Kalapaki Beach

Beach Location: Right outside the Kauai Marriott Resort at 3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766
Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, drinking fountains, picnic tables, volleyball nets, walking paths, and trash and recycle bins
Kid Friendly: Yes
Lifeguards: No
Directions & Parking: If there is no parking around the shops on Nawiliwili Road (which is also Rice Street), follow Rice Street north and turn right past the Nawiliwili Tavern. Drive until you come to the Marriott Resort. Turn right into the driveway, pass the hotel, and drive about a 1/2 mile until you see the Shoreline Access signs. Follow the signs past the Pali Kai condos, and park. To find Kalapaki Beach, do not follow the Shoreline Access signs to the left – you’ll end up on the golf course. Instead, walk back past the condos until you reach a staircase with handrails leading down to small rectangular structure with a tiered roof. This is the Kauai Lagoon Elevator! Take it down, and you’ll soon be at the beach! To find the elevator again when you’re heading back, look for the Chinese guardian lion statues. NOTE: The elevator only runs from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Kalapaki Beach Rating by Boss Frog's

Ease of Beach Access - 8/10

Sandy Beach For Entertaining - 8/10

Summary 8.0/10

Kalapaki Beach, with its beautiful sand and lovely green lawn, is just outside Nawiliwili Harbor and the Marriott Resort. It's a great beach for families to visit, and it's on the east side of Kauai, very close to the Lihue Airport. You can swim, play volleyball, get some sun, and enjoy yourself at the beachfront restaurants and shops. Bodyboarding and surfing can be fun here, as well – it depends on the waves! This beach borders Nawiliwili Bay, and it is right next to the harbor. That is one reason the water can be murky sometimes. There is no coral reef at Kalapaki Beach, so feel free to leave your snorkel set in your hotel room. The Marriott has some really cool sculptures, and they can be seen from the walking paths along the beach.

View the complete Kauai beaches page.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 1-808-661-3333.