Lumahai Beach

Lumahai Beach is Kauai’s equivalent of the Venus Fly Trap. A case could be made that this may perhaps be the most beautiful beach on the island. Because of its beauty Lumahai Beach was the spot that was chosen to film South Pacific and it is hard to take a photo of this beach that does not come out picture postcard perfect. By all measure Lumahai Beach is “drop dead” gorgeous. The “drop dead” portion of the description is the flip side of the coin because Lumahai Beach is also one of the deadliest beaches on the island. Though people have drowned since then, the statistics show that between 1970 and 1997 there were 18 drowning at this location. This is not a beach where you want to be lured into the water because the dangers are always present.

The Eastern Section of Lumahai Beach
Lumahai Beach is wide open to the open ocean except for the far eastern section of the beach which has a degree of protection from the open seas by a natural rock barricade. This is an area you may see people swimming in during the less wavy summer season but even then they enter the water at their own peril. There is no lifeguard at this beach which adds to the dangers. On the larger section of the beach which is directly open to the waves coming in from the north, the beautiful, lush and thick beach sand drops off almost immediately at the water’s edge and forms the perfect condition for a tremendous body-slamming shore break. The power of the waves here can be tremendous and you can easily be pulled out by strong currents.

The Wide Western Portion of Lumahai Beach
On the other hand Lumahai Beach can be a fantastic beach to walk or run. The sands here are perhaps 300′ wide and they are very deep. Since the beach is almost a mile long you can really get a workout and you will often see local residents making the daily trek for the purpose of exercise. It is important not to walk close to the ocean however or to walk on the rocks of the shoreline when the ocean is active as you can easily be knocked off your feet and pulled in.

Parking on the Eastern End of Lumahai is on the Road
There is a nice parking area on the western section of the beach and the eastern section requires parking on the road but otherwise there are no beach amenities. There is a stream that flows into the beach at this end however which can provide for a quick dip and a rinse with some fresh water but as is the case with all fresh water encounters in Hawaii Leptospirosis can be a factor. Check the link below for details.

Ocean Caution
Be advised that all beaches and ocean locations in Hawaii can be dangerous including this one. Be completely aware of the ocean conditions prior to entering any Hawaiian waters however it is not advised that you enter the water at this location. Also, all shorelines and beaches in Hawaii, including this one, can be frequented by sharks, jellyfish and other sea creatures which can provide potential harm to people entering the water. There are no lifeguard towers at this location.