Secret Beach


Secret Beach, officially known as Kauapea Beach, is a beach in Kalihiwai and Kīlauea on the north shore of the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The beach is known for its size, seclusion, and natural beauty.

Location

Secret Beach is located approximately half a mile northwest of the town of Kilauea, situated between the Kīlauea Lighthouse and Kalihiwai Valley. True to its name, the beach is not easily accessible, with no public roads leading directly to it.

Topography

Secret Beach is relatively large by Hawaiian standards, measuring approximately 3,000 feet long and 75 feet wide. Its surface is predominantly covered with fine white sand interspersed with outcrops of black lava rock. The beach's seclusion and beauty are enhanced by the cliff backdrop and the brilliant turquoise-colored ocean water. The cliff face, particularly at the east and west ends, consists of sheer red and black rock. Where the gradient is less steep, the cliffs are covered with lush vegetation, including ironwood trees, taro plants, and other tropical flora. Several small cascading waterfalls can also be found along the cliffs.
To the east, Kīlauea Lighthouse is clearly visible atop a cliff overlooking Moku‘ae‘ae Island. About a quarter mile beyond the west end of the beach is a substantial waterfall that plunges approximately 15 feet into the Pacific Ocean.
The ocean floor is mostly sand-covered and its descent is steep.

Activities

Water conditions at the beach vary by season. Although the beach is accessible year round, swimming is only advisable in the summer and even then swimming can be risky when the surf is high or rough because of strong, unpredictable currents. In winter the surf is turbulent and dangerous; accordingly, swimming is not recommended for anyone who is inexperienced under these conditions.
Other beach activities include picnicking, seashell hunting, surfing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and fishing. Also tidal lagoons form on the west end of the beach, offering a kind of kiddie pool. There are no facilities at the beach, so visitors must bring their own food and beverages.

Naturism

Secret Beach has for many years attracted nude sunbathers, particularly toward the east and west ends of the beach. Although public nudity is not legal in Hawaii and despite the beach's reputation, the beach is rarely patrolled and no one seems much concerned with the practice. In the rare instances that patrols are conducted, violators will invariably just be asked to dress.