Poipu Beach Park has long been one of the best beaches on Kauai for families. Split into two crescents, the waters are relatively calm with just enough waviness to make it fun. It also makes for an easy day on the sand, as the beach boasts great facilities: picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and equipment rentals. Plus Poipu has plenty for wildlife fans to spot, as turtles and monk seals frequently lounge on the shore. Join a Kauai coastline tour and a stop at Poipu is pretty much guaranteed.

Thanks to its shielding rock wall, Lydgate Beach Park is one of the calmest beaches on Kauai. It’s another great spot for families and is also fantastic for swimmers; the water is warm, the waves are small, and the sun is (usually) out. It’s one of a dozen or so beaches on the island with a lifeguard station, so offers peace of mind to anyone keen to enjoy a Pacific dip.

Above the surface, Makua Beach—more commonly known as Tunnels Beach—is already stunning with the famed Na Pali Coast cliffs in the background, but once you dive underwater, more natural beauty awaits. Filled with lava rock tunnels, this stretch of ocean is a treat for marine life—tropical fish, turtles, and octopi abound—and the divers who explore them. For your safety, book a tour with an experienced local guide if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Hanalei Bay Beach is, without a doubt, one of the top beaches on Kauai. No matter what activity you’re into, there’s a good chance you can enjoy it at this North Shore spot. One side of the bay is fantastic for swimming, while the opposite side has epic swells and great surfing opportunities. The beach is a paradise for water-sport lovers, as you can do everything from paddleboarding to joining a kayaking and snorkeling excursion.

Just around the corner from the popular Poipu Beach Park lies the lesser-known Brennecke’s Beach. While not the largest stretch of golden sand around, it attracts some beloved visitors: honu (green sea turtles). These endangered animals love to laze on the shore, soaking up the Kauai sunshine. Be aware that it’s illegal to get too close to turtles in Hawaii: Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away at all times, for your safety and theirs.

Arguably the hardest beach to access on Kauai, Kalalau Beach is a treat—if you can make it there. You’ll need to hike the entirety of the Kalalau Trail to access it—a challenging, 22-mile (35.4-kilometer) round-trip hike, which requires organizing permits, parking, and reservation logistics. Once there, you’ll discover it’s more than worth the effort. Nestled in the Kalalau Valley, this quiet beach boasts the beautiful Pacific Ocean on one side and the verdant Na Pali Coast cliffs on the other.

Ke’e Beach has a lot going for it. It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and shore fishing, especially in the summer. But this beach is best known as a launching point for Na Pali Coast kayaking tours. It’s not hyperbole to say that this kayaking experience is an adventure of a lifetime, navigating through striking turquoise waters, spotting dolphins and monk seals, and admiring the craggy Na Pali Coast cliffs. For your safety, you should only kayak the Na Pali Coast on a guided tour.

There aren’t many accessible, western-facing beaches on Kauai, which makes Polihale State Park particularly special. Its prime location on the western side of the island offers incredible sunset views. In fact, sunset boat excursions of the Na Pali coast pass by Polihale State Park as the sun goes down, spotting dolphins and sea turtles en route. Be aware that currents can be strong here, so swimming is not advised.

There are many contenders for the top Kauai beaches for snorkeling—Ke’e Beach and Poipu Beach Park are among them—but Anini Beach is a frontrunner. The large coral reef at this North Shore beach draws in marine life while shielding snorkelers from the biggest waves. If you’re not experienced with a snorkel or want to learn more about the island’s incredible sea creatures, consider booking a guided snorkelling excursion before seeking out the top snorkel spots.