Secret Beach on Kauai is only a secret to visitors.   Locals know this wonderful beach (also called Kauapea Beach) on the northeast corner of the island.   We like this beach for a number of reasons:

• we have to hike down to the beach
• the waves crash onto the beach for the entire length
• this is a wild spot on a windy day and a scenic, beautiful beach on a sunny day
• lava outcrops run right into the surf and we have to cross these on our hike to the end and back
• the far end of the beach is remote, under the cliffs above and not far from Kikauea Point
• not many people go to most of the beach (its a clothing optional area)
• the return hike is about 4km

To get to Secret Beach, drive on the Island Highway past Kilauea.   Turn right onto the Kalihiwai Road (the eastern one).   Part way down, watch for an unsigned dirt road bearing to the right.   Follow this road to the end and park.   Follow the steep trail down the ravine to the beach.

We like to hike along the beach to the end.   There are two places where the waves come right up to the cliffs when the surf is high.   Crossing the lava outcrops must be timed well or avoided when the waves exceed 15 feet.  Even in 10-12 foot waves, we always keep our eyes seaward.   Rogue waves have been responsible for a number of drownings.

In summer, this is a more peaceful spot, but we usually come in the winter when the North Shore is windy and the waves are powerful.   We don’t swim here; we just enjoy hiking down to the beach, then along the shoreline to the end and back.