Secret Beach
Secret Beach
4.5
About
This secluded beach hideaway in Kilauea is one of Kauai’s best-kept secrets. To reach the beach, you'll have to navigate carefully down an unpaved road, and hike along a fairly steep trail. But reach your destination and you'll be treated to a crowd-free beach with stunning views of Mokuaeae Island and the Kilauea Lighthouse. Secret Beach is also a great surfing and fishing spot and you’ll find locals meditating or picnicking near the trailhead. There's even a clothing-optional section at the far end of the beach. But come prepared—there are no lifeguards, restrooms or public facilities. – Tripadvisor
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
231 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
57
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Rachel
Lawrence, KS137 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Tourists beware- this area is very isolated and you may run into some strange people. We didn’t feel safe here and are glad we didn’t hike down to the beach. As we were pulling into the parking area, a strange gypsy couple came walking from the direction of the beach path. We turned the car around to leave & they came over to our car window and asked for a ride “to the end of the road.” (Which wouldn’t have done them much good anyway, as the road led to the highway, and would still have been miles from the nearest town). The young man was covered in rings, hoop earrings, and glitter. We politely said No and drove off. The man was doing a weird dance and flipping us off as we drove away. When we got to Kalihiwai Road, a truck deliberately swerved towards us (a couple of local men). We didn’t feel welcome in this area. I’m sure it’s a beautiful beach, but there are some areas tourists are better off avoiding.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon H
Toulouse, France38 contributions
Dec 2020
Take twenty minutes to make your way down a fairly steep muddy trail to be rewarded by a huge open beach with plenty of soft sand and crashing surf. Enjoy watching the experienced body board surfers taking on the huge breakers, join them if you're feeling brave.
Strangely, going back up seemed easier than going down.
Strangely, going back up seemed easier than going down.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason&Laureen
New York City, NY57 contributions
Mar 2021
For regular hikers, the path to the beach would be rated easy when dry. After heavy rains, then it would be more challenging as it would be very slippery. But with the right shoes and clothes, plan on getting dirty when it rains. For surfers 🏄♂️, a great spot some feet away from the beach. For couples, a perfect getaway and plentiful romantic spots away from crowds.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissaraejames
Buda, TX15 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
This beach was breathtaking. Maybe 20 people there when we went mid afternoon. The beauty and peace is worth the hike down the cliff. The waves were breaking strong so we only got in to our knees. No boogie boarding or swimming were possible.
The parking is tricky and feels like you are on private property but we found some. The trail in between 2 homes. Easy dirt trail at first then super steep down to beach. It was strenuous but our 9 year old managed okay. Calves were burning on the way back up! Would not be manageable if it had rained.
Definitely a highlight and a memorable adventure. Highly recommend checking it out!
The parking is tricky and feels like you are on private property but we found some. The trail in between 2 homes. Easy dirt trail at first then super steep down to beach. It was strenuous but our 9 year old managed okay. Calves were burning on the way back up! Would not be manageable if it had rained.
Definitely a highlight and a memorable adventure. Highly recommend checking it out!
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Beautiful place. However it’s a very local surf spot and I was met with some very unfriendly looks. The trek down is very steep and slippery after rain. I personally wouldn’t go down with young children although I saw a couple children down there.
Nice remote beach if you’re daring to deal with the local sneers. No signs.
Nice remote beach if you’re daring to deal with the local sneers. No signs.
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald
1 contribution
Oct 2021
My husband and I went to Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach) last week. It is nature at its most magnificent. I thought it was a gay, nude beach. I was wrong.
We saw 3 other gay male couples and a lesbian couple there. And there were dozens of straight couples. So while it is gay friendly, it is not a gay beach.
Of the many other people there, there were only 4 or 5 who were nude. The beach is remote enough so nudity is possible but it is not the norm.
Secret Beach is a long beach. It is probably 3/4 of a mile long so those who want to enjoy it nude could do so safely at the far end of the beach.
The pathway to the beach is challenging but possible if you take it slowly and carefully.
I will give this beach a top rating because it is magnificent. I'll give it a low rating if you want a gay nude beach.
There is a creek you have to cross to get to the beach but it is only about knee deep. Not a problem for someone going to the beach.
We saw 3 other gay male couples and a lesbian couple there. And there were dozens of straight couples. So while it is gay friendly, it is not a gay beach.
Of the many other people there, there were only 4 or 5 who were nude. The beach is remote enough so nudity is possible but it is not the norm.
Secret Beach is a long beach. It is probably 3/4 of a mile long so those who want to enjoy it nude could do so safely at the far end of the beach.
The pathway to the beach is challenging but possible if you take it slowly and carefully.
I will give this beach a top rating because it is magnificent. I'll give it a low rating if you want a gay nude beach.
There is a creek you have to cross to get to the beach but it is only about knee deep. Not a problem for someone going to the beach.
Written October 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rulli's K
Pasadena, CA3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
It's a gorgeous beach. It's a real hike in and out, short though it may be! There are guide books that tell you how to get there from Kahiliwai Rd (there are two Hee hee) get one. The hike in and out is short but formidable so be prepared. It's worth the hike!
Written August 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ATS0614
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This beach was the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen! The hike to it is a bit strenuous but so worth it! Don’t carry too much gear with you. I had a backpack and was fine, but my husband carried an ice chest and a couple of beach chairs, and he struggled a bit. He made it there and back, though, so it can be done. You make it to the end of the jungle trail and see through the clearing a magnificent beach with turquoise water and black rocks on either end with the lighthouse in the far off distance. Absolutely amazing!
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmen T
Minneapolis, MN26 contributions
Sep 2021
The Shaka Kauaii app told us just how to find this secluded beach. It was a perfect way to spend our last afternoon on Kauaii. The trail down is a bit steep but not too bad if you take it slow and turn sideways when steeper or slippery. I made it fine in my sandals. You do have to wade in about chest deep to cross the stream to get to the bigger part of the beach, but no current there so a quick easy cross.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina G
27 contributions
Jul 2021
This beach is worth the hike down, but keep in mind that you need to hike back up so this wouldn't be recommended for super young children, the elderly, or anyone with health issues. It's not a swimming beach because the surf was strong but you will pretty much be one of the few on the beach so it's nice to just soak in the beauty, have a picnic, read, nap, and explore. It's the most beautiful beach that we visited on our trip to Kauai! It is a very special place and we would definitely return in the future.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long did it take you to actually hike down to a Secret a beach on Kauai? 5 minutes? 10 minutes? A half hour? I will be there this Saturday for a week
Written January 8, 2019
It takes about 10-15 minutes. Wear good shoes. The path is slippery and steep. Take advanatage of the exposed tree roots to get some traction.
Written January 20, 2019
Seems that secret beach(kauapea beach) is difficult to find. Does anyone have GPS co ordinates? Also I gather this is a surfers beach. Well worth this visit for watching,with little amenities, a hike involved.
Written April 12, 2018
Use “trailhead to the secret beach” in google maps. “Secret Beach” will take you to a bogus locale with Google. Wikipedia describes to route to roadside parking correctly too.
Written January 14, 2019
I guess it depends on the time of day. I went around 8am and there was no one on the beach besides me and my husband. I’m not a nudist, but I needed to change my bathing suit ...and I did! I guess they only enforce it is there are law enforcement people there
Written April 2, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
How to get to secret beach, kauai
Written June 3, 2015
I had great difficulty finding it at first, because there are two Kalihiwai Roads, and initially I went to the wrong one. If you're on the one with signs to Ahnini Beach and Kalihikai Park, then you're on the wrong road. Secret Beach is actually off of the Southern Kalihiwai Road, the road that leads to Kalihiwai Beach (although don't drive that far). Once you turn onto the correct Kalihiwai Road, make a right onto the first dirt road (not the first dirt driveway), and follow the road until it ends at a crude parking area adjacent to two homes. The trail to the beach begins behind the boulders that are lined-up in a row.
Written September 15, 2015
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