Location
United States
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
About Paliku Beach (aka Donkey Beach)
Current status: guides now treat Paliku as a regular beach rather than a nude one. Paliku, known as Donkey Beach, lies on Kauai's east coast near Kapa'a, on the Kealia Kai side of the shore. The name comes from the donkeys and mules once kept in a pasture beside it. For many years it was an informal clothing-optional beach, reached by a downhill walk through sugarcane fields, and its seclusion made nude sunbathing easy. The sugarcane land was later sold to developers, and the sources say enforcement of nudity rules increased. A housing development, a paved coastal path, restrooms and a parking lot ended the seclusion. Lonely Planet says the developer has cracked down on nudity, and that public nudity is illegal in Hawaii. The sources do not give a date for the change, and I did not find a county notice or decision about the beach. The beach is also described as unsafe for swimming from October to May because of rip currents and a strong shore break.
Getting there
Guides describe two ways in: a walk or bike ride along the coastal path from Kapa'a, or a drive along Kuhio Highway to a parking lot with restrooms. My sources do not give parking charges. Lonely Planet warns that swimming is unsafe from October to May because of rip currents and a powerful shore break. Accessibility of the path and walk-in times were not described in the sources I found.
Amenities
Legal context
Lonely Planet states that public nudity is illegal in Hawaii and that the developer has cracked down on nudity at the beach. This is a guidebook statement, not an official one, and I did not open a Kauai County ordinance or police notice on the beach.
Naturism at Paliku Beach (aka Donkey Beach) sits under United States's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 25 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 22.1142, -159.2968
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Paliku still a nude beach?
Current guides say clothing-optional use is largely a thing of the past, and treat it as a regular beach.
Is public nudity legal here?
Lonely Planet says public nudity is illegal in Hawaii. I did not find a county source that confirms the rule for this beach.
Is it safe to swim?
Lonely Planet warns that rip currents and a powerful shore break make swimming unsafe from October to May.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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