Lumahai Beach - Kauai

Lumahai Beach on Kauai is a wide crescent shaped beach known for its beautiful rock formations as well as strong unpredictable surf. The beach was originally made famous during the movie South Pacific an adaptation for the widely acclaimed musical South Pacific. Part of the reason this beach was chosen for the film was its picturesque view of Bali Ha'i.

Beach Weddings

Today this beach is frequently used for beach weddings because to the excellent photo opportunities. The black lava rock contrasting the golden sand, blue skies and turquoise-blue water makes for a beautiful back drop for wedding pictures. This beach is also less frequently used due to the strong undertows and surf making it dangerous for swimming and surfing. This allows for a more secluded atmosphere for the wedding.

Once again due to the unpredictable surf the beach is only usable during the calmer summer months. Rouge ways often reach pretty high onto the beach especially in the winter month making it hazardous to turn your back on the surf and often just be on the beach.

Beach Photography

This is however a beautiful beach for sunning as well as photography making it a favorite for many Kauai Visitors. If you are interested in photography you would likely be interested in seeing these Lumahai Beach Wedding Pictures.

Surfing and swimming

Lumahai Beach is not recommended for swimming and surfing. While on some days the water may seem calm especially in the summer, even then an occasional wave may reach much higher on the shore causing a risk of being dragged back into the water with an undertow. This is probably not a good beach for children who often are not very well aware of the surf.

A good rule of thumb for this beach is to stay off of any area that is wet, that include the sand as well as rocks. While a wave may not touch the rock for several minutes it is not uncommon for single waves to completely cover an otherwise almost dry rock with the returning water going with enough force to knock someone off their feet to get pulled into the ocean.

Lumahai Beach Directions

The beach is about 5 miles west of Princeville on the North Shore of Kauai. Head north on Hawaii 560 (Kuhio Highway) until you pass Hanalei Bay. If you make it to Wainiha Bay you have went too far.

Beach Vacation Ideas