WARNING!!! I recommend staying away from the river mouth area, especially after a big rain – Leptospirosis bacterial infections are often attributed to contact with the Kalihiwai River water.

WHERE IT IS: At the mouth of the Kalihiwai River, just past Kilauea and before Anini.

HOW TO GET THERE: On Kuhio Highway, about ½ mile past Kilauea Town, turn right on Kalihiwai Road and drive until it ends, about 1 mile. PLEASE AVOID PARKING ALONG THE ROAD as it is already very narrow. There are a couple of families that have lived there for several generations – this is their HOME. As always, just exercise common sense AND courtesy.

WHEN TO GO THERE: Once again, like all North Shore beaches in the winter, huge swells scream "Keep out!" to all but the most experienced surfers. Flat season begins late spring and lasts through early to mid fall.

WHAT TO DO THERE: There is no appreciable reef system in this bay, so the water is primarily for basic swimming – you’re not going to see much if you try snorkeling except maybe on the far east-end of the beach near the rocks. During the flat season, we bring our kayaks for the 45-minute paddle around the east point to neighboring Secret Beach (see write-up in my other beach journal). When the waves aren’t too big (spring or fall), this is an excellent place to "learn" to surf or boogie board.

WHERE IT IS: A still rather secluded beach, south of Crater Hill in Kilauea, at the mouth of the Kahili River.

HOW TO GET THERE: Drive north from Kapaa and past Kilauea Farms (big sign on the left side of the road). Turn right on Wailapa Road, then left on a gravel road about ½-mile from the highway.

WHEN TO GO THERE: Beachgoers need to heed the winter warnings, as Kahili is technically on the North Shore. However, the bay actually faces northeast and is somewhat protected from the winter swells by the Kilauea Point, so it is considerably safer here than beaches to the west. On the flip side, the North Shore’s summer flat season doesn’t always apply here either. As with anywhere else, just exercise some common sense and – when in DOUBT, stay OUT.

WHAT TO DO THERE: Fishing here is OK – whipping near the river mouth for papi’o, or casting from the shoreline or the rocks along the west edge. However, there is only a limited reef system in the far east (right side) end, so we’ve never tried any diving or snorkeling. This is a good boogie-boarding beach, as not many surfers come here – waves are generally on the small side. A paddle upstream on a kayak and a short hike will take you to a small waterfall used in the film Jurassic Park.