Name: Extravagant Villa Oasis in Lihue w/ Beach Access Near Hiking, Dining & Shopping
Address: Lihue

Learn to surf in this protected cove, rent a canoe or catamaran and enjoy the picturesque vista of verdant green mountains.

Bordering Nawiliwili Bay, Kalapaki Beach is a picturesque sandy stretch enclosed by dramatic cliffs. The cove is among the island’s most popular sunbathing spots due to its crystal clear water and spectacular coastal views. Bring your kids to swim in the shallow transparent water.

Snap photos of the scenic green mountains that surround the bay, with elegant sailing boats in the foreground. Lay down a blanket on the strip of grass at the back of the beach and enjoy a picnic. Sunbathe on the stretch of sand and build castles with your family. Beachcomb for aquatic treasures and shells and play volleyball with friends.

The large break wall around the bay makes the sea particularly calm here, inducing ideal conditions for learning to surf. Get lessons from the Beach Boys Kauai site, where you can rent boards and canoes. Other rental huts have catamarans and stand-up paddleboards, among other equipment.

Arrive early in the morning to have the beach to yourself. Stay for the sunset for gorgeous views of the changing hues of the sky reflected in the ocean water.

Watch the cruise ships arriving at and departing from Nawiliwili Harbor and spot local residents on outrigger canoes. Dine at one of the cafés and restaurants at the back of the beach, where you will find a luxury resort and shopping options.

Make use of the restrooms and showers at the beach. Note that lifeguards do not always patrol this area. Although the beach is part of the Marriott Resort complex, it has public access, as is customary in Hawaii.

Kalapaki Beach is on the southeastern coast of the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Fly to Lihue Airport and drive south for 30 minutes to get to the beach. See nearby sights, such as Nawiliwili Park, Nawiliwili Harbor and Ninini Point.

Plan a trip to see Kalapaki Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Plantation Hale Suites

Waipouli

per person

Aug 8 - Aug 12

found 3 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH)

8/10 Very Good! (1,622 reviews)

Nice, clean, well-maintained property in the Wailua area, Plantation Hale Suites is located near Kapa'a and about 15-20 min from the airport. There are a number of restaurants and food places nearby, and the Suites are a five-minute walk to the beach. The Suites have pools, BBQ areas, and laundry facilities. The only "bad" thing about my stay is that the suite was not ready at the check-in time of 4:00pm; otherwise, I liked this property and would most likely stay there again.

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Aug 8 - Aug 12

found 3 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,347 reviews)

Just returned from staying three days at the resort. Check in was quick and friendly. We were in building 4 on the second floor facing the pools, but the walk was no problem. They give you a waterproof wristband for the room so it was convenient. The parking lot was a walk away and gated. After you swipe your first time leaving the lot with your room key, it will automatically raise when you enter and leave. Very nice. The room was very clean with complimentary soaps, shampoos, and Keurig coffee. The maid will only clean the rooms before someone checks in but if you request new towels or other items, they will provide it without issues. The pillows were soft but could be more supportive. They gave us two refillable aluminum water bottles that can be filled with filtered water in the lobby. They gave us two complimentary beach towel cards for our family and were able to exchange it after every swim in the pools. The slide was fun but I couldn't go down quickly because my shorts had too much grip. The pools were nicely clean. We liked the downstairs gift shop because they also sell Starbucks coffee and ice cream. The porters in the front were very friendly and helpful, and always said "good morning". The only small issue I had, which is in a lot of hotels, is the dim lighting in the room. I had to go into the bathroom or onto the balcony to be able to read some literature. If there were a reading lamp with a white LED available, it would be nice. Another issue is I wish there

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Aug 8 - Aug 12

found 3 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Honolulu (HNL) to Lihue (LIH)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (194 reviews)

Amazing. Beautiful place with some of the best snorkeling on site

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Kalapaki Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 51 activities

Fern Grotto Cruise

Free cancellation available

Water activities

See all 27 activities

Kauai: Guided Hike and Waterfall Swim

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 15 activities

Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 11 activities

Kauai Chocolate Farm Tasting Tour

Free cancellation available

Shows & concerts

See all 5 activities

Fern Grotto Cruise

Free cancellation available

Reviews of Kalapaki Beach

4.4

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

356

4 - Good

248

3 - Okay

49

2 - Disappointing

4

1 - Terrible

3

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Duke's is an awesome place to see the surfers at Kalpaki!!! Really good food at Duke's.

5/5 - Excellent

iguana60

Use middle area of the beach to avoid rocks and coral when going in the water. Water drops suddenly about 4 feet deep about 6 feet into the water.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Calm but brackish water

4/5 - Good

Niki

You have to be a strong swimmer and comfortable playing in big waves. Beautiful just huge waves. The hotel put up red flags but about a dozen people were in there. Lots of locals boogie boarding, surfing and body surfing. Fun to watch regardless. It also has trees you can sit under if you prefer to just chill and watch.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We stayed there a few years ago, is fantastic in front of the Marriott complex.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Always nice but getting more crowded all the time

Popular places to visit

Kalapaki Beach which includes a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

Nawiliwili Bay

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Nawiliwili Bay during your travels in Lihue. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area, or seek out the local tours.

Grove Farm Homestead

Visit this beautifully preserved 19th-century plantation to learn about Hawaii’s sugar cane heritage and see many of the homestead’s original buildings.

Kauai Museum

Watch a movie to learn about the island’s history and listen to the fascinating tales of James Cook and the Hawaiian monarchy.

Lihue featuring a lake or waterhole, mountains and forests

Menehune Fishpond

Find out about the history of Lihue with a stop at Menehune Fishpond. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this romantic area.

Kilohana Plantation

Marvel at fire dancers and learn about Polynesian history after a tasty luau and ride through the tropical forest on an elegant train.

An old pier right near the airport on Kauai. We went in the middle of a storm with huge waves crashing along the rocks. It was windy and cold but still worth checking out.

Ahukini Recreation Pier State Park

You can take time to visit Ahukini Recreation Pier State Park during your travels to Lihue. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the mountain views in this romantic area.