Ke'e Beach

Aug 29, 2006 4:57AM

Probably more people have drowned at Ke`e Beach at the end of the road than anywhere on Kaua`i, though Lumaha`i ("Bali Hai") is a strong contender for first place. The currents are deceptively strong, and Lumaha`i's sneaker waves can run up on the beach and grab you away before you know it. READ AND HEED THE WARNING SIGNS!

Despite the remote location, the area can get very crowded with tourists, and traffic and parking can become a problem. Too bad, because this is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Sep 29, 2006 8:24AM

great place for snorkeling..if you walk onto the rocky trail on your left you can catch the most awesome sunset pictures with big waves crashing onto the cliffs..well worth the trip! dont forget your camera..you'll regret not bringing it!

Jan 11, 2007 6:52PM

This is one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Its just too bad that Hotels and Beach front Vacation Rentals Almost NEVER WARN the visitors about the Dangerous conditions that can occure at this beach. I think the Kauai Visitors Bureau should be to blame for all the drownings on this Island. They will not warn the visitors of any dangers with a simple video on the plane because that might deplete REVENUES from their bank account. This is a growing problem on kauai. All the deaths are overwhelming. Something needs to be done. You Guys are doing a great job with this website. Thanks....

Jan 22, 2007 12:29PM

Over the years I have visited Ke'e beach at different times of the day.

By far the most beautiful is first thing in the morning. Arrive by 8 a.m. and you may be one of only a few people strolling the beach. When snorkeling you maybe one of the lucky ones to swim near the sea turtles. Remember the fine for touching or harassing a sea turtle is $100,000 (Yes! 5 zeros)

If you have time try and hike at least a mile or so along the Kalalau Trail. The entrance is opposite the main parking area. At a certain point you will get an magnificent view of Ke'e beach and the first true glimpse of the Na Pali coastline.

Parking at Ke'e beach can be very difficult during the summer period. Drive carefully through the beach area as there are many unexpected tree branches and roots to damage your [rental] car.

Unfortunately, my wife's beach bag was stolen one year. So think safe on land and sea!

Feb 12, 2007 3:49PM

If you had a choice to rent a house near Ke'e Beach or Tunnels Beach in August, which would you choose?

Feb 14, 2007 8:25PM

@ Jeanne: Tunnels! Anytime, hands down ~ that's it!!!

It's georgeous ~ we walked about fifty to sixty feet to the entrance of Tunnels ~ from a house we rented nearby, across the street... it is just perfect!~ (the particular house we rented had a single rental, a double rental and the entire upstairs of a beautiful home).. there are many options ~ in that area and it's ~ affordable! Of course, you can camp just about anywhere up from Tunnels and nearby Ke'ee... there are very nice campgrounds available ~ complete with showers/toilet facilities...you can do this very inexpensively and that's how we're going next time...Anini Beach campground/campsites are amazingly gorgeous ~ you don't even feel like you're camping.. serious!

As for the house we rented...I'm not sure we can say about it on this site ~ the house was located literally a stones throw from Tunnels Beach.

It's a short 2 mile ride/hike to Ke'e beach, from Tunnels ~ on the road or even hiking along the shoreline in the sand...(most beaches are not marked with signs) either way, you can walk the beaches North or South as well... just amazing ~ bring your Teva sandals!!! ~ or for hiking, your Keene's ~ neat shoes for the trails...

Ke'e is VERY crowded ~ many, many people park there for either hiking up the Na Pali coastline, or to stay at the beach during the day...you have to get an early start there to get a parking spot... there is an overflow parking area, Just prior to the end of the road on Ke'e.

As for Tunnels, there was literally hardly anyone present on this particular beach when my husband and I were visiting there this past January ~ we literally, felt like it was ours~! Hardly anyone near us at all ~ no joke, we're talking about 20 people at the same time on the beach.. if that... really!

We stayed for 2 weeks on the North Shore and we were one week in Waimea, (South) ~ we LOVED it on the North Shore ~ I believe, in August, you'll probably have a better opportunity to swim in the ocean, than that in the winter time... heed the signs and red flag warnings... they are there for a reason... when you're on Tunnels, if you are looking toward Bali Hai ~ there is a lifeguard station further down ~ toward where it juts out and takes a turn toward Ke'e...

Oh, even though many say it rains up there, on the North Shore area... we experienced rain at night.. one day, it spit rain and cleared up and if it does rain, all you do is get in your car and drive an hour to Kapaa, Poi Pu, or Waimea, etc.. head South and usually, you'll find sun somewhere on Kauai... truly! Even in the rain, it's beautiful ~ You can go on the internet and look up rentals, or contact a local Realtor in that area ~ perhaps, they can connect you with rentals available ~ ours was $160.00 a night (for the entire upstairs of a gorgeous home), a studio, $60.00 a night, and the other double ~ $90.00 a night... very reasonable. We loved it there! (and do we miss it! it's snowing outside as I type this a Nor'easter is blasting us...brrrr!!!)

Best to you and yours!
Aloha ~
Kitty

Feb 21, 2007 8:39PM

Regarding Ke'e Beach, I will be visiting in June and have read in some guide books that snorkeling can be fantastic just outside of the lagoon. Is this actually safe when it is calm? Do you just go over the top of the reef or is there a recommended place of access? I visited years ago and remember a life guard. Still have one? Can't wait to have a great time at one of the best places on earth.

Apr 18, 2007 6:46AM

Myself, my two children ages 9 & 15 and my mother want to go to Kauai in October. Either Princeville or Grand Hyatt-which would be the best area to snorkel at that time of year and over all location? thanks cathy

Apr 24, 2007 8:54AM

Just got back from Kauai and there were very strong currents at Ke'e Beach. Someone drowned the day before I went there. He tried to snorkel on the outside of the reef and couldn't get back in. I went in the next day and got out only after a few minutes. I've never felt such a strong current. Even though the waves weren't coming over the reef, the current was constantly changing direction. Use your common sense when going snorkeling there and don't be afraid to pack it up if the conditions aren't right.

Apr 29, 2007 6:59PM

@ Clone: I'm sorry, but your comment regarding just WHO is responsible for one's own safety is out of place.

Each person is responsible for him/her self. We can't blame someone else for our issues. Hawai'i Visitors can't possibly be held responsible for the myriad of potential dangers of nature. Kaua'i is wild, respect her.

"Leave your front door at your own risk".

The wife and I will be trying for the 3rd time, next week, to visit Kaua'i. Tried in 9/92: failed - Iniki; tried 3/06: failed - earth dam break. So, no more natural disasters, OK? And here's to never quitting to TRY to see, what we hear, is the most beautiful Island... See ya next week!

Justin Britt

Jun 13, 2007 10:33AM

@ Ray: Actually, Clone makes a good point. However, I don't think it is correct to place the blame solely on the hotels, vacation rentals and Kauai visitors bureau.

The island of Kauai is advertised as this great place to come and visit (and it is) but we (ALL the people who rely on the visitor industry economically) are responsible for informing our visitors of how to have a safe vacation. Many drownings could be avoided through education.

This website was created by Wasabi Marketing Elements as a way of giving back to the community we live in. The sponsors and supports of this website should be acknowledged for their efforts in sustaining this project.

Jun 21, 2007 9:35AM

I just returned from the North Shore. There are signs up everywhere about safety issues. The thing is people simply don't read them. The snorkeling was great in the lagoon, no need to travel out into sharksville and currents to see plenty of fish. We rented out Camp Naue for 9 days with our crew and it was great!!

Jun 23, 2007 1:34AM

IIano is right I haven't read those signs on the beaches I have been too. I just look at the pictures and caught that it said strong current. And don't try and get bit by a shark, I'm always freakin out about sharks, I got scared a few das ago thought i saw a shark but it was a turtle. You see more fish in the lagoon than past the reef.

Jun 28, 2007 1:44PM

Ke\'e Beach was my favorite place in the entire world! The first time I was there was about 18 years ago, and I spents a few years traveling back to that beloved spot where I could snorkel for hours among thousands of fish. However, the last time I visited Ke\'e was about 4 years ago, and I don\'t know if or when I\'ll ever go back. The reason many people love Hawaii is to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life (personally I don\'t like Waikiki due to the crowds), now Ke\'e is similar to the busier beaches of Oahu. It\'s PACKED! Sometimes it\'s impossible to find parking and/or a spot on the beach to sit, let alone swim. Driving nearly two hours from Lihue down narrow winding roads to get there, just isn\'t worth the trouble anymore...But my memories of that past I will cherish forever.

Jul 01, 2007 10:31AM

@ Staff:

Jul 05, 2007 2:45AM

I wanted to check out Sea Lodge beach. I heard from a friend who was there about a month ago that you can't even get down there. Is it accessible and is it safe for kids to walk down there?

Jul 06, 2007 5:07PM

Hello again! Thank you for the compliment and I will try my best to restate what I said before.

I think that it is important for beach safety signs to display information in the same wording that adults would use with children: clear, simple, and direct. I am in NO way implying that tourists think like children~ but we need to keep into consideration that not all people speak the same language or understand the same terminology.

For example: instead of saying sudden drop off, explain how (with picture & words) 20 ft. + drop off after reef effects waves by...... and creates ........ situation for swimmers. Also explain where the typical currents (rips)are and in what way they move. This way someone can understand what to look for. And finally, explain how ocean conditions change daily & with seasons. Believe it or not, this CAN be done with few words and a self explanatory picture.

Tour books prompt us to rush off to these really cool places, but seldom explain where a typical lateral current exists that can suck us out to sea or that rogue waves often crash on the rocks. I ALWAYS watch the ocean for 10 minutes before entering just to try to ascertain the conditions, and that is still no guarantee for safety.

As far as an earlier post suggesting development of better facilities~ I think money would be better spent by hiring lifeguards and posting one on each beach with some form of flotation device (surfboard) or ski. I would much prefer this than a cushy bathroom or developed park. Kauai is a beauty all by itself without all the contemporary conveniences. In fact, that will just detract from her charm.

My vote: post lifeguards with the increased tax revenue the county will be getting from all the additional developments taking place on the island . Augment this with clear signs explaining the conditions of the particular beach and explain how the conditions are ever changing.

Finally, market this site in all the hotels. When I visited last, I asked the hotel staff for current ocean conditions. No one could give me an answer. I finally (after numerous phone calls) was able to find out after I called a local Na Pali inflatable explorer company (they were AWESOME!). This information SHOULD be made available in EVERY hotel lobby. I suggest each hotel have a kiosk with a computer hooked directly to this site enabling a person (local or not) the ability to find out current ocean conditions. Sell banners on the kiosk in order to pay for the computers.

Thank you for listening! :)

Aug 06, 2007 8:17PM

Been going to the North Shore for 16 years. Been to every beach. Ke'e is by far the best. Crowded, not crowded. Every beach can be dangerous at times but this one can't be beat in the summer. Best swimmin' hole in the world. I cross the reef with my 6 year old daughter and we jump in on the ocean side. People who get in trouble don't use common sense. It's pretty obvious when not to go out there. I rescued a man and his daughter when they were trying to swim against the current. They headed to the rocks and I convinced them to swim with me ACROSS the current to the sand bar. Climbing those rocks is asking for a split head. That current is rarely there in the summer but if it is, remember to never swim against it. Go across to the nearest point. Then sit on the sand, grab a cooliun and enjoy the magnificent view in every direction.

Aug 20, 2007 5:28PM

I too, watch the ocean before I will go out. I consider myself an advanced swimmer and boogie boarder with over 25 years experience. I have sat at Kealia Beach (East Kauai) and drooled at the sight of great waves and even room in the lineup with the locals that were out there. But even with my experience, I finally opted not to go in and just watch the locals rip it up. It was a fairly big day and I just am not familiar enough with that break to risk it, even though I wanted to real bad!! It is all about common sense when it comes to safety. All the signs in the world do not help those whom refuse to help themselves. I am still laughing and shaking my head at the same time about a scene I eyewitnessed at Poipu beach just yesterday. There is a little sandbar/island that is a very short swim from the beach, however there is a very narrow part of the \"channel\" between the reef and the beach, where the current is funneled through and speeds up. The Lifeguards there posted no less than 8 signs right at the narrow channel that said \"NO SWIMMING.\" (in the narrow part) These signs were posted facing all directions. In the hour I was laying there, the lifeguards had to tell people to get out of the water right there at least a dozen times. I witnessed mothers with kids less than 3 feet from the signs entering the water there. It got so bad that the lifeguard came down an put up yellow caution tape between the signs to keep people from entering the water there. Guess what- within 5 minutes the lifeguard was on the loudspeaker yelling at a women who stepped right over the tape to walk into the channel. Her reply? \"they talking to me?, what did I do?\" If I had a picture of it, you would see here standing there up to her waist, shrugging with 8 \"NO SWIMMING\" signs and caution tape across. You had to see it to believe it. I think people just get excited and awestruck, they get tunnel vision and head right into the water.
People just need to take the time to remember safety first!! I have been here working on a movie for 3 months, the beaches are great here and the locals have been great here. You just have to remember to respect them both and you will have a great time!! Much Aloha!

Aug 31, 2007 6:31AM

Ke'e is my 2nd favorite beach for sheer beauty (Secret Beach is #1). One should get there early in the morning for easiest parking and fewer crowds. But an evening sunset there is a must do for me in spite of crowds, I usually walk up the beach to the right, at least to the point, for a better view of the Na Pali coast as the sun sets. It is usually my aloha sunset, the last one I do before leaving the island.

Glaze over the crowds and suck in the beauty. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

A note on rip tides: I got stuck in one once while snorkeling, the particular beach eludes me right now. I noticed how fast the underwater beauty was going by and decided to come up and see where I was. Much to my surprise I was FAR from the beach, and decided to swim back. Guess what? I wasn't getting anywhere. The first and scariest thing I did was panic a little which made me go under, I don't know why. Suddenly I remembered to swim sideways instead of toward shore and finally found some footing on a rock so I stood there and calmed down and was finally able to swim in. Just as I was walking on the shore a guy came around in his 4 wheeler and put up a sign to not swim there because of strong currents. I wonder if he saw me stuck out there. I don't know. I couldn't talk about it just then as I was still pretty shook up.

It was one of the scariest things I have ever experienced and I am lucky I knew about swimming to the side.

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.

Oct 19, 2007 7:04AM

Definitely one of the most beautiful spots on Earth ! Been there 10 years.
It is safe if you respect the ocean & the currents: Do NOT go out past the reef to the far left - the current is too strong. To get out past the reef, go to the center & right with IN coming tide, wait until the reef has a foot or 2 of water, then swim thru the openings in the rocks. Usually lots of turtles to see. PLEASE: respect the wildlife and keep the required 30 feet away from endangered turtles & NO grabbing. If you are uncertain about going out past reef, DON'T. Stay in the placid lagoon. Still lots of fish to see off to the left beach in the rocks. There's usually a large school of silver fish to swim among about a third of the way out near the rocks. NEVER GO TO THIS BEACH IN WINTER ! Aloha & Enjoy :)

Oct 24, 2007 6:38AM

Mike (2 comments above) I, too, have seen more than my share of "dingbats" in the 10 years I've been coming to Kaua'i..... and the tombolo at Poipu is great for "dingbat" watching.

Best advice is to watch the ocean for a while before entering. Better yet, keep a look-out for the where the locals congregate ad enter the water... they know where it's best.. and follow their example.... BETTER YET: if it's a life-guarded beach, first thing get yourself over to their life guard station and ASK for the scoop on their beach & their water: they know it intimately.

Nov 07, 2007 4:28PM

Had a wonderful time snorkeling just outside the reef at Ke'e this morning. Calm water, lots of sunshine and sea turtles. Thanks for telling us not to step on the reef, but how else do you get over it? It's pretty shallow water over the edge. The channel to the left side isn't swimmable - it's well posted and warned against in the guidebooks.

Nov 12, 2007 1:47PM

My mom wants us to head over to Kauai in January to stay at my stepsister's house in Kilauea. My stepdad just died last spring, and my mom loves Kauai as a place of healing. I love to snorkel, and am wondering where the good (safe) snorkeling beaches are at that time of year. I've been to Ke'e in the summer, but it looks pretty intense in the winter. Suggestions?

Dec 20, 2007 2:13AM

I think all the beaches in Kauai should have simple, but visible memorials, such as a wooden plaque with the names of all those who were drown at that particular beach...might sober up clueless tourists more than warning signs that people generally ignore.

People come to Kauai and think that just because they are on vacation, in a good mood and visiting a place listed in some guide book that they will somehow be magically protected against the relentlessly destructive forces of nature. Guess what? You won\'t!

Nature has its own agenda and it doesn\'t care that you are there just trying to have a good time.

Too bad so many learn that fact the hard way by dying.

Jan 04, 2008 7:45PM

Will it be safe to snorkel Ke\'e February 4-11? Is sunset or early morning a better time to go?

Jan 05, 2008 6:01PM

We are hoping for some of those infrequent low surf days when we visit in early March to get some snorkeling in at Kee Beach. I'm sure we will be checking the conditions posted. But in general how calm does the surf need to be to be able to safely snorkel in the lagoon? Thank you.

Jan 26, 2008 11:23PM

We are visiting Kauai for the first time. Whats the best and safe beaches / place to snorkel in up to 5 feet of water since we can\'t swim but still see some colorful fish...

We are there in Sept 20th week..
thnks

Jan 28, 2008 2:53PM

Thanks for all the warnings about currents and all that. You´r kinda freakin me out before I head to kauai!!!! But I would rather be well informed and a little nervous because it will make me more aware and cautious! Never would have really considered asking a life guard for advice on currents and best areas to swim in but I´ll do it now. Thanks and stay safe. I know I will now!

Feb 07, 2008 10:03PM

It seems that, although worth visiting, Ke\'e is not the place to snorkle during the winter months. I\'ll be in Kauai late Feb/early March and could use some safer snorkling spots -- maybe Poipu State Park?

Feb 18, 2008 6:42PM

We visited here in October 2006 and we usually like to snorkel at tunnels beach and found that it was totally under water so we ventured to kee and found it to be like glass. There wasn't even a ripple in the water for the 10 days that we were there.
What we did find though is that all of our usual beaches were rough and the usual rough ones were calm? Strange..
There was 4 drowning in the first 2 days of our trip. A mom and her boys and a local boy, I don't think some of them were ever found?
My point is you should always take caution because from the sounds of it the ocean can change at any time. I had assumed since Kee was so calm it would always be.

Mar 23, 2008 7:22AM

I was there today and it was beautiful. I am grateful for this site and the "heads up" about the risks of this beach.

The surf was not too bad today and the currents weren't that strong ...although I didn't go anywhere near the left side.

I saw lots of great fish, sea cucumbers, corals etc.

However I was very dismayed to see so many people abusing the reef. It bothered me a lot and was a huge negative in the visit to this beach. In the 2 hours that I was there I saw 2 scuba divers/harpoon guys walk out across the reef to get to the outside.

I saw two groups of snorklers standing on the reef and walking around on it. I couldn't believe it.

If I lived near the beach you can bet I'd invest some money in making and maintaing signs to show people that standing on the reef is bad.

Why isn't there more information available at the beach and a the trail? I live in B.C. and some of our parks actually overdo the signage, but there is lots of information available about the natural history of the area and proper eco-etiquette.

For such a popular location you'd think there would be more signage and facilities.

Mar 30, 2008 3:23AM

We will be coming to the island in May. Is Ke'e swimmable then? Where would you suggest we purchase snorkelling gear on the island?

Apr 02, 2008 7:35AM

this is an awesome beach for snorkling and wading. With its large shollow reef North Shores usual large wave desolated into small surf barely able to suck a stick out to sea, especially during summer while winter creates large dangerous wave with extreme undertow. With the large reef the undersea life is amazing. A large verity of fish and corals along with a common sea turtle(I saw three last time I went). There is also a huge lagoon protected by the reef that is perfect for keiki to swim safely and adults to wade comfortably. All in all a very good beach but it gets really crowded and fast so get there early(11 o'clock by the latest) because parking is limited.

Apr 04, 2008 11:07PM

I will be visting Hawaii in Sept 2008. Where is the nicest beach for swimming in Kauai.

Apr 04, 2008 11:19PM

My wife and I want to spend some time at night looking at the stars. Where is a good and safe place to go on Kauai?

Apr 05, 2008 4:37AM

I was wondering if there any chartered boats that leave from the north shore to the Na Pali Coast? Thanks for your help and your website is very helpful.

Apr 21, 2008 12:02AM

Hey i was wondering is the swells calming down yet on the outer reef at Ke'e? Lots of people have been drowning on kauai in 2008, more so than usuall? Are they going to be putting a life gaurd at ke'e in may?

Suzanne

Apr 27, 2008 4:53PM

GreatWebsite! I amsending the link to all my Kauai bound friends.

I visit Kauai each summer and this beach can be fun. Yes it is crowded, but so beautiful.
My husband and son scuba dive and this can be a fun spot with plenty of fish and eels.

On the beach The chickens are everywhere,and have joined me,uninvited as I have sun bathed. It's a great photo op.

Glad to hear that a new Lifegaurd will be in place.

Mahalo for telling people about standing on that rock ledge in the water, I have seen too many get knocked silly over the years.

May 08, 2008 8:09AM

Just a head's up that the restrooms are being rebuilt at Ke'e, so there are porta potties there. I didn't hear when the restrooms would be finished....

Jun 03, 2008 2:43AM

fOUND HEAVEN ON EARTH AT KE\'E BEACH LAST AUGUST.
WE WANT TO RETURN IN NOVEMBER.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENJOY SNORKLING THERE
DURING THAT TIME OF YEAR,WILL WE POSSIBLY FIND CALM CONDITIONS? SHOULD WE EXPECT A LOT OF RAIN IN LATE NOVEMBER?
MAHALO
DEBRA

Jun 27, 2008 5:20AM

We'll be on Kauai for our honeymoon from Sept 17th-21st. I know summer's the time to go and beginning in October, the surf becomes too rough to snorkel. I'm wondering if we're going to see more summer-like or winter-like conditions in September. Thanks for any advice!

Jul 03, 2008 5:58AM

KE'E IS NOW A LIFEGUARDED BEACH. the 2 lifeguards are posted at the end of the parking/road area everyday from 9-5. we have a truck, 4-wheeler A.T.V. and all the necessary equipment we need to provide rescue & first responder medical service to the public. we have no tower to hide from the onslaught of beach goers with all there questions and (comments about the parking). please respect our personal space, limit your questions and please don't complain to us about the new parking lot,(due to the historical importance and fragile land area) we were not given off road access to park our vehicles and equipment. so the parking lot was changed to accommodate us. HAVE FUN! COME SAY HI! and BE NICE! also there has been alot of roadside car break ins lately so "DON'T LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLES" aloha chad...

Aug 06, 2008 3:10PM

Aloha! My wife and I visited Ke'e Beach just last week (July) and were thrilled with the snorkling and beauty of the area. Just a few suggestions to allow the lifeguards to be more effective: perhaps include regular loudspeaker announcements warning people about current conditions as well as reminders to stay off the reef (it has been badly damaged by swimmers). When we visited beaches in Australia, we found that lifeguards were always visible and frequently notified swimmers about rip currents as well as advising about other safety hazards. People tend to ignore the signs; verbal warnings and reminders are really helpful. Mahalo!

Aug 16, 2008 3:34PM

I visited Ke e the week of 8-4. I\'ve been coming to Kaua\'i for about 10 years and this was my favorite place in the world. This past time the reef had been totally destroyed and there were very few fish. When I was last there about 2 years ago the fish were spectacular and the reef looked to be in beter shape. Is it always as bad as it was the day I was there or was that a bad day? I would love to see Hawaii do more to protect its reefs and agree with the above comment. The lifeguards were really on the ball and seriously scanning the beach, but they should be more proactive warning people to stay off the coral (if there\'s any left) and currents. I would love to hear your feedback.