Kealia Beach

Kealia is on the outskirts of Kapa'a town and represents the best wild and open beach on the Eastside. The natural beauty of this area is apparent once you walk out on the sands of this undeveloped shore. Kealia is the "go-to" beach for locals and Eastside vacationers alike for swimming, running and sunning.  A  long paved oceanfront pedestrian path links this beach to coastal scenery galore.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Gorgeous wind swept and wild stretch of fine golden sand close to Kauai's central east-side town of Kapaa. 1000 yards of sand! Linked to a great pedestrian paved pathway along the ocean and 66 acres of park.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, body surfing, long beach walks, biking and jogging pathway, picnics, and surfing
LIFEGUARD: Yes 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WARNINGS! Observe the posted warning signs with red/orange flags. There are strong currents during waves along central and right side portion of the beach. Safest swimming is to the left of the lifeguard all the way toward  the rocky jetty.
AMENITIES: Paved beachside walkway, parking, picnic benches with shelters, restrooms, and showers

This beach is dreamy and usually overlooked by tourist in a rush to go north. If you find yourself on that journey and the skies look dark and menacing miles ahead, pull over and enjoy the soft golden sands here.

Facing the ocean, the left hand end of the beach is safest and has the amenities. This end of the Kealia gets more populated as a result, but a simple walk down the golden sands toward the southern end of the beach can provide some solitude. The ocean and wind combine to fill the air here with sound, so much so that the traffic and road noise disappears.

Safest Swimming:
Body surfing and swimming to the left of the Bay between the rock jetty and the curve of the beach is recommended. Avoid the areas of the center and right side of the beach, current and crushing shore break are prevalent there.  Additionally river run off, after heavy rains can make for hazardous currents and conditions. From 9am to 5pm the lifeguards post flags and signs warning of hazards, and they welcome guests to walk up and check in for safe ocean use.

Link to Pedestrian Path way website:
http://www.kauaipath.org/content/ke-ala-hele-makalae-project

Closest town: Kapa'a
Directions:
North bound: Kuhio Highway/ HI-route 56 N just north of Kapaa. As you follow HI-route 56 North out of Kapa'a the road winds and gains altitude. Once you cross a bridge, the first opening in the guard rail on the right is parking area 1. Best entry is north end of the beach at parking area 2 which across from Kealia Road.

South bound: Kuhio Highway/ HI-route 56 South past Anahola town, 3.9 miles and the road will slope downhill for a long straight portion with beach visible on the ocean side left. Get in the left turning lane, and carefully turn left just passed the bus stop shelter. Follow the parking entry road left for best swimming end of beach.