For many Kauai vacation rental guests, this long and narrow stretch of sand offers seclusion combined with a unique and picturesque seascape on the North Shore. It has held a different experience for generations of Hawaiian families who have come here to harvest Limu kohu (seaweed). During summer or when the surf is flat, Kauai snorkeling enthusiasts are attracted to its beautiful inner reef. Whatever your purpose, you can stay close to Larsen’s Beach when you book our latest Kauai Cottage, “House of the Heavenly Sea,” at Hale Kai Kalani.
You will find Larsen’s Beach on the way to Moloa`a Bay. Both Kauai beaches offer a diverse experience that you can enjoy on the same day. While Moloa`a Bay is surrounded by a residential neighborhood and has easy beach access, Larsen’s Beach is more rural and requires a short but steep hike down a bluff. In past years there was a Kauai hiking trail that connected both beaches but that path is no longer maintained.
History of Larsen’s Beach.
Also known as Ka`aka`aniu Beach, it is named after Laruentsius David Larsen whose home stood behind the beach’s shoreline. Larsen was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1886. His family immigrated to the United States in 1892 and after he graduated from college, Larsen came to Honolulu to work as a plant pathologist. In 1918 he became the manager on Kauai of the Kilauea Sugar Plantation Company. Larsen is credited with discovering means of increasing the yield and decreasing production costs on Hawaii sugar plantations. During his career he also did important research on pineapple diseases in Hawaii.
Kauai Beach Tips at Larsen’s.
Bring closed toe shoes for the hike down. Use caution if the trail is damp. Keep valuables stored and locked in your trunk. This beach is exposed to an east swell and no lifeguard is on duty. If the surf is up, it is better to enjoy the beauty from the shore. You may want to pack a picnic lunch and relax under a kiawe tree.
Directions to Larsen’s Beach.
Exit from Highway 56 at Moloa`a Sunrise Juice Bar. Follow Koolau Road and pass Moloa`a Road. Continue your way uphill and then look for a dirt road on your right with a pipe that says, “beach access.” Drive .9 miles to the end of the dirt road and park.
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.