Lawai Beach

Located within the South Region on Kauai

Guide Snapshot

A quick fit check; live ocean conditions always take priority.

Swimming
Conditional
Beginners
Conditional
Lifeguards
None
Facilities
None at beach
Shore entry
Easy
Snorkeling
BeginnerYear round

This little speck of a beach can disappear during high surf. But when the ocean is calm Lawa'i is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba. Some folks even call this beach the 'Beach House beach', courtesy of the restaurant that resides next door.

To get to Lawa'i take Highway 50 from Lihu'e. Turn right on Maluhia Road just before mile marker 7. At the end of the road, turn left on Koloa Road and then right on Po'ipu Road. Bear right at Lawa'i Road. Lawa'i Beach is on the left across from Prince Kuhio Park.

Lawai Beach

Lawai Beach sits on Kauai's south shore near Poipu, right next to the Beach House Restaurant. Most people call it Beach House Beach for that reason. It is small, popular, and one of the better snorkeling spots on the island when the ocean cooperates.

Snorkeling

On calm days, the reef close to shore is alive with tropical fish and the occasional green sea turtle. Entry is over rocks, so reef shoes help. The water is shallow near the entry point, making it manageable for beginners who are comfortable in the ocean. When surf picks up, skip it. The rocks that make for good snorkeling become hazards in rough water.

Size and Crowds

This beach is tiny. A handful of people fills it up. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or you will be competing for both sand space and parking. The limited roadside parking along Lawai Road fills fast. There is no lot.

Sunset Spot

Lawai faces west and the sunset views are excellent. The Beach House Restaurant next door has built its reputation partly on those same views. Grab a spot on the sand or the low rock wall and watch the sky light up. It draws a crowd at golden hour.

Getting There

Take Highway 50 from Lihue and turn right on Maluhia Road just before mile marker 7. At the end of the road, turn left on Koloa Road, then right on Poipu Road. Bear right onto Lawai Road. The beach is on the left, across from Prince Kuhio Park. No lifeguard. No facilities beyond what the nearby restaurant offers.

Beach day tools

Before you choose this beach, check what matters today.

A good beach plan depends on surf, timing, access, and what your group wants from the water.

Browse all beach and ocean tools
Live Ocean Report Check surf, tides, water temperature, and beach comfort before you commit to the shoreline. Check ocean Matcher Beach Finder Match beaches by island, swim style, scenery, group fit, walk distance, and access needs. Timing Jellyfish Calendar See the south-shore warning window so beach and snorkel days are easier to time. Browser Snorkel Spots Browse curated snorkel spots by island, access, difficulty, lifeguards, fees, and marine life. Free HawaiiGuide Passport Stamp the landmarks, beaches, waterfalls, and local grinds you experience — a free trip keepsake that lives on your phone, no account needed.
John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.

Lawai Beach Reviews

Guidereview:
A (based on 125 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 21.88098377
Longitude: -159.4756989

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