Kauai’s Close-In FARAWAY Beach

An excerpt from the Kauai Trailblazer guide

“NUKOLI‘I (KAUA‘I) BEACH
What’s Best: Comb the east side’s longest beach, looking for coral and shells, and watching Hawaiian net fishermen. You get far away in an instant.
Parking: First (easiest) Nukoli‘i access: From Lihue or the airport, head toward Kapa‘a on Hwy. 56­­—from the jct. of Hwys. 56 and 51. Turn makai on Kauai Beach Dr., .25-mi. past mm3, toward the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Turn right just before resort lot, and follow the road .4-mi. around to developed lot, which is Nukoli‘i Beach Park. Second (prettiest) Nukoli‘i access: Continue .5-mi past Kauai Beach Dr., nearly to mm4, and turn makai on a dirt (Nukoli‘i Beach)road along the edge of the golf course. Follow the road, which may have major potholes, around to parking area among ironwoods at beach.

Hike: Nukoli‘i Beach (up to 4.5 mi.)

Starting at the beach park (which is maintained by the resort) at the first Nukoli‘i access, take off down the each to your left as you face the water. Nukoli‘i is also called Kaua‘i Beach and Kawailoa. Aside from a camper or two, this beach sees few visitors, especially beyond the immediate grounds of the resort. At any time of the day you may see net fishermen, plying their ancient trade and if you’r lucky, a solitary monk seal out for a sunbath (keep your distance). About .5-mile from the beach park, you pass the resort, where you cross a ditch. A sandy road, closed to vehicles, parallels the beach. Nukoli‘i extends more than two miles, joining the beach behind the golf course—where the second access area described above brings you in—and continues seamlessly to Lydgate Park.”