Kauai with Kids: Lae Nani Beach

1. Lae Nani Beach refers to the beach located behind Lae Nani Resort.
2. Why Lae Nani Beach? This beach is quite versatile for being a relatively short span of sand. Almost directly behind the resort there is a swimming area protected by a lava rock wall that is perfect for babies and young children alike. In fact, this natural wading pool is often used for infant swim lessons. Just outside of the lava rock wall is a spot that’s perfect for swimming (mind the surf) and if you continue on down the beach there are reefs and rocky outcrops to explore. The highlight for our keiki are the large tree trunks parked towards the far end of the beach, they’re perfect for climbing, balancing on, and jumping off of!
3. Where is Lae Nani Beach? Lae Nani Beach is on Papaloa Road as you enter Kapa’a. We prefer to enter on the far side of the beach–look for the brown sign that says “BEACH ACCESS” in the area just behind the Shell gas station. This will take you down a tropical green walkway that gets you to the sand in under two minutes. If you’d prefer to be closer to the wading pool then follow the walkway next to the entrance to Lae Nani Resort, also marked by a “BEACH ACCESS” sign and follows a chainlink fence lined with fake turf.
4. What is the parking situation like? Street parking is available all along Papaloa Road.
5. When is the best time to go? Honestly, this beach is great at any time of day and nearly any time of the year so long as the surf isn’t too wild. It’s also a beautiful sight at sunrise.
6. What should I bring? Beach essentials–sunscreen, shade, and swim stuff. We always bring beach toys, floaties, and boogie boards (mostly for floating on).
7. What food should I bring? Luckily, this beach is centrally located so it’s easy to grab something on the way in or even pop out to pick something up. Just across the highway is Eat Healthy Cafe a delicious vegan cafe serving up smoothies, easy breakfast/lunch options, etc. I suggest calling your order in ahead then picking it up as the wait time can run longer than expected.
8. Insider advice: There’s a grassy field with a couple tables right next to the main section of the beach making this a lovely picnic spot!
9. Fun fact: Around the fall months the current here creates a flowing channel that’s super fun to float down!
10. Photo ideas: The logs, rocks, and reef here all make for interesting scenery. Play around with using them to frame your photos! This is also another one of those beaches where the clouds like to put on a show, use this to your advantage.