Ke'e Beach
Beach · Kauai County ·

Ke'e Beach

Beach · Kauai County ·

Island beach with reef perfect for summer snorkeling

napali coast views
reservations required
calm water
tree roots
beach access
sunset view
clear water
rocks on shoreline
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null
Ke'e Beach by null

Information

Hawaii 96746 Get directions

Information

Static Map

Hawaii 96746 Get directions

hawaiistateparks.org

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Last updated

Jan 16, 2026

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@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

12 Best Beaches on Kauai

"Located on the North Shore at the end of the main road, Kuhio Highway, this shoreline marks the northernmost point of the Nā Pali Coast and sits adjacent to the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail (permits required to hike). Visitors find calm waters ideal for summer swimming and snorkeling (but expect rough winter surf), and many linger to watch the famously mesmerizing sunsets." - Vanessa Wilkins Vanessa Wilkins Vanessa Wilkins is a travel and lifestyle writer with an extensive background in digital journalism. Her work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Departures, The Points Guy, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-beaches-kauai-7508823
Ke'e Beach
@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Our Readers' Favorite Islands in Hawaii of 2023

"Snorkeling near turtles at Ke’e Beach is highlighted by readers as a memorable Kauai experience." - John Wogan John Wogan John Wogan is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure and a contributing writer at T: The New York Times Style Magazine. He was previously a senior editor at Condé Nast Traveler and a travel features editor at Goop.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-islands-hawaii-2023-7551680
Ke'e Beach
@goop
4,111 Postcards · 173 Cities

"This peaceful ocean lagoon at Ke'e Beach is the last car-accessible stop on the north shore, and as this part of the coastline is shielded by coral reef, it’s perfect for snorkeling—particularly during the summer months, when the water is calmest. It also offers views of the Nāpali coast."

The Kauai Guide
Ke'e Beach

Amy T.

Google
Beautiful beach, the kids enjoyed snorkeling and playing in the sand. Really cool tree roots that are washed out that you can climb on and around. Kids found some coconuts which we cracked open using rocks and sticks, a fun experience! We did the shuttle, which is about a 15min ride. You make reservations online, and shuttle in at an assigned time, then walk back when done and wait for the next shuttle which can be a longer wait depending on the time of day.

Will H.

Google
This was one of my favorite beaches. First, you will need to get a pass for the park. These are timed entry tickets and you can look online to see how to acquire those. It's a short hike to the beach itself, but we carried our snorkels, chairs, and backpacks no problem. Snorkeling is very good, but there are two big rules: avoid the left side, where there are powerful currents, and do not stand on the coral! When you first get in, you will be in an open, sandy area with little marine life besides some nearly invisible quarter-sized crabs in the sand. I recommend going almost straight out and a bit to the right and hanging around where the sand meets the coral. I saw many fish/eels here that I never saw at other beaches. It wasn't too crowded, but the beach was plenty busy and I never felt like I was snorkeling alone. Lots of shade on the beach as well, which was a lifesaver.

B G.

Google
I'd say this is the best beach on the island. It's nice, beautiful, not too crowded, and chill... we loved it there. Plus, we saw a sea turtle, a seal, and tons of fish...

Jagadeesh R.

Google
Scenic beach with a mesmerizing view. Amazing place to observe sunset! The water was clear and the waves were not that harsh(at the moment when I visited). Amazing to sit under the trees and observe Mother Nature. Must visit!! I believe there is a reservation for parking and it’s free after 5:30pm. The board walk before the beach was also amazing.

greg M.

Google
Worth a visit. If you are not from Hawaii then you have to make reservations to enter the park or you could just want the beach from some point down the coast. The water is calm. There didn’t seem to be a lot of fish to see and there is a good view a little ways down the beach. Next time I will have to hike to the other beach.

Tanushree C.

Google
Pristine beach with breathtaking views of cliffs along the Napali coast. You can access this area either by securing a parking permit (very few available) or by booking one of the shuttles to this state park. Snorkeling is not allowed. Check with the lifeguard on site regarding the swimming conditions as they vary depending on how choppy the water gets. Beach has tall trees and many shade spots to relax.

Burlacher

Google
The walk from the shuttle to the beach was 5 minutes but it was a tropical experience. Had the feeling of a beautiful hike but was a short little stroll. The beach itself is not big but the sand was amazing. Standing in the water looking back at the beach you see the impressive mountainside hovering above you, reminding you that Hawaii is King. Amenities were pretty nice considering you were in a somewhat remote park.

Eddie W.

Google
Good beach but with limited access to the Ocean due to heavy presence of rocks on the shoreline. If you want to walk on the rocks, make sure to bring water shoes as they are very slippery. Part of the appeal of this beach is its seclusion but given the limited access to the water given the rocks, many visitors are in a small area. Public restrooms are available, but expect a long wait as many people are changing in the stalls. An additional appeal to this beach is the massive exposed root systems of the trees lining the beach. Its really fun for kids to climb, but also great to look at and enjoy Note that if you walk 10 minutes east down Ke’e beach you’ll see a little river and beachfront without rocks. Explore around that area a little and you’ll find a swinging rope in a carved tiki statue. Also note, access to Ke’e beach requires a Ha”ena park shuttle or day parking pass. Reservations for the day parking book weeks in advance sometimes even months. The shuttle parking is easier to reserve, but still books 1+ weeks in advance.