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If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Kauai is the place for you. Wild and natural beauty can be explored in this tropical paradise. The island remains largely undeveloped, with certain areas accessible only by boat or on foot. Hideaway Beach is one of these hidden gems, a secluded spot that will take your breath away. Would you like to know more? A visit to Hideaways Beach is different from a visit to any other beach.
Overview Of Hideaways Beach
| Location | Princeville, north shore of Kauai, Hawaii |
| Length | Small |
| Water | Clear, calm, good for swimming and snorkelling (when the surf is low) |
| Sand | White |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, relaxing |
| Facilities | None (bring everything you need) |
| Accessibility | Steep 15-minute hike down a trail |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer months (May-September) |
Hideaway Beach: What Can You Expect?
Hideaways Beach, also known as Pali Ke Kua Beach, is a secluded beach located on the north shore of Kauai. It’s a true hidden gem, accessible only by a challenging half-mile trail that winds down a cliffside. The beach itself is small but stunning, with white sand, clear waters, and excellent snorkelling.
Here’s what you can expect at the beach:
- Hideaway Beach, Perfect Day at CocoCay: This adults-only beach is part of Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. It offers a luxurious escape with private cabanas, two pools, swim-up bars, and delicious food options.
- Hideaway Beach Club, Marco Island: A great option for families or groups. This private club offers a variety of amenities to keep everyone entertained, from the beach and pool to the sports centre and banquet facilities.
- A challenging hike: The trail to Hideaways Beach is not for the faint of heart. It’s a steep, sometimes muddy descent that requires hikers to use ropes for balance in some sections. Put on some sturdy shoes and get ready to break a sweat!
- A secluded beach: The effort to get to the beach is rewarded with a beautiful and uncrowded beach. The beach itself is small, with pristine white sand and clear waters. Due to the challenging hike, there are far fewer visitors compared to other beaches on Kauai.
- Great snorkelling: The waters off the beach are typically calm and protected from the wind, making it a great spot for snorkelling. The coral reefs offshore are home to a variety of colourful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Where at Hideaways Beach Can I Stay?
There are no hotels or resorts directly on Beach Kauai since it’s a secluded beach. However, there are several vacation rentals and accommodations in Princeville, the town where Hideaways Beach is located. Here are some options.
- The St. Regis Princeville Resort: This luxurious resort sits on a cliff overlooking Hideaways Beach and offers stunning ocean views. They have a spa, multiple pools, and several restaurants.
- The Princeville Resort: This Kauai vacation resort offers a variety of condos and villas to choose from. They have pools, tennis courts, and a golf course.
- Hanalei Bay Resort: This beachfront resort is located in Hanalei Bay, a short drive from the beach. They offer a variety of rooms and suites, as well as pools, a spa, and several restaurants.
- Condos at Sea Lodge at Princeville: This condo complex is located directly next to the trail leading down to Hideaways. They offer oceanfront condos with stunning views.
- The Westin Hanalei Bay Villas North: This vacation rental property offers a variety of villas in Princeville, some within walking distance of Hideaways. They have a pool, a fitness centre, and concierge services.
When is The Best Time to Visit Hideaways Beach?
There are several best times to visit the beach, depending on what you’re looking for:
- Summer (May to September): This is the peak season for tourism in Kauai, and Hideaways Beach is no exception. The weather is sunny and dry, with calm waters and clear visibility, perfect for snorkelling. Yet, this happens to be the busiest and priciest period to plan a visit.
- Early Fall (October to November): The weather starts to transition in early fall, with occasional showers becoming more likely. The water can still be calm and clear, but there’s a chance of rough surf. This shoulder season can offer a good balance of fewer crowds and decent weather.
- Winter (December to April): Winter is the rainy season on Kauai’s North Shore. The surf gets rough, making swimming and snorkelling dangerous. The trail down to the beach can also become slippery. This is not a recommended time to visit Hideaways Beach.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a bit of a wildcard on Kauai’s North Shore. The weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunny days and rainy spells. The surf can still be rough at times, but it starts to calm down towards the end of spring. Although it is not as crowded as in the summer, the crowds do start to pick up in the spring.
Great Places to Go Near Hideaway Beach
A top attraction at Hideaway Beach is its secluded and untouched beaches. With crystal clear waters and soft white sand, it’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and just enjoying nature. Wander along the shore or rent a kayak to explore the nearby coves and inlets. There are also plenty of options available for those seeking adventure. Take a thrilling jet ski ride along the coast or go deep-sea fishing
Secret Falls Kayak Hike
This adventure combines kayaking on the Wailua River with a hike to a secluded waterfall. The kayak tour takes you up the river for about 2 miles, paddling through lush tropical surroundings. You’ll then hike for about 30 minutes to Secret Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that cascades into a refreshing pool. This is a great option for those who want to experience the beauty of Kauai’s rivers and waterfalls.
Na Pali Sunset & Sightsee Boat Tour
This boat tour takes you along the stunning Na Pali Coast, Kauai’s rugged and geologically young western shore. You’ll see towering cliffs, emerald valleys, and secluded beaches. The tour typically includes time for swimming and snorkelling and often ends with a breathtaking sunset view.
Na Pali Coast Kauai Snorkel and Sail
This tour is a great way to explore the underwater world of the Na Pali Coast. You’ll sail along the coast, stopping at several spots to snorkel on coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. The tour also includes time for swimming and sunbathing on secluded beaches.
Hanalei River
The Hanalei River is a beautiful spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The river winds its way through lush green valleys and is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge
A fantastic location for bird watching is Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to a variety of native Hawaiian birds, as well as some migratory species. There are also hiking trails in the refuge that offer stunning views of the coastline.
Map
How to Reach Hideaways Beach Kauai
There are two ways to reach Hideaways Beach on Kauai’s North Shore:
1. Hike the trail:
- There is a steep and uneven trail that leads to the beach, so it’s important to be in good physical condition to navigate it.
- A trailhead is located near the St. Regis Princeville Hotel. The gatehouse has a small parking lot for about nine cars.
- The top of a set of stairs can be seen on the ocean side of the parking lot.
- Take your time and wear sturdy shoes because the stairs are steep and slippery. To help you along the way, handrails and ropes are provided.
- It takes about 15-20 minutes to hike down to the beach.
2. Kayaking:
- Another way to reach Hideaways Beach is by kayak. This is a great option for those who want to avoid the hike or want to experience the beauty of the Kauai coastline from the water. You can launch your kayak from Hanalei Bay and paddle east towards the beach. The paddle takes about 30 minutes each way. Be sure to keep an eye out for the coral reef that surrounds most of the beach. Kayaking tours are also available.
Things to Carry for the Hideaways Beach Kauai
- Swimsuit: This is a must-have for any beach trip.
- Beach Towel: You’ll want a place to relax and dry off after your swim. Sunscreen (reef-safe): Hawaii has strict laws regarding reef-safe sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen labelled reef-safe and oxybenzone-free to protect the delicate coral reefs.
- Sunglasses help shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Hat: A hat will help to keep you cool and protect your head from the sun.
- Water Bottle: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially on a hot day. There are no facilities at Hideaways Beach, so you won’t be able to purchase any drinks once you’re there.
- Snorkelling Gear: Hideaways Beach is a great spot for snorkelling. If you plan on snorkelling, you’ll need to bring your gear.
- Beach Umbrella: If you want some shade, you can bring a beach umbrella.
- Snacks: There are no restaurants or shops near Hideaways Beach, so you may want to pack some snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking available at Hideaways Beach?
There is a small public parking lot near the beach that can fill up quickly. It fits around 10 cars, so arriving early is recommended.
Are there any facilities at Hideaways Beach?
There are no restrooms, showers, or concession stands at Hideaways Beach. Be sure to use the restroom and pack everything you need before heading down to the beach.
Is Hideaways Beach good for snorkelling?
Yes, Hideaways Beach is a popular snorkelling spot due to the beautiful coral reef teeming with marine life. However, be aware of ocean conditions and choose a snorkelling spot that matches your skill level.
Is the hike to Hideaways Beach difficult?
The trail to Hideaways Beach is steep and can be slippery, especially after rain. It may be challenging for some people.
