Waiakalua Iki Beach

Waiakalua Iki Beach is a perfect example of a wild Kauai beach that often sees few crowds because of the effort involved to reach it.

Lying down an unmarked dirt road near the cul de sac on North Waiakalua Road, the parking area can only fit maybe a dozen cars. From there, visitors descend down a steep and sometimes slick trail that descends about 255 feet over a 0.3 mile hike. The trail comes to the rocky edge of the water. proceeding just a little further leads to Waiakalua Iki Beach.

The beach lies along the edge of a reef, so the water is extremely shallow at the shore with the waves crashing about 25 feet offshore. It's not a great beach for swimming or snorkeling, however those wanting to lay out at a shore that feels distantly removed from the crowded and tourist-filled recreational beaches will find a little slice of paradise. here. 

Water brushes up against the coarse sand, and dense brush with a few gaps into their densely shaded canopies line the far side of the sand. Walking a short distance up leads to a stream made up of the flow from a nearby freshwater spring.

Continuing beyond the stream and navigating over the black rock boulders will lead to the scenic Kaluakai Beach. Those up for a quarter mile of boulder hopping can head the other direction and eventually reach Pila'a Beach.

There are no bathrooms, water, or amenities of any kind at Waiakalua Beach. This beach still has the feel of a wild Hawaiian shore, just be aware that the 10-20 minute walk down is a steep one.