Lumaha'i Beach

Highway 560
North Shore, Kauai

This beach was made famous by the movie South Pacific where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of her hair"! Lava rocks scattered along the mouth of the beach create a waterfall effects as the surf breaks and recedes over the rugged terrain.

The beach itself is a long, wide crescent of sandy, picture-postcard-perfect. The swimming, however, is another story. Strong currents, fierce waves, and unbelievable backwash make the water here unsafe almost all the time. A few excellent Hawaiian surfers may be seen trying the luck on the left side of the beach

The Lumahai' Stream, on the left, is sometimes cut off from the ocean during the summer due to large deposits of sand. In this case, cooling off in the fresh water of the stream is an option. A rock outcropping separates Lumaha'i from Kahalahala Beach, a mere naming technicality. The surf conditions are just as dangerous here.

Useful Information:

Almost always unsafe for swimming
Only expert surfers attempt this area
Gorgeous scenery
Sand and shade areas
Freshwater stream to the left of the beach
No lifeguard
No facilities

DIRECTIONS:
Take Highway 560 west from Hanalei toward Ha'ena. A trail (pictured here) runs from the top of the lookout at the eastern edge down to the beach OR take the trail from the parking lot just before the Lumaha'i Stream.

The trails to the beach are well worn and are an easy hike.

The view of the beach from the lookout appears picture-perfect.

However, large rocks, open sea, and strong surf make this beach unsafe for swimming.