In part two of this mini-surf series we’ll be focusing on the West Side of Kauai. The west side is the dryer side of the island, and it has some awesome features. You’ll find Waimea Canyon “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Kokee State Park and a clear view of the forbidden island of Niihau.
You’ll also find some fun beach breaks and an awesome point break. Here’s 3 spots we highly recommend hopping in the water to catch some waves.
Location: A short bumpy drive off highway 50
Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
Wave Direction: Right and Left
Best Size: 3ft to 2ft overhead
A couple mile drive down a dirt road on the far west end of the island will bring you to Polihale State Park - the longest stretch of white sand beach in Hawaii. I would compare the Polihale break to something that’s similar to Huntington Beach in California. It’s one of the few true beach breaks on the island.
The swell energy channels into the beach - and when it gets big, it gets powerful. This break can get a bit scary since the rip currents here are extremely powerful when they rip off the cliffs of the Na Pali coast. As long as you’re a strong surfer, and you’re smart about the conditions, then you can be rewarded with some of the best beach break waves on the island.
Location: Next to Barking Sands Beach and the Pacific Missile Range
Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
Wave Direction: Right and Left
Best Size: 3ft to 2ft overhead
Mana Point isn’t a wave that I’ve frequented much, but have had some good sessions at. Mana point picks up both summertime and wintertime energy. The angeled coastline here make for fun, peaky waves on the beachbreak. It’s definitely a spot to check out if you find yourself in Kekaha.
Location: Off Kaumuali’i Highway after Hanapepe
Experience Level: Intermediate to Expert
Wave Direction: Right and Left
Best Size: 3ft to 2ft overhead
Outside of Hanapepe you’ll find the hidden Pakala Beach. It’s actually fairly easy to find because you’ll see cars parked on a small bridge directly on Kaumuali'i Highway. This spot is known as Infinities - a long roping left point break when the swell is on. It’s a great wave to shred and you got a solid 200 yard ride when the swell is big enough.
Location: Offshore of the intersection of Kaumualiʻi Highway and Akialoa Street
Experience Level: Beginner to Expert
Wave Direction: Right and Left
Best Size: 3ft to 2ft overhead
Intahs is one of the more popular breaks on the west side. It rops from an outside section into shorebreak.You’ll just want to keep an eye on the swell size because this is another spot where there’s strong rip currents. You’ll also find first ditch and second ditch located by Intahs (rightfully named because you’ll see each of the drainage ditches to know you’re in the right spot).
Location: South end of Kekaha
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Wave Direction: Right
Best Size: 3ft to 6ft
This spot is named after James Douglas Davidson, a former long-time resident of the area. Davidson came to Kauaʻi in 1919 and was employed by Kekaha Sugar Company. In 1922, he built a two-story house across the road from the beach and lived there until his death in 1949. The wave is a fun right point break that’s pretty docile. It’s pretty versatile so you can bring either a long board, or short board, depending on what your mood is.
The west side of Kauai is lined with great waves. If none of these seem like the right spot for you, then you can always hop in your car and head to the South Side of Kauai for more reef focused breaks. If you have suggestions, questions or are interested in writing for us, please feel free to reach out to info@coveredtraveler.com. Travel Safe. Travel Covered.
