Kawailoa Bay


The beach at Kawailoa Bay has sand dunes at one end and cliffs at the other. Reliable breezes mean it’s a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing as well as fishing. Ironwood trees shade an impromptu beachfront picnic area. Coming from Maha‘ulepu Beach, continue along the Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail on foot or simply follow the inland dirt road by car.


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Nearby attractions

1. Labyrinth at Momilani Kai

0.36 MILES

Along the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail just before Ha'ula Beach on a gorgeous rocky headland, this memorial labyrinth connects you with a mana (spiritual…

2. Mahaʻulepu Beach

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This secluded sandy beach feels as though it’s sitting on the reef, so it’s no surprise that there’s excellent snorkeling. To get here, hike the Maha…

3. Makauwahi Cave Reserve

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This amazing natural site is also a paleontological treasure house. Seen from above, it’s a deep, circular sinkhole, possibly formed by the collapse of an…

4. Haʻula Beach

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At the far eastern end of the Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail, Ha‘ula is an isolated bay and pocket beach nestled into the shoreline. You’ll feel like Robinson…

5. Makawehi Point

2.03 MILES

This gigantic lithified sand dune towers east of Shipwreck Beach, overlooking Keoneloa Bay. Resist the urge to jump off the cliffs; people have died.

6. Shipwreck Beach

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Unless you’re an expert surfer, bodyboarder or bodysurfer, keep your feet dry at ‘Shipwrecks,’ the half-mile crescent of light gold sand that skirts…

7. Makahuena Point

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West of Shipwreck Beach, condo-covered Makahuena Point is the southernmost tip of Kauaʻi.

8. Kanei‘olouma

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The site of a pre-contact Hawaiian village just inland from Po‘ipu Beach was set aside by the county in 2010. You can’t enter the complex, which is being…