PRINCEVILLE BEACHES

Hanakapiai Beach is at the 2 mile marker along the Kalalau Trail.  In the early 90's before Kauai's popularity, the difficult 2 mile hike was enough to qualify Hanakapiani for nude use.  Today there are hundreds of day visitors which -- along with sporadic ranger patrols -- have ended any nude sunning.  Now only those who camp there can catch an early morning or late evening skinny dip.  Click here for more information on Hanakapiai Beach

Kee Beach was once promoted as a nude beach.  Today, it is far too public.  But if you walk to the east about 1/2 mile you come to a big sandy bay with a stream in the middle, and if its a windy day, you'll have the spot to yourself.  However, if there's no wind, you'll find a lot of foot traffic walking by.    We've relaxed there au-natural 8 to 10  times midweek and never been hassled.  There's only an occasional jogger or beachcomber and they never seem to mind.   When we visited on a weekend in 2004, we had company for the first time at this spot -- one couple in bathing suits and two topless and as we disrobed, one couple quickly joined us.  When we visited in 2006, there were several other skinny dippers.  The Kee Beach parking area often fills up.  If you have to park in the overflow about 1/4 mile before the main parking, there is short path right to this very spot at the north-west corner of the parking area -- look carefully, it's not obvious.   You can also get to the same spot by parking at campground by Heana Beach and walking west 3/4 mile.  If you come from the Heana Beach side, you may choose to stop one or two coves early in your walk.  Click here for more information on the Kee Beach Area.

Tunnels Beach is one of the north shore's most popular beaches.  Right at the point where Tunnels Beach turns from North-South to East-West we have seen a few  solo nude sunbathers.   Blogs posted in 2006 report small gatherings.  But others have shared accounts of  serious hassling and threats to call authorities by the lifeguard staff at this very same place.  It would seem best to now avoid Tunnels especially since this point is adjacent to a populace spot with swimsuit clad folks walking by every few minutes.   Click here for more information on Tunnels Beach.

Cliffs Resort  Occasionally we've just walked down a narrow path from the Cliffs Condo to the ocean's edge.  It's all lava rocks, but you can find delightful nooks in which  to sit, sun, and watch the ocean and an occasional turtle.  There's a delightful waterfall to shower in upon return.  If you walk west 100 yards, you'll come to a small [just 10 feet or so] sandy cove that is a perfect setting for a couple or two.

Lumahai Beach, Hanalei Bay Beaches, Princeville Beach, Hideaways Beach, Queens Bath, Anini Beach are all too frequently visited and too close to population centers.

Secret Beach has long been Kauai's best bet for nude sunning, swimming, and walking.  We used to go there every day.  The beach is really 5 connected beaches separated by small lava outcroppings.  All total they stretch about 1.5 mile.  The eastern  two beaches [#4 and #3] can be  almost entirely nude,  and one with the waterfall [#2] is generally clothed but the situation varies with attendance.  The center beach [#1] should never be used nude.  The beach to the west [un-numbered or zero] would fall into the same category as #2.  The whole area is absolutely gorgeous -- huge expanses of white sand, lava rocks, waterfalls, green tropical plants, lagoons.  You can even wash up after your visit.  The swimming is tricky in the Summer and nearly impossible in the Winter -- instead enjoy the lagoons and what little sand remains.

MOST RECENT REPORT:   Reports from May 2007 and September 2007 are that the enforcer is present at his usual spot, but no longer walks the beach nor  talks to any visitors.  He was observed perhaps 10 times spending his entire shift picking up leaves that accumulate by the area in which he parks.  This change in his behavior has reduced the inhibition felt by nude users, but not yet increased the number of all-over sun tanners.

HISTORY:  Beginning in 2002 a "rent-a-cop" started hassling nude visitors.  According to locals a property owner  above the beach  -- Michelle Hughes [also distinguished as the developer who changed Donkey Beach]  -- has hired this enforcer.   From 2002 to present a gruff Asian male has been  stationed at the beach most days.  He drives an old white CJ5 jeep [used to be an old red pickup then an old light blue pickup truck] and parks at the bottom of the footpath.  His normal routine was a twice daily walk up and down the beach.  He is pretty easy to spot because he wears hiking boots as he walks out on the sand.  So if you remained vigilant you had time to cover up.   If you were covered when he reached you he would give you an obnoxious lecture and leave.  If you were not covered, he used to take your picture with a digital camera and order you to dress.  Sometimes he would make a cell phone call.  Police records show numerous calls, but never show the dispatch of an officer.   No-one I've spoken with is aware of  any tickets written -- ever. 

In May 2004, the State of Hawaii passed a law forbidding taking pictures of people in a partial or fully undressed state.  This new law made the enforcer's picture taking behavior illegal.    Then in September 2004, the enforcer seemed to have dropped his time commitment to just a few hours a day and his beach walks became much less frequent.  In December 2004, Secret Beach visitors reported he would just sit in a lawn chair watching whatever part of beach #1 he can see from his stationary vantage point with his binoculars.  Unfortunately, early in 2005, beach visitors reported being hassled and observed him brandishing a security guard badge.  This activity was considered of questionable legality as private enforcement is not generally permitted on public lands.  Locals filed complaints with authorities. 

By late 2005 and to our pleasant surprise there there were  no more  reports of being hassled. Most days there were 10-20 nude visitors dominating beach 3 and beach 4.  One day a party of 4 nude sailors arrived by Hobie cat!!  Nude use was clearly outnumbering suited use in beach 3 and 4.   Still however there are more and more clothed visitors walking the beach, so as always proper behavior will go a long way toward tolerance.  The story was the same during our several 2006 visits.

MORE INFO:  The enforcer has posts  green or blue "no nudity" signs at the bottom of the trail and several trees at the back of the beach.  Most people just ignore the signs.  Taking them down however might provoke more frequent patrols.

The asian secret beach enforcer with signature white tee shirt and hiking boots	Vehicle driven by  secret beach enforcer	Reading green signs -- on same tree a Hawaii Gvmt Sign prohibiting many things but not clothing choices	Green sign closeup	Washing up after using Secret Beach

Many visitors who might have give clothing optional a try have been put off by the Asian's presence.  Add in the fact that Secret Beach's nude use has been dropped from most of Kauai's marketing literature and the result is greatly reduced clothing optional attendance.  A very busy day will be just 4-6 nude groups for a half mile of beach.  Even the locals -- tired of being hassled -- have reduced their attendance. 

Side note: topless attendance at the beach is quickly growing.  Topless seems permitted under Hawaiian law and the Asian enforcer doesn't bother topless women.  I have seen topless gals walk right past the asian and he doesn't say a thing.

 Click here for more information on Secret Beach.  Anyone can add up to date information at a Secret Beach Blog.

Waiakulua Beach and Pila  Beach are rarely visited -- by either suited or non-suited parties.  The drive is about 10minutes  farther than from Princeville to Secret Beach, but the reward is to be by yourself or have perhaps one other couple [50/50 chance whether they will be clothed or not].  Day's we've visited we have shared the beach with no more than one other swim suited and beachcombing couple.      Click here for more information on Waiakulua and Pila Beaches.  

Larsens Beach is still hassle free and uncrowded.  Prior to 2004 when  we've visited there are only 1 or 2 groups [always nude]  along 1+ mile of beach.  The fewer number of visitors is probably because the swimming and scenery at Larsens is not nearly as good as Secret Beach. 

However when visiting in 2004, we found 8-10 nude groups and 2-3 clothed groups each day.    The clothed users tend to use the east end [closer to the footpath], while the west end receives nude usage.  Note to couples:  males outnumber females 3:1 or 4:1 on Larsens beach.  Average distance between groups on the west end of the main section of beach was just 100 feet or so.  If you hike further west [OK in the nude if you like], you come to a series of 3-4 beaches that are usually deserted.   I predict that when Secret Beach frees up, Larsens will loose this temporarily following.

You can hike west for 2 miles -- all the way to Pila beach if you choose.  The going is slow as one hops rocks most of the way.  Be sure to visit the baths by the lava arch about 1 1/4 miles from the Larsens Beach footpath.

Click here for more information on Larsens Beach.

Avoid Anini, Kalihiwai Bay, Kahili [Rock Quarry], -- all to the east of Princeville.  Kahili [Rock Quarry] was a popular nude spot in the early 90's.  That has all changed -- we've never seen anyone even topless there.    In general these beaches are now frequented by local families and nude use would surely attract complaints.

Moloa'a Bay,  gets some nude use on the north shore and south shore away from the houses and cottages.  It is recommended to go to the far ends to avoid interaction with clothed visitors.   Show respect for locals of Hawaiian descent and do not use Moloa'a Bay when they are present.  Click here for  more information on Moloa'a bay.

Aliomanu Beach,  is also fine for nude bathing. No hassles. While technically not a north shore beach, directions are included for anyone interested.  From  mile marker 15 on the main highway take Aliomanu Road toward the ocean. Take the first left to Aliomanu Estates. Continue until you see a beach access sign on the right on the beige colored fence. Turn right and down to parking lot. Follow the trail 3-4 minutes down to the shore.  There is usually hardly anyone there.