Kalapaki Beach - Beaches On Kauai Lihue, Hawaii

Kalapaki Beach is a popular beach in Lihue on the island of Kaua'i. Usually when a beach is popular it's because the beach is somehow extra special.

In the case of Kalapaki Beach, that popularity is mostly because the beach is right behind the large Kauai Marriott Resort. On top of that, cruise ships dock nearby and when passengers on a Hawaiian Island cruise get off they want to see a beach and this is the first one they can walk to.

It's by no means a bad beach, but Kalapaki Beach feels like a pretty average resort beach. It's decent enough but nothing here really seems better than average overall. It's what we call a "resort beach" because it's the type of beach you would use when you are staying at a nearby resort, in this case Kauai Marriott Resort, but otherwise wouldn't make a special trip to (so it's not a "destination beach").

The beach is pretty large with plenty of sand. The water is often calm and a bit protected from the open ocean and a good place for swimming. There are equipment rentals and lessons available. Plenty of restaurant and shopping options are available within walking distance as well.

Note that this beach isn't far from two major harbors (cruise ships and small boats) and anytime you have harbors the water by them isn't what you'd call clean, though they're not right next to the beach. On top of that, a stream empties into the ocean here (at times) on the west side of the beach so the middle to east sections are probably going to be the clearest.

• Facilities: Bathrooms	• Facilities: Concession Stand	• Facilities: Equipment Rentals	• Type: Kid Friendly	• Type: Protected From Open Ocean
• Sand Type: Regular	• Parking: Poor / Few	• Good For: Bodysurfing	• Good For: Kayaking	• Surfing Level: Beginner