Keālia Beach — Attraction in Kauai

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR WAVES:

We spent so much time at this beach during our 10 day stay. It was our go-to when the surf on the north shore was too big (like, really big) or too crowded. We nicknamed it "Potholes" due to the uneven nature of the sandy bottom under the water. We visited Kauai primarily for surfing and boogie boarding and while the main winter swell during our visit was hitting the island from the northwest, this easterly facing beach kept the enormous waves out but still allowed anything from 2-8 foot faces to wrap around the jetty and come break either on the shore or out back. We had so much stinking fun- I don't think there was a single minute that one of us wasn't riding a wave. Watch your little kids for sure. Everyone was chill, both visitors and locals alike. Mid week parking was fairly easy but a little bit busier on the weekends. We always found a spot! Always listen to and respect what the lifeguards...

It is the first beach north of Kapaa sandy enough to approach. The waves can be rough since it is a surfers beach conveniently located right off the highway. The sand stick to everything so it is nice to have the restrooms and a 4 stall shower area to rinse off. The upper shelf of the beach is loaded with drift wood and locals like to hang out and have fires using the wood. Not a 5 star beach bc of the debris in the water. One day there were numerous jagged plastic chunks from something that kept popping up in my area. At its best the water has black soot floating everywhere. I think the huge storms are to blame. I used this beach to cool off in the surf on my journeys...

Some things to consider while visiting this beach. First, don’t let nearby Kuhio Highway deter you from this spot. Once you are on the beach, you don’t notice the traffic noise. On calm days the water can be aqua blue and beautiful. As for swimming, the safest spot is on the north end by the jetty. Otherwise you can experience rip currents and a powerful shorebreak. Ask the lifeguards about the conditions! Kealia is popular with bodyboarders and surfers. I’ve always found the crowd totally chill with much aloha. There is plenty of room for everyone. The sandbars shift around so the best spots are variable. Overall, I’ve always enjoyed this...