Pristine Kauai Beaches

The largest beaches in the State of Hawaii are on the older islands where more erosion and sand formation has had time to take place. A perfect example of this process is on Kauai – the oldest Hawaiian Island – which has the most spectacular beaches.

The “Garden Island” is also well known for its vibrant culture, warm weather, and spirit of Aloha, yet the number one reason most visitors come is for the pristine, white-sand beaches.

The first beach you will see from the helicopter tour is the famous Kalapaki Beach on Kalapaki Bay, a popular Lihue gathering place. From Kalapaki the Safari Helicopters tour takes you along the Haupu Mountain range where you can catch a glimpse of the private beaches of Kipu Kai and the isolated beaches of Mahaulepu on the South shore. Kipu Kai Beach is only accessible by boat and has been used as a film location for many famous movies. Safari then flies inland to view waterfalls and valley vistas as we make our way to the Na Pali via Waimea Canyon and Kokee.

Some of the most remote, isolated, and beautiful beaches in all of Hawaii are along the Na Pali Coast. Safari usually enters the Na Pali coast near Nualolo Valley. Flying North up the coast from Nualolo you will soon come to Kalalau, a gently sweeping valley with a stream that lets out onto the wide and sandy Kalalau Beach. The next major beach after Kalalau is Hanakapiai Beach, which widens in the summer but disappears completely during winter.

Then it’s on to the North shore to Ke‘e Beach set beneath Mt. Makana, which is also known as Bali Hai due to its depiction as a mystical distant island in the 1957 movie South Pacific. Ke‘e Beach is fronted by a coral reef and protected lagoon, and above Ke’e is a heiau (Hawaiian sacred place) dedicated to the hula goddess Laka, who was said to have begun her hula at this location. This is also where the volcano goddess Pele first fell in love with the Kaua‘i chief Lohi‘au.

As we head towards Hanalei you’ll see the amazing reef formations at Makua (Tunnels) Beach and the long stretch at Lumahai Beach where Mitzi Gaynor sang Wash That Man Right Out of my Hair in South Pacific. Finally the helicopter tour flies by the horseshoe-shaped Hanalei Bay, made popular in many Hawaiian songs and legends. Lined with a crescent of fine white sand, this enormous bay is quite a sight from above.

Tours of Kauai Beaches

Deluxe Waterfall Safari
Most popular.
55 Minutes | Waialeale Crater | Waimea Canyon | Na Pali Coast

Kauai Refuge Eco Tour
Land at a secluded waterfall!
90 Minutes | Waialeale Crater | Waimea Canyon | Na Pali Coast