beach

Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)

Kauaʻi · Kalihiwai Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754

4.7

About

Secret Beach is the local nickname for Kauapea Beach, a long crescent of golden sand tucked below the cliffs between Kīlauea and Kalihiwai on Kauaʻi's North Shore. There is no road to the sand. Access is from Kalihiwai Road: turn off Kūhiō Highway and look for the unmarked dirt road on the right — there is no beach sign, and no formal parking lot. Leave the car parked informally along the roadside without blocking driveways, gates or the road, then walk down the short, steep trail to the beach. The descent takes about 10 minutes and turns slippery when wet, so wear shoes with grip rather than sandals. At the bottom the reward is space: a wide, open beach with cliff views, no development, no facilities and no shade. The shoreline is fully open to ocean swell, so shorebreak can be powerful and the sand drops away quickly — swim with caution and never turn your back on the surf. Allow for the climb back out, which is short but steep, and avoid the trail after heavy rain.

Details

Duration

1-3 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

Crowd Level

Moderate crowds

Best Time

Morning or sunset

Effort Level

Hike

Scores

🌅 Sunrise

4/5

🌇 Sunset

5/5

👨‍👧 Kid Friendly

2/5

🧗 Adventure Level

3/5

📸 Photo Score

5/5

💎 Hidden Gem

3/5

Highlights

Long crescent of golden sandNorth Shore cliff backdropUncommercialized, open shorelineGood spot for a picnic and photos

Amenities

Beach accessScenic views

Safety Notes

Short but steep trail — muddy and slippery when wet; shoes with grip are essentialNo lifeguard: strong shorebreak and currents, and the beach drops off — swim with cautionNo facilities, shade or fresh water at the beachLoose footing and unmarked edges on the descent — watch your stepRespect private property and posted signs along the access roadClothing-optional use is common here — be aware and be respectful

Tips & Insider Notes

•From Kūhiō Highway, turn onto Kalihiwai Road and look for the unmarked dirt road on the right — there is no beach sign
•Park informally along the roadside without blocking driveways, gates or the road; there is no formal lot
•Wear shoes with grip — the trail down is short but steep and slippery when wet
•Bring water and sun protection, and take everything back out; there are no facilities at the beach
•Check ocean conditions before swimming — the beach is open to swell and shorebreak is powerful
•Plan for the climb back up, and avoid the trail after heavy rain

4.7

Based on visitor ratings

Map & Directions

Leaflet Esri, HERE, Garmin, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

Kalihiwai Rd, Kilauea, HI 96754

Open in Google Maps Open in Apple Maps

Nearby Experiences

Waimea Canyon

Tunnels Beach

Hanalei Pier

Shipwrecks Cliff

Anini Beach

Make The Most Of Your Trip

Don't miss these experiences while you're here

luau

Beachfront Kauai Luau

2 hours 30 minutes Kauaʻi

From $210

other

Kaua'i Backcountry Mountain Tubing Adventure

3 hours Kauaʻi

From $169

boat tour

Breathtaking Scenery and Dinner Off Kauai's Na Pali Coast

3 hours 30 minutes Kauaʻi

From $230

Temporarily Closed

Private Waimea Canyon Tour

7-8 hours Kauaʻi

From $360

Temporarily Closed

The advertised itinerary for this experience includes a destination currently closed to public access.

Waimea Canyon State Park is closed until further notice under current DLNR notices. The park's canyon lookouts and scenic-drive access are restricted. Do not bypass roadblocks or park closures. Check official DLNR updates before planning a visit.

Official source: Hawaiʻi DLNR — Division of State Parks (Important Park Notices, Oct 19, 2026; news release NR26-123, Oct 13, 2026; NR26-113, Sep 16, 2026)Last verified Oct 22, 2026

Explore The Island Easily

Rental cars from top companies — best rates guaranteed

Alamo

Jeep 4WD

Lihue Airport (LIH)

$120/day