Secret Beach & Lava Pools
12 reviews for Secret Beach & Lava Pools
Review Highlights
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12 reviews in English
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Review from Jackie L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/30/2011
I would have to say, this was one of my favorite beaches when we visited the island.
Initially when we got to the path to the beach I thought to myself "well... this isn't too bad"... put as we continues to walk down and the path became one in which I had to make sure I didn't lose my slipper and my backpack and myself over the edge, I started to think "oh jeez... I'm going to have to hike back UP this... hmmm". BUT it was all worth it when we got to the beach.
The beach was pretty much empty, except for a few people here and there. This beach isn't one to really swim in, but the lava pools are way cool! Have a seat in the awesome lava pools with the cute fishes, but bec careful for the random rogue waves that can really catch you off guard.
I would totally recommend this beach. Its worth the mini hike down (and back up). I would NOT recommend this beach if you are traveling with a lot of stuff or if it is rainy/muddy. -
Review from Dana L.
San Jose, CA
5/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Yes! Yes! Yes!!
A must visit if you come to Kauai. The beach is beautiful and the lava pools are so cool to look into.
To get to the beach it took a little time. First we went down the wrong road because there are 2 Kalihiwai Roads. If you are headed towards Hanalei then it is the 1st Kalihiwai Road that you come to. You take the first dirt road on your right and drive that all the way down until you come to a private home. When we went they were building another home right next to it, so when you go there will probably be two. To the left of that is a path that will take you down to the beach. The path is a lot easier on the way down than up.
We walked left once we got to the beach to look through the lava pools. We kept walking about a quarter of a mile and came to a small water fall. The views to the waterfall were absolutely breath taking. The climb to and down to the waterfall is a bit sketchy as you have to climb over and around lava rocks, so be cautious. Do not attempt if the tide is coming in to high because you will get taken out by a wave if you are not careful.
Be respectful of the locals as there are many that are here. -
Review from R J.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2011
This is why a savvy traveler goes to Kauai, for Kauapea beach! If you're looking for seclusion, stunning beauty, pristine almost untouched sand this is the beach for you. The entrance to the beach is somewhat difficult to find and if you are lucky enough to find the access, then you've earned the right to enjoy this beach. The 15 min hike down a slippery mud slope is worth the effort when you enter a Jurassic park style world. Sheer cliffs hug the coast and drop sharply to the beach lined with palms and small waterfalls. There are no facilities, so be aware what you bring, carry out. Please respect this beach and keep it clean for everyone looking for a sanctuary.
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Review from Ken L.
6/2/2010 16 photos
Shhhh.. don't tell anyone but here is how you get to the Secret Beach.
As you go on Kuhio Highway, turn right on Kalihiwai Rd about mile marker 24 or so. Make a right turn on the all dirt road down to the end where you see a two story home that is fenced in. Park there and head down the path. Be careful going down there as it is a bit steep. It will be helpful if you hang on to the fence on your left as you head down initially to avoid slipping down. Once you get there, you will find the Secret.
If you look to your right, you will find the best view of the Lighthouse and on your left you will be able to check out the Lava Pools. Many surfers come out here to catch some of the bigger waves so don't be surprised to find them there. Lovely beach but not meant for swimming! Picturesque and stunning views in seclusion. Don't tell anyone, OK? =)Listed in: Kauai, the best island in…
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Review from April P.
Manhattan Beach, CA
11/19/2010 1 photo
"Kauapea" Secret Beach was recommended by a neighbor who visited Kauai - he said it was practically empty and really pretty. I enjoyed the hike down to the beach and when we got there there were all of 3 couples sitting on the beach, 1 family in the lava pool and about 5 kids surfing.
It is a gorgeous, gorgeous beach that I would definitely come back to, but I definitely got the whole "ew you're a tourist" vibe from some of the locals, which was the only thing that put a damper on this beach.
After walking up to the water to get my feet wet, I knew the water was pretty rough and even at knee deep I felt a very strong undertow. As my husband and I were standing knee deep in the water a local surf mom approaches and says "Just so you know, the water here is really rough. Be careful, I don't want to have to call 9-1-1 today. My daughter has had to go out and save people before. If I were you I'd stick to the pools by the rocks."
Um, thanks for the tip dummy. I didn't need your attitude and please don't assume you know how well I can swim. I get that there have been many fatalities from tourists who underestimate how rough the water is and I definitely appreciate a warning, but please save me the local attitude.
Bottom line is this beach, like many other beaches on the North Shore, are rough, especially when the winter swell starts to hit. Since there are no lifeguards on duty, you have to use your own good judgement about whether you want to get in the water. -
Review from Thao T.
8/1/2007
A very cool beach that's hidden and off of an unmarked dirt road (the right guidebook will take you there). Its beautiful and secluded (about a ten minute steep walk down to the beachfront which leads you to the open sea and white beach. There's also a mini lagoon created by san dunes that's shallow and good for sitting in. A short walk to the left will take you to lava pools containing small fishes. If you continue the hike on teh rocks for about a mile going west, you'll reach a hidden waterfall that's pretty darn cool. Be careful tho, there's a lot of algae on the rocks by the waterfall and i learned it the hard way, slipping and falling twice! The waterfall is big enough for you to stand under it which makes the hike to it worth it. Wear good water shoes if you have them to prevent you from falling on the slippery rocks =)
There's also a cool lighthouse nearby where you can see a lot of exotic birds off the coastline. -
Review from Ryan D.
Concord, CA
1/28/2011
Worth the walk!!!!! very romantic very secluded DO NOT turn your back to the ocean GF did this and turned around only to be smacked in the face by a wave LOL..she okay...lesson learned.
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Review from Janet D.
9/15/2010
Never thought I'd say this, but...it's even better than Tunnels and now ranks as my all-time favorite Kauai beach. A true hideaway with a hike down (and back up) that weeds out the masses, Secret Beach is truly eye candy. I love the expansive beach peppered with lava rocks and the distant view of the Kilauea lighthouse (off to the right). When you hit the sand, keep on walking toward the lighthouse...little treasures (and even less people) to be found. I'm usually alone when I'm here, so I'm not out there swimming...it looks pretty rough. I love that there are shade trees and rocks to hide behind. Without a doubt this is THE beach to fill yourself up with Kauai spirit. (Check out the other reviews for directions - or message me and I'll tell you exactly how to get there. It's SO worth the effort!)
Listed in: Rejuvenation in Kauai...
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Review from Lofa L.
9/6/2010
I like the beach. I like the waves. I don't like that hike back up the mountain. Oh boy was I kegging and thinking that I need to do more cardio. But man was the beach empty.
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Review from Barbara C.
Draper, UT
11/15/2010
I love Secret Beach! My favorite beach so far. The path to the beach is long and steep so take it slow. Talking to the seniors out there. Don't forget you have to go back up. This beach is huge and beautiful. I didn't go in the water it looks too rough for me. It was fun watching the local surfers. There were only a few people on the beach. Perfect.
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Review from Jong L.
Lakewood, CA
4/5/2011
Awesome beach, probably the most scenic beach in Kauai. I came here during sunset and the view was just perfect. Very secluded, I was probably the only tourist on this beach.
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Review from Alissa M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/12/2010 1 photo
Definite a local surfer beach. Not for swimming or beginners since the winds can make some strong waves. There aren't any signs to get to the beach (we used a guide book then sort of guessed based on where all the cars were parked) and the dirt trail down to the beach can get very slippery when it rains but the beach is so worth it. Very beautiful, nice sand, trees with shade around the edges. There are lava rocks lining the coast, but the beach is sandy and not rocky. If you go to the right there is another nice beach and deep ocean-fed pools so deep you can dive into them. Worth checking out if you're looking for some good waves away from most of the tourists.
