki Beach and Parking.

Located three miles from Lihue Airport at the bottom of Rice Street. Two parking options are available. You can drive into the Kauai Marriott entrance and turn right after passing the main building. Follow Shoreline Access signs to the large parking lot. Another option is next to Anchor Cove Mall where limited parking is available. From here you’ll walk across the stream to the sandy beach.

Bookmark our Kauai Beach Explorer to stay current on Kauai beaches and facilities. Watch our Kauai video with important ocean safety information. It’s six minutes of your time that can save your life or that of a loved one.

Filed Under: Kauai Beaches

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Currently Browsing Home » Blog » Kauai Beaches » Kalapaki Beach and Lihue Honored in 20 Best Small Towns in America

Nearby Beaches

Keiki Cove Beach

Keiki Cove – A Favorite Poipu Beach For Kids

Baby Beach - Parrish Kauai

Baby Beach is a Poipu Resort Hidden Gem

Kiahuna Beach at Poipu | A Kauai Family Favorite

12451387 - waves crash onto lumahai beach on kauai hawaii with na pali coast

Lumahai Beach Offers Spectacular Beauty With Each Season

Tunnels Beach Offers Best Snorkeling on Kauai

Kee Beach Is A Kauai Favorite

Kalihiwai Beach

Kalihiwai Beach Starts a Perfect Day on the North Shore Kauai

Anini Beach

Anini Beach Near Princeville Resort Offers Scenic Beauty

Kukuiula Bay - Parrish Kauai

Kukuiula Bay Offers Kauai Beach for Families and Small Boat Harbor

71467922 - man enjoying in his bicycle at poipu beach, kauai island, hawaii

Poipu Beach is One of the Best Kauai Beaches

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • Contact
  • Guest Login
  • Interior Ratings
  • Rental Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 The Parrish Collection Kauai Powered by Atlas

For more information, call us at +1 800 325-5701

Kauai Vacation Rentals