The North Shore of Kaua’i is a gem and a popular travel destination. Being the biggest bay in this area of the island, Hanalei Bay is a major attraction for beachgoers, surfers, day-trippers, and foodies alike. Many visitors come to the famous pier for photographs, especially for the spectacular sunsets and dramatic background of the Puff the Dragon silhouette. The first time I saw Hanalei Bay a few years ago, the moody skies were illuminated by rays of sunlight.

When I first landed in Kaua’i earlier this year, the roads to the North Shore were closed due to the landslide. It’s important to remember that flash flooding is common during the wet season. If you’re on the island, notifications/warnings are sent out to your cell phone. This means the bridge to Hanalei may be inaccessible, closing it off from the rest of the island, except by boat and helicopter. This also means that some hiking trails may become dangerous or even closed.

When most tourists think of Hanalei, they think of the village or the beach around the pier. It is the whole bay and includes several beaches and surf spots such as Pine Trees and the Bowl. Some of these beaches have lifeguards and facilities; others like Waikoko do not. The road that takes you to the North Shore goes all the way to Haena Park and it is a scenic drive with many beaches along the way. Entry to this park, however, requires reservations which get snapped up fast. Parking everywhere can also get filled up quickly as many visitors get there early in the day.

As we lived on the east side of Kaua’i, heading north to Hanalei was a day trip for us. This time, we left Kapa’a after 12 noon. By the time we got to Black Pot Beach, the paved parking lot was full. You can wait it out, as people do leave all the time. There is also a larger parking lot further back, where many kayaks, SUPs, and small boats launch into the river. We decided to head further west, toward Haena Park, across from the Maniniholo Dry Cave. So westward we went… to Waikoko.

Waikoko, North Shore Kaua’i

Waikoko is located further down the road from the village and sits near the end of the Bay. This quiet beach is accessible from the highway, where there is parking for maybe ten cars. It’s a somewhat steep climb and at some points, you’ll need your hands to navigate tree roots and branches so plan ahead with what you are carrying down. There is another way down that’s less adventurous.

With a lagoon and shallow water, this can be great for kids. Just over the reef, there is good surfing. For photographers, you can scramble over the rocks to get to the edge of the lagoon and get a good vantage point for filming the surf and surfers. Because this is not a great swimming beach, it is not so crowded. There are no life guards or any facilities.

That afternoon, a few couples came to relax and some surfed. There is plenty of shade for a nap, reading a book, or doing nothing. You can wade, float, and cool off inside the reefs. Be careful of the rocks going in.

Looking for reef-friendly sunblock? I currently use ones from Vivaiodays Organic and Ao Organics Hawaii. Everyone Loves the Sunshine from Living Libations is organic and gorgeous.

If you are looking for a quiet and beautiful beach in Kaua’i, especially on the North Shore, I highly recommend Waikoko.