Kalapaki Beach — Attraction in Kauai

It's been a long time since I've been to Kauai, but my last visit was extended. A month, which is a long time for most. I was here for work so it wasn't all fun and games, but I think that made me appreciate more my off time.

Pro's: Right in front of the Marriott Right in front of Duke's Can drink on beach Water is pretty calm and the waves don't break for a while so it's good for beginners. Parking is plentiful

Con's:Water isn't crystal clear like other beaches (other side of the island gets the swells which help with this). Minimal shade Locals don't like non locals drinking on beach Some unsightly features on the landscape

Really the only downfall of this beach is it isn't on the North Side of the island where the big waves are, but unless you're a strong swimmer, snorkeler or surfer I don't suggest heading that way except to take pictures as many people had died that way. I was nicely spoken to by a local for drinking on the beach even though I saw others drinking on the beach days prior (granted they were locals). At your own risk, but stay covert with this one or just go to Duke's. They aren't a full surf dive bar so at least dry off before going, there are other options nearby. This isn't the Caribbean in...

What a beautiful beach. Perfect for the passengers on Norwegian Pride of America. We asked a taxi to take us to a specific beach 7 miles away. He said that is no good. However, he knew a good beach 30 minutes away. We said no, thank you . I know they need to make money, but that isn't the way. Beware of taxi's. We took a free shuttle, and it was a red and green trolley . It was close and going to the shops. The driver told us how to get to the beach across from the shops. FREE ride back and forth and free beach. Kalapaki Beach is perfect for families with children. There is a bar,restaurant, bathrooms, and outside shower all FREE . They rent chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards available for a charge. There is some driftwood, as other reviewers commented. I found small pieces but nothing that I would even mention. It is the Pacific Ocean. I would be surprised if all the beaches have some amount of driftwood. Do not miss the place. The water was nice and clear once you passed the breaker waves. You will see the very clear bottom. I usually wear ocean shoes, but I felt it wasn't necessary. The children really like to dig, so pack your dollar store shovels. I wished I had one.😏 It was a 5 star...

Really quite a lot to do and see here, with some really interesting and unique gift shops - including one of my favorites, whose front window is down in one of my photos below - and yummy Hawaiian shaved ice. Not to mention the fairly gentle surf at the clean and uncrowded beach itself. Outdoor shower and clean restrooms available.

Only drawback is that parking is rather tricky, as not much in the way of parking lots. It's mostly parallel parking on the beach service road, which shaves the road down to one lane. Was like a fun puzzle when cars are trying to squeeze past each other on the badly-maintained dirt road.

However, the parking frustration was worth it. Would highly recommend this beach on the...