Kauapea Beach may be better known by the other name Secret Beach, although within Hawaii it is known as Kauapea. It is located on the north coast of the island of Kauai, and is well known for its size, beauty, and isolation from built-up areas.
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| Kauapea Beach |
It is not an easily accessible beach as there are no public roads leading to it. There are unpaved roads leading to it, but you have to know your way around because it is not easy to get to it. This makes many people prefer beaches that are easier to reach and with better accessibility, which is an advantage for those who prefer secluded and quiet beaches.
Although it is best to ask locally, we can take the Kuhio highway past Kilauea and turn onto the Kalihiwai road. After about 50 meters we have to turn to take a dirt road without signs. At the end of the road we have to park, and nearby we will have a path to go on foot that will take us to the western part of the beach. The road to the beach is a bit steep at certain points, and it can take us ten minutes to get to the beach.
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| Kauapea Beach |
The path to the beach can be very slippery in winter when there is more rain, so be careful. You have to be prepared to be covered in a reddish clay that is difficult to remove from your clothes. Locals advise wearing rain boots when it rains. For all this, many prefer to go in dry seasons to avoid these inconveniences.
The beach itself is great, and due to its large size, it can give us the feeling that we are the only ones around. We have an infinite number of places to settle, so it is a good idea to take a walk and look for the place that we like the most.
You should also know that due to the remoteness of the beach, we should not be surprised to see people doing nudism, since many people come to it precisely to do this.
One thing that is important to know is that the waters are usually quite choppy on this coast, and there are strong currents that can be dangerous, especially in winter. Summer is the most advisable season for swimming, although precautions must always be taken. It may not be suitable for people who do not swim very well.
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| Kauapea Beach |
Still, swimming isn't the only thing to do on Kauapea. There are some wonderful lagoons and waterfalls in the area.
The tidal lagoons are formed in the western part of the beach, which offers natural pools that are totally safe. The size of these lagoons can vary, but it is a good place to soak and take a bath. In the rocky area at the back of the beach, there is a small freshwater waterfall that can be used to remove the accumulated salt and sand. During the summer, we can also see dolphins and whales, which is another Kauapea incentive.
As mentioned before, nudism has been practiced on this beach for years, especially on the east and west ends. Although nudism is not legal in Hawaii, Kauapea beach is rarely patrolled and it seems that no one cares much that people take off all their clothes. In case a patrol passes through the area, you will have to put on some clothes (swimsuit, bikini, etc.).