Kalapaki Beach

3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766

A quarter-mile of soft sand inside Nawiliwili Harbor in Lihue, fronting the Kauai Marriott Resort. The breakwater keeps the bay calm — easy beginner surf and SUP lessons run here daily, and it's the most family-friendly beach near the Lihue airport.

Great day for photography.

80°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Scattered rain showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. East northeast wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 31% rain — pop-up showers possible
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
54 /100
ok
45 Swim
57 Sunbathe
68 Walk
74 Photo

Best for photography today

Air Temp
85°F
Cloudy
Wind
15 mph
E
Rain
31%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.6 ft
8s · NE swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (HIZ030)

The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

  • HIZ003 Kauai n/a
  • HIZ006 Oahu n/a
  • HIZ017 Maui n/a
  • HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
  • HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Jul 18, 7:34 PM

Sunrise
12:03 PM
Sunset
1:22 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Time Type Height
1:10 AM Low 0.3 ft
7:03 AM High 1.1 ft
11:59 AM Low 0.5 ft
6:48 PM High 1.7 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1611400, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Jul 18
85°

Scattered Rain Showers then Partly Sunny

31%
69
Sun Jul 19
84°

Scattered Rain Showers

33%
65
Mon Jul 20
84°

Scattered Rain Showers

31%
66
Tue Jul 21
84°

Chance Rain Showers

58%
52
Wed Jul 22
84°

Scattered Rain Showers

51%
55
Thu Jul 23
84°

Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

32%
69
Fri Jul 24
84°

Scattered Rain Showers

43%
56
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 31% rain chance

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Parking

Free public lot at Kalapaki Beach Hut / Anchor Cove; additional metered street parking on Rice St.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach parks).

Entry Fee

Free

Address

3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766

restroomsoutdoor showerspicnic tablesvolleyball netwalking paths
Is it safe to swim at Kalapaki Beach today?

Kalapaki Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Kalapaki Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach parks).

Is there an entry fee at Kalapaki Beach?

Entry to Kalapaki Beach is free.

Are there lifeguards at Kalapaki Beach?

No lifeguards are stationed at Kalapaki Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Kalapaki Beach?

Amenities at Kalapaki Beach include restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, volleyball net, walking paths.

When is the water warmest at Kalapaki Beach?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Kalapaki Beach located?

Kalapaki Beach is in Kauai County, HI, at 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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