If you’re up for an adventure and a steep, the potentially muddy trail doesn’t put you off, Sealodge Beach might turn out to be one of your favorite destinations in Kauai. This small, secluded cove is never crowded. Nestled between a residential neighborhood and the Sealodge condominium complex, accessibility seems to be discouraged by the homeowners who live in the neighborhood–but legal public beach access is available to those willing to take on the somewhat rugged 1/2-mile-long trail.
You’ll find two public parking spaces at the entrance to Sealodge Beach, along with a trail that’s not particularly well-marked. Follow the trail downhill for a little less than half a mile until you reach the coastline. Toward the end of the trail, you’ll see a series of small spring-fed waterfalls trickling down the cliffside.
When you arrive at the ocean, veer to the left, and just around the bend you’ll be met with a small, sandy beach marked by calm, crystal-clear waters. Easy access to shade, cool ocean breezes, and crystal-clear water make this destination a must-see, even for the hardest-to-impress beachgoers.
This isn’t an outing for those wearing flip-flops (or slippahs, as the locals call them), and it’s very steep and rocky/muddy in places. For those with mobility issues or very young children, it might be best to find a different spot to explore; Kauai’s North Shore offers an array of more easily-accessible beaches. But for those in search of a little rugged Kauai charm, this is the spot to visit.
The water is crystal-clear and offers lovely snorkeling at Sealodge Beach. Keep in mind, though, that snorkeling here is best at high tide; you’ll find yourself bumping into the coral if you visit when the tide is low. For many visitors, visiting SeaLodge Beach at daybreak is the ultimate adventure: pack a breakfast picnic and enjoy a spellbinding sunrise view.
SeaLodge Beach is located in Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore. Because it’s tucked at the bottom of some rocky cliffs between SeaLodge Condominiums and a residential neighborhood, parking is limited–but there are rarely more than one or two other groups exploring the area at a time. Feel free to park at the shopping center in Princeville if you’re up for a good hour walk, but a taxi will also do fine here. Nearby, you’ll find all the amenities that Princeville has to offer–from restaurants and coffee shops to hotels, gift shops, and adventure outfitters.
Insider Tips:
-Visitors recommend bringing bug spray along for the ride because it can be buggy in the cove.
-Have a hammock? Bring it along! You’ll find plenty of shade and nearby trees at Sealodge Beach for relaxing at the end of the trail.
-Shoes with good traction–not standard flip-flops–are recommended for this hike. Parts of the trail are muddy, steep, and poorly maintained.
-Don’t expect lifeguards at Sealodge Beach! You might be the only visitor(s) there. Swim at your own risk.