The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline — putting the island state behind Alaska, Florida, and California when it comes to coastline length. Along the Aloha State’s coastline you will discover countless rock formations and sea cliffs, but the beaches are what truly matters. And while we love the islands’ countless pristine, white sand beaches as much as the next person, we love the unique destinations just a little bit more — especially this underrated spot.
Nestled on the eastern coast of Kauai at the mouth of the breathtaking Wailea River is the wind-swept and wondrous Wailua Beach Park, an under the radar gem that’s known for more than just its sprawling, half-mile-long stretch of sand.
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Without a reef to protect the beach against large open ocean swells, the surf is typically up — which is why surfers and bodyboarders love this beach despite the fact that the water tends to be murky due to freshwater from the Wailua River entering the Pacific here.
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Swimming conditions are less than ideal due to rip currents and powerful shore break, but Wailua Beach Park is worth a visit for one reason alone: the impressive collection of driftwood that has found a home along the shore.
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A remnant of August 2018’s Tropical Storm Lane as well as the massive flooding that Kauai endured in April 2018, this driftwood is quite the sight. Downpours on Kauai triggered flooding and caused logs, sticks, and other flood debris that came downstream from the Wailua River to pile here.
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While efforts have been made to clear the driftwood from the nearby areas, a popular snorkeling destination, Wailua Beach Park remains littered with driftwood.
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Though not everyone finds beauty in this scene, we happen to think that it’s one of the islands’ most unique and beautiful destinations, a reminder that mother nature is always in charge and that there is beauty in chaos.
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So, what are you waiting for? You might not want to go swimming here, but there’s something so serene about taking a walk along the water or choosing a particularly large piece of driftwood to sit upon and relax as you watch the waves crash against the shore.
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Address: 210 Kuhio Highway, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
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Wailua Beach Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. From this incredible beach littered with driftwood to Kauai’s glass beach, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some surreal beaches, so tell us: what’s your favorite one-of-a-kind Hawaii beach?
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