Kauapea Beach

From Kuhio Highway (Route 56) near mile marker 24, turn onto Kalihiwai Road. Then take the first dirt road on the right to its end, next to a private house. Parking is a handful of roadside spaces with no formal lot, and they fill early. A steep, rooty trail of about 10-15 minutes drops through brush to the west end of the beach. It is slippery and muddy after rain, and the red clay stains, so wear shoes with grip. To reach the nude end, walk east along the sand for about 10 minutes. There is no public transport and no wheelchair access.

Visitors describe Secret Beach as one of Kauai's most scenic and least crowded beaches, mainly because of the steep, often muddy trail. Guides and local tips agree that the nude crowd keeps to the remote eastern end towards the lighthouse. Most clothed visitors stay near the trail at the west end. Reviewers often warn about the surf: the water looks inviting but has strong currents, and winter swells make swimming dangerous. Bring water and supplies, since there is nothing on site. Parking at the trailhead is tight, and arriving early is a common tip.

Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.

No nudity designation exists. In 2014 a Kauai County spokesperson said no state law or county ordinance specifically bans nudity, but nude people can be cited for indecent exposure or lewd conduct, and state park rules (which do not cover this beach) prohibit it. Frommer's notes that the county occasionally enforces against nudity here.

Naturism at Kauapea Beach sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.

Full country law: United States public nudity guide.

Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.