Donkey Beach

This beach was not even close to our expectations or what we have read. The hike down there with all of our gear was quite a trek. It is paved but it is steep and coming back up was a workout with all of our stuff, i.e. chairs, cooler, towels and umbrella (stuff you would want on a full day at the beach). The beach was dirty with debris and trash. There was a pile of trash right at the end of the trail leading down and right at the start of the sand. I will say the there was a high surf advisory and the waves were definitely big, so that did contribute to our upsetting experience because we were getting pummeled but with all the other issues I am sad to say we won’t visit this beach again. Very surprised this beach received a «Real Gem» from ultimate Kauai guide book.

This supposedly is the best place to watch the sunrise. So what did we do? We came for sunset to avoid the crowds we experienced at Poipu Beach. We obviously missed the actual sun waving goodbye, but we still saw some beautiful colors as the day changed into night. It was really romantic and the perfect way to finish our trip in Hawaii.
Parking was easy, but we were very careful as to not leave anything in our car (even our crappy backpacks) because we didn’t want to end up with a smashed window. We followed the concrete/​brick bike path down to the end, then headed right and carefully hiked towards the red sand. I recommend bringing a flashlight to find your way back up the hill in the dark.

Donkey Beach used to be a naturist (clothing)-optional) beach years ago. Now a Kauai County bike path runs the length above it so nudity is no more. Ladies may be top free though. Can be very windy. Lots of driftwood and plastic was up. There are restrooms and water in the parking lot. No food or other facilities so bring everything with you and please take out a bit of rubbish that others left. Mahalo!

If you don’t mind a short hike on a meandering path, that is sometimes a little obscure, you will be rewarded by ending up at this small, shaded and secluded beach. Not ideal for swimming when the ocean swell is up, but you will find a very nice swimming hole nearby, where a small stream flows into the ocean. This is an idyllic and romantic spot to get away from the crowds.

Heaven. Quiet, secluded/​private, absolutely breathtaking.

The beach itself is wonderful but I am writing this review to warn others to PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR CAR. My boyfriend and I just had our rental car broken into and everything stolen from it. EVERYTHING. I wish someone warned us how shady this parking lot can be because after the fact, sitting waiting for an hour for the police to get there, nearly every single local told us a horror story about this lot. I wish that this tip of information was in all the guidebooks.

My favorite beach! More secluded than most (you can’t see it from the road) and great white sand with some shaded spots. Loved watching the locals surf here! It’s not so great for swimming, but the shore break makes for great wave watching.

Secluded, mile-​long crescent beach north of Kapaa. Look for the parking area ½ mile north of Kealia Kai gated community entrance. Careful of the drop off, rip, and shore break. If it were easy, everyone would be there, right? No lifeguard, but a huge expanse of white sand and the occasional Hawaiian Monk Seal (see photos). We fell asleep after a swim and woke up to this girl, who had hauled herself up on the sand a mere 20 feet from us. Note: It is illegal to be less than 50 yards from seals and dolphins. We moved.