Description: WHERE IT IS: Just below the North Shore town of Kilauea, between the Kilauea Lighthouse and Kalihiwai Valley.
HOW TO GET THERE: There are no public roads that lead to the beach, but there is a gated entrance through a pasture that a privileged few have access to. Driving from Kapaa on Kuhio Highway, pass Kilauea town and turn right on Kalihiwai Road. About 50 yards in, turn right into an unmarked, unpaved road and drive to the end where you can park and find the trail entrance. A moderate hike down will take you near the west end of the beach.
WHEN TO GO THERE: The beach is accessible all year round. However, the winter waves on the north shore make entering the water out of the question for the inexperienced. PLEASE – ABIDE BY LOCAL WARNINGS AS PEOPLE DROWN DURING THE WINTER ALL TOO OFTEN!!! The best time to go is in the summer – the waves go down yet are big enough for a good time.
WHAT TO DO THERE: I took my first shot at surfing and bodyboarding at the west-central section of the beach, right where the trail dumps you. My friends and I would just ignore the nude sunbathers (which, by the way, is illegal but rarely enforced). Local fisherman willing to haul their gear in head to the far west end for some excellent shoreline fishing. My favorite activity here? We head to far east end just below the lighthouse and do a lot of spear-fishing, casting and diving off the cliffs.
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