Secret Beach
Secret Beach, also known as Kauapea Beach, sits on Kauai’s north shore between Kalihiwai and Kīlauea, near the Kīlauea Lighthouse. It’s about half a mile northwest of Kilauea town. There are no roads directly to it, so it’s not easy to reach. The beach is about 3,000 feet long and 75 feet wide, with fine white sand and patches of black lava rock. The ends of the cliffs are red and black, with green plants and small waterfalls.
To the east you can see the Kīlauea Lighthouse perched on a cliff above Moku‘ae‘ae Island. About a quarter mile past the west end, there’s a 15-foot waterfall flowing into the ocean. The ocean floor is mostly sandy and drops off steeply. Water conditions vary with the seasons. Swimming is best in summer but can be risky when waves are high; in winter the surf is rough and not recommended for beginners.
Popular activities include picnicking, shell hunting, surfing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and fishing. Tidal lagoons at the west end make a shallow pool for kids. There are no facilities at the beach, so bring your own food and drinks. Nude sunbathing has occurred there for years, especially near the ends. Public nudity isn’t legal, but patrols are rare; when they occur, people are asked to cover up.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 08:38 (CET).