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Kauapea
"Secret" Beach
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PHOTOS |
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Click on a
thumbnail to see a larger version of the
photo |
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OVERVIEW |
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This is
another huge beach, nearly 1 1/2 miles long
with fine white sand, black lava rock,
stunning cliff backdrops, lush vegetation,
and enchanting waterfalls. The setting is
entirely rustic -- except for the houses
you can see on the hilltop -- and can only
be reached by a 10 minute 150 foot vertical
path. Swimming on this beach ranges from
dangerous to impossible because there is no
reef protection. Furthermore, an accepting
adult mind is necessary as the east and west
end of Secret Beach tend to be clothing
optional. Nude swimmers and all-over tan
seekers will almost certainly be encountered
unless one stays at the center of the beach
within a few hundred feet of the end of the
access path. Nudity is illegal in Hawaii.
Not many at Secret Beach seem to be
concerned. Secret beach is sporadically
patrolled with authorities simply requesting
offenders to dress
In winter, this beach, enormous as it is can
disappear almost entirely under huge
crashing waves. Instead of swimming, the
visitor must be content to walk along the
water, hunt for shells, and forget
everything save the feel of wet sand between
one's toes. In summer, there are more
visitors [you pick the attire you are
comfortable with] and one can swim, body
board, snorkel, or even frolic with
dolphins.
From the soft golden sand, you can see
Kilauea Lighthouse to the east perched high
on a cliff that looks out to Moku'ae'ae
Island [inhabited only by hundreds of sea
birds]. Behind much of the east and west
parts of the beach are stunning cliffs of
red and black rock. The cliffs are
punctuated in several places by small
cascading waterfalls whose water disappears
rapidly in the sand. In places where the
walls behind secret beach are not sheer, a
lush tropical forest flourishes. Ironwood
trees, taro plants, and a variety of other
exotic plants abound. The west end of
Secret Beach offers some interesting tidal
lagoons for little ones to splash in.
Further to the west and across a quarter
mile of lava rock, there is a good sized
waterfall that drops about 15 feet into the
Pacific. |
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ACTIVITIES &
AMENITIES |
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Swimming: |
Yes |
Bathrooms: |
No |
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Snorkeling: |
Yes |
Picnic
Benches: |
No |
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Scuba
Diving: |
No |
Showers: |
No |
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Surfing: |
Yes |
BBQ
Pits: |
No |
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Windsurfing: |
No |
Water
Fountain: |
No |
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Kiteboarding: |
No |
Lifeguard: |
No |
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Bodyboarding: |
Yes |
Camping: |
No |
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DIRECTIONS |
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Secret
Beach is located approximately one-half mile
northwest of the town of Kilauea and is
situated between the Kilauea Lighthouse and
Kalihiwai Valley. As its name suggests, the
beach is not easily accessible and no public
roads lead to it. To find it, take the Kuhio
Highway past Kilauea and turn right on
Kalihiwai Road. Follow the road for about 50
yards and then turn right into an unmarked,
unpaved road. Proceed to the end and park.
Nearby is the foot path leading to the west
end of the beach. |
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PLEASE NOTE |
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While
Hawaii's beaches can bring much enjoyment,
it is always a good practice to use common
sense while visiting them. Please be aware
of the wave & wind conditions before going
into the water. Mornings are usually best
for swimming, snorkeling or diving. Have
respect for the strength of the waves and be
aware that high surf can come up at any
time. NEVER turn your back to the ocean.
Be careful when exploring any rocky
shorelines. Waves can crash on the rocks and
knock you over easily, and the rocks may
also be sharp when walking on them.
When snorkeling or scuba diving, please have
respect for ocean life, and remember that
the coral reef is alive too. Avoid standing
on or touching if at all possible. |
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