Kauai County, HI · Hawaiian Islands

Salt Pond Beach Park

A protected reef-rimmed cove on Kauai's sunny south shore at Hanapepe — one of the calmest swimming beaches on the island. Named for the adjacent salt pans where Native Hawaiian families still harvest pa'akai (sea salt) by traditional methods in the summer dry season.

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

80°F water · 88°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 96. East northeast wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 76. East northeast wind 12 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Weather

88°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

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

60 /100

good

50 Swim

65 Sunbathe

79 Walk

59 Fish

76 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

88°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

13 to 16 mph

ENE

Rain

12%

Today

UV Peak

13 Extreme

High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

87°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Wave Height

5.6 ft

8s · NE swell

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

12:05 PM

Sunset

1:23 AM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

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

Time	Type	Height
1:43 AM	Low	0.2 ft
8:18 AM	High	1.2 ft
1:06 PM	Low	0.8 ft
7:13 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:17 AM	Low	0.2 ft
9:43 AM	High	1.4 ft
2:57 PM	Low	1.0 ft
7:28 PM	High	1.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:55 AM	Low	0.2 ft
11:05 AM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:39 AM	Low	0.2 ft
12:10 PM	High	1.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:28 AM	Low	0.2 ft
12:59 PM	High	1.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:21 AM	Low	0.1 ft
1:40 PM	High	2.0 ft
9:59 PM	Low	0.6 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

88°

Mostly Sunny

12%

Sun Jul 19

87°

Sunny

Mon Jul 20

87°

Mostly Sunny

Tue Jul 21

87°

Isolated Rain Showers

22%

Wed Jul 22

87°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

19%

Thu Jul 23

87°

Mostly Sunny

Fri Jul 24

87°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

15%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 to 16 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat

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

Best Fishing Times Today

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major

8:50 PM - 10:50 PM

Minor

3:50 AM - 4:50 AM

Major

9:20 AM - 11:20 AM

Minor

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Beach Info

Parking

Free, large lot off Lokokai Rd.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach parks).

Entry Fee

Free

Address

4331 Lele Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716

Amenities

lifeguardsrestroomsoutdoor showersBBQ grillspicnic tablespavilioncamping (permit)drinking water

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Salt Pond Beach Park today?

Salt Pond Beach Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Salt Pond Beach Park dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach parks).

Is there an entry fee at Salt Pond Beach Park?

Entry to Salt Pond Beach Park is free.

Are there lifeguards at Salt Pond Beach Park?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Salt Pond Beach Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Salt Pond Beach Park?

Amenities at Salt Pond Beach Park include lifeguards, restrooms, outdoor showers, BBQ grills, picnic tables, pavilion, camping (permit), drinking water.

When is the water warmest at Salt Pond Beach Park?

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 Salt Pond Beach Park located?

Salt Pond Beach Park is in Kauai County, HI, at 4331 Lele Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716.