Kalapaki Beach Tours

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


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.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Kalapaki Beach

Tours & day trips

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Water activities

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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Reviews of Kalapaki Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
356
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
248
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
49
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

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


Best Lodging Options Near Kalapaki Beach

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue

The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue

4 out of 5
3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Banyan Harbor Resort

Banyan Harbor Resort

3 out of 5
3411 Wilcox Rd, Lihue, HI
Banyan Harbor Resort
Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club

Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club

4 out of 5
3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI
Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club
Kaua'i Palms Hotel

Kaua'i Palms Hotel

2 out of 5
2931 Kalena St, Lihue, HI
Kaua'i Palms Hotel
Kauai Inn

Kauai Inn

3 out of 5
2430 Hulemalu Road, Lihue, HI
Kauai Inn
Marriott's Kauai Lagoons

Marriott's Kauai Lagoons

3.5 out of 5
3325 Holokawelu Way, Lihue, HI
Marriott's Kauai Lagoons
Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club

Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club

3 out of 5
070 692-2496-04, Lihue, HI
Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences

Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences

5 out of 5
3770 Ala'oli Way, Lihue, HI
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences
Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery

Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery

2 out of 5
3173 Akahi Street, Lihue, HI
Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Kalapaki Beach

Kalapaki Beach offers a variety of activities for visitors, including breathtaking sunsets and outdoor adventures. You can explore the scenic Hanakapi'ai Trail, enjoy wellness activities, or tee off at a nearby golf course. Additionally, the beach is an excellent venue for outdoor meetings, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and recreation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Kukui Grove Shopping Center, just 3.2km from Kalapaki Beach, offering a vibrant atmosphere for families. If you're up for a drive, visit Coconut Marketplace, located 11.3km away, featuring diverse shops and entertainment. Hawaii Trading Post is also available 16.1km from the beach.

Recreation

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club offers a stunning golf experience just 644m from Kalapaki Beach, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and outdoor vibes. The Ocean Course at Hokuala, located 1.1km away, provides breathtaking views and a challenging course for golf enthusiasts. For sports fans, Vidinha Stadium is a vibrant venue 1.6km from the beach.

Adventure

Explore Kamalani Playground for outdoor fun, featuring unique structures and beautiful surroundings, located 9.7km from Kalapaki Beach. For a scenic hike, trek the Sleeping Giant Trailhead, 11.3km away, or enjoy the breathtaking views along the Kuilau Ridge Trail, located 12.9km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Kalapaki Beach is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a lively evening at the tiki-themed Duke's Kauai, where you can sip tropical cocktails. For a more laid-back vibe, visit the nearby Kalapaki Beach Hut, offering casual dining and entertainment under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Kalapaki Beach

Kalapaki Beach offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, making it a fantastic destination for tourists. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Poipu Beach, stunning Kauai waterfalls, and various lagoons. With its beautiful beaches and scenic bays, Kalapaki Beach is perfect for those seeking relaxation and exploration in this vibrant Hawaiian paradise.

  • Nawiliwili Bay: Enjoy the stunning scenery and tranquil vibes of Nawiliwili Bay, located a mere 161m from Kalapaki Beach. This picturesque bay is perfect for relaxation, swimming, and soaking up the sun, offering a beautiful backdrop for beachgoers.
  • Kauai Museum: Just 1.6km away, the Kauai Museum invites you to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Kauai. Discover fascinating exhibits that showcase the island's heritage, art, and natural history, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts.
  • Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall: Located 1.6km from Kalapaki Beach, this venue serves as a hub for various events and conferences. Its architectural significance and community-focused activities reflect the spirit of Kauai, making it an intriguing stop for visitors.

Best time to go to Kalapaki Beach

The best time to visit Kalapaki Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May75.0°F (23.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August78.1°F (25.6°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September78.4°F (25.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October77.5°F (25.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kalapaki Beach

To save money on your trip to Kalapaki Beach, plan your visit between September and November for lower rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the least expensive nights to stay. Utilize Expedia's search tools to find the best rates by sorting options from lowest to highest price, and consider eco-certified hotels for budget-friendly choices. Combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings, and explore free beach activities to make the most of your vacation.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Kalapaki Beach are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Kalapaki Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Kalapaki Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Kalapaki Beach is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, preferred location, and more. You can sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Kalapaki Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.