Hideaways Beach — Attraction in Kauai

Gorgeous beach! Very little parking. Many people waiting on the street for people to leave, only 7 or so spots to park. Some folks have mentioned there's an option to park at the golf course for a fee. There is $150 fine for parking on the side of the road or in one of the nearby residences.

The trail from the parking down to the beach has not officially been maintained since the easement was granted in the '70s. Clearly someone has made efforts to keep it up. However if you are not from the mountains or in good physical condition by Hawaii standards or very good shape by flat land standards you probably should not consider this beach due to the trail

The hike down runs off the cliff on one side and is packed clay (or mud when wet) covered with loose sand, so, slippery to those who are not used to hiking a steep trail. Getting caught at the bottom with heavy rains, a cooler ECT, would make exiting more difficult.

There are "stairs" carved in the clay they slop down and are covered in sand. There are ropes in good repair that are anchored well.

However some of the anchoring posts are rusty and loose with so me risk of getting cut. Going down is harder then going up.

This is a beach for summer season the swell can make these beaches unsafe in the winter. Watch the water for 20 min to get a feel of the waves first. Be aware of the tide and how that effects things.

Great snorkeling. Probably don't bring a cooler and chairs your first time down.

While we were visiting there was an emergency with several ambulances. There have been deaths here. Not to worry, just know what you are getting into and know yourself. If you are not from an environment like this learn about what to look for first.

My legs were stiff the next day, just a little but that was surprising. I do legs and cardio regualry.

If you are fit, the weather is right, and you can find parking, this is a must see!

Also...

This small gem is hidden, like the name suggests. There is a very small public access parking next to the entrance of St. Regis with a narrow path that leads to the small but beautiful beach. The path is very steep and after rains, very slippery. There are railings and ropes to help you down and some arm strength is required to hold on, especially on the way down. Once you get down there, the sand is soft and the small beach (only a hundred yards across) is flanked by two rock outcroppings. It has beautiful trees that provide plenty of shade. The beach is steep into the water and swimming can be very rough, especially with the ocean current and big waves in the winter. Swimming is not advised so be very careful. No lifeguards are present. Because of its small parking lot, and the steep trail to get down, you may share the beach with a few other people, and that's it. This is a beautiful place to hang out and just sit on the beach, sun or shade, and relax for a while. No cell phone service (AT&T)...

I hike trails NC fairly often, but this was too steep for me. I was too afraid to even try it. It had just rained and it was really slippery. Lots of surfers we're going down one handed with their boards, barefoot... But I guess I'm a weenie. I walked a little farther to the hotel at the end (Princeville?) and they had a paved stairway beach access route, to the left of their main entrance marked by a "beach access" sign. I just walked in and no one said anything to me or asked if I was a guest there. My friend was brave and took the ropes down to Hideaway, she said it was beautiful but a small beach with rocks on both sides. So once you make it down, the only way back, is up the steep slippery red clay path pulling yourself along the ropes. My friend returned covered in red mud, but happy, took it like a champ. Ruined her clothes. I definitely wouldn't plan to carry anything down other than a towel or some water stuffed in...