Hideaways Beach

The beach is small, but it has a charming and peaceful atmosphere. To reach it, you'll need to take a short yet steep path that is well secured with ropes on both sides for safety. There are plenty of shaded areas, and the sand is absolutely beautiful. Swimming is enjoyable, and you'll also see people surfing and snorkeling. However, this beach may not be the best spot for watching the sunrise, and the sunset can be hit or miss depending on the season. In October, the sun sets before clearing the mountains, but the afterglow is still incredibly stunning from this location (check out the pictures below). Parking can be a problem as there aren't enough spots available. It's especially frustrating when people unnecessarily take up two spots with just one car. I arrived at 6:15 am, and the parking lot was already full. If you encounter a full parking lot, I recommend trying your luck and waiting for someone to leave. Alternatively, you can park at the nearby golf course (paid parking) and walk back, which takes about 20 minutes.

We absolutely loved this beach! The hike down was a bit steep, but there were ropes on both sides of the path to assist. The water was stunningly clear and the beach itself was fantastic.

The hike up and back can be challenging, but if you enjoy snorkeling and are able to make the journey, it is definitely worth it! In my opinion, it offers the best snorkeling experience in Kauai, with an abundance of fish and even the chance to spot an octopus. Please note that the parking lot has limited space, accommodating only around 9 cars. If you find it full, I would recommend returning at a later time. Additionally, be prepared for a steep and muddy trail, so it's advisable to pack light and have both hands free for navigating the path.

To access the beach, you'll need to take a short hike down some stairs and a somewhat muddy trail. The trail is located at the end of the valet parking lot for the 1 Hotel Hanalei, right before you enter the hotel. You can either follow a trail along the edge or walk through the parking lot to reach the top of the stairs, where the hike begins. There are ropes along the edge that you can hold onto, but be aware that it's quite steep and muddy. It's not advisable to wear clothes you want to keep clean, as your hands will get dirty from holding onto the ropes. However, despite these challenges, the beach is definitely worth it. Since it requires a hike to reach, the beach is quite secluded and boasts the clearest waters I've ever seen. Just be aware that parking is limited here. You can't park in the 1 Hotel lot, and there's a small public parking area for the beach that can only accommodate about 8 cars and is usually full throughout the day. On a clear day, you'll be able to see the mountains to the west. If you're able to make the trek, I highly recommend coming out here!

We arrived on a weekday at around 1 PM and were able to find a parking space. We were informed that the small parking area is usually full in the morning as local surfers come here to catch the waves and stay for a few hours, but it seems possible to find a parking spot in the afternoon. The entrance to the trail doesn't have any signs, but it's right next to the parking lot. The trail is quite short, taking only about 15 minutes to descend, but the slope is steep, so it's advisable to wear closed-toe shoes. Once you reach the bottom, you'll discover a small beach with plenty of shade. I suggest coming here earlier in the day as the beach faces north, causing it to get dark earlier in the afternoon.