As you embark down the five miles of eroded dirt road that leads to Polihale State Beach on the west side of Kauai, you'll suddenly get a clue as to why this beach is secluded. The sign stating that you proceed at your own risk says it all. Leave your vehicle in the dirt parking lot at the end of the road and hike the rest of the way to the shore. Polihale's stretch of golden sand starts at the northwest end of the Na Pali cliffs and meanders down along desert-like dunes for a full 7 miles. Try to stay to watch the sun set over neighboring Niihau, the Forbidden Island. Bring water, food and a beach umbrella as there are no vendors of any kind in the park, and the weather is unfailingly hot. Surprisingly, the beach has outdoor showers and flush toilets.
On the eastern shore of Kauai, Donkey Beach is named for animals corralled there when the Lihue Plantation Company owned the land. Park your car on Kuhio Highway at mile marker 11, and you will see the dirt trail that leads to the beach. It's a bit of a hike, but the view is worth it. This is not a swimmer's beach because of the riptides and rough waves, but you might see the occasional experienced surfer catch a set. You do, on most days, have the beach to yourself. There are no restrooms or showers, but there are many palm-shaded spots where you can relax, wiggle your toes in the sand and enjoy splendid solitude.
The trek to Hanakapi'ai Beach on the Na Pali coast is not for the faint of heart. Start at the end of Highway 560 and take the steep Kalalau Trail up for a half mile to an impressive vista point, which may inspire you to make the the rest of the 2-mile hike over streams, past waterfalls and through the jungle. When you finally descend to the beach, you need to do some boulder hopping to cross Hanakapi'ai Stream. Spend a few hours exploring, but do not consider swimming or even wading in this treacherous part of the ocean. Instead, cool off in the stream before heading back up the valley. The trail is particularly dangerous during rainy weather.
The aptly-named Secret Beach originally was called Kauapea Beach, and is situated between Kalihiwai and Kilauea on the north shore of Kauai. Take Highway 56 past Kilauea, and make a right on Kalihiwai Road, then turn right on the dirt road that leads to the steep, unmarked trail. It's about a 10-minute hike to the 3,000-foot-long strip of golden sand. Popular in summer for watching dolphins and whales, Secret Beach also has pockets of topless or nude sunbathers, mostly to the north end of the beach. The surf here is wild and dangerous -- even experienced swimmers have drowned -- and there are no lifeguards.
