Pali Ke Kua Beach Reviews

This is the best beach my wife and I have been to on Kauai. It is a pretty steep climb down to the beach so isn't accessible to everyone but those who can make the hike down should. There wasn't too many people there when we went and half the upper part of the beach is shaded so you can choose either the sun or the shade to sit in. For snorkeling its amazing because you don't have to go far out to see lots of fish.

The parking lot near the St. Regis fills up, so try the public parking at the resort itself. The trail down is steep, and funky steps and a rope help. Slippery when wait. This is a beautfiul yellow-sand cove, excellent for snorkeling when surf is low. We visited 5 or 6 beaches you have to hike to in Princeville (thanks to the spot-on directions in Kauai Trailblazer). Some are well known and some hardly anyone seems to know about.

We walked down one morning to get some beach time. The hike is doable, but it is steep and can be very slick. The beach is very small and while we were there it was very busy. The surf was high and all the rocks made swimming challenging. I watched the fish that would get swept up into small pools. A peaceful place to sit and take in the sites.

Though recent coral bleaching events have decimated the reefs of Kauai, it can be fairy stated that the preeminence of Tunnels as the best reef on Kauai is in question. I went to both Hideaways and Tunnels on the same day with similar light conditions and it seems that me that more coral has survived at Hideaways, which continues to have large schools of tang, and more coral too. Given the struggle of parking and prebooking the North Shore shuttle, Hideaways is the better option.

What a lovely beach! The hike down using the ropes was quite fun, but it does mean that those with physical disabilities may have a difficult time getting down, and of course getting back up. But if you are able to make it, you are rewarded with a beautiful beach with lovely sand. You will also likely have very few people around. Snorkeling will be hit or miss depending on conditions, since it is pretty exposed to ocean swells. But regardless, it's a lovely place to spend a day at the beach.

This is a wonderful quite place to just enjoy nature. If you're not mobile or have trouble walking down cliffs or up steep hill. Then this might not be a beach for you. There is a hand rail that is kinda breaking and a rope the rest of the way. Depending on the tide you can snorkel in the area and maybe see turtles. There isn't a lot of parking. You might have to park at St Regis. Enjoy!

This is an awesome secluded beach. It's a steep hike down but there's a rope to help you stay on your feet. People of all ages made it down. Definitely worth the views. We went snorkeling while there. The water was very clear (much clearer than the day prior at Poipu). Lots of colorful fish to see! Not alot of parking so come early or make the walk.

We drove up from Poipu, had lunch at Lava Lava Beach Club (casual dining right on the sand), then drove to and valet parked at the Princeville Resort (free, but def tip!!). There is a trail right next to the resort which leads down to this stunning (!!!) beach. The trail is steep and narrow with ropes on each side. You could manage chairs if they were on your back but want to have hands free. The beach is small with lots of shade. The snorkeling was accessible right from the beach and fantastic!
Great way to spend a day! Highly recommend!

Little parking at the trailhead to reach the beach, so be prepared for a little wait! The walk down is a fun one - you're guided by broken steps, frayed rope and the odd metal pole sticking out the ground. We did it in flip flops, so if you pay attention, you'll be just fine.

Unfortunately, because of people like us raving about it, the beach isn't as quiet as you would think, but compared to most others, it has a very relaxed and private atmosphere.

The water is clear, but on the day we visited there was a bit of chop to the sea, so wasn't as comfortable for snorkelling as we thought. Very much worth a visit, especially if you can time it right to see the sun setting.

Now for what I probably should've written: "What beach? There's no beach here..."

There are actually two beaches next to each other, one is accessed via a very narrow (maybe 12" wide) path between the Pua Poa condo parking lot/grounds and the St. Regis employee parking lot. This path is very treacherous, especially after a rainstorm. Wear appropriate footgear for steep terrain. There are spots that your only support is a worn-out rope that dangles along a rather steep slope that you don't want to fall down. The good news is it's rather a short descent (albeit steep and slippery) to a secluded and beautiful sandy beach. We've visited here several times and never seen more than 10 people on the beach. Again, don't try the path without appropriate footwear especially after a rain. Snorkeling is good, lots of sea cucumbers, fish and coral trying hard to survive. This wouldn't be a good place to visit if you are a snorkeling novice.

Right around the bend from this beach via some volcanic rock cropping is the Pali Ke Kua beach. At low tide you can lift your gear high and walk through the surf around the point to access this beach. It is also a secluded area with few visitors. It's much rockier here with large volcanic rock slabs heading from shore into the water. The moss rock is very slippery. Today, someone fell and had to be med-evacuated out of the area because of a possible broken leg, so again, this isn't the beach to visit if you are a novice. The good news is there is a concrete walkway up from this beach, although longer and steeper than at the adjacent beach.

We just visited Kauai for a 9 day vacation and visited many beaches. This was my very favorite. If you are driving your car here there is only about 6-8 parking spaces, so get there early (before 8) or hope you get lucky. There is a bit of a hike down to the beach. It is steep and if it has recently rained, it is going to be muddy. Once you make it down, you think you have found paradise. The big trees give plenty of shade. Because of limited parking, there aren't any crowds. The snorkeling is good right off the beach. My teenage son climbed the rocks on the end of the beach and it led to another beach that was even more secluded. A perfect way to spend a day.

There's a short yet steep hike down to this paradise. Luckily there are some steps and rope to help, but definitely wear hiking "sports" sandals so you don't lose your footing.

The water is crystal clear with lots of viewable reefs. Water shoes or your hiking sandals will come in handy so you don't scrape your feet.

This is a nice place to snorkel and see lots of fish, swim or hang out on the small beach away from the crowds.

Beautiful beach at the end of a difficult hike. Slippery and steep at times. Better to drive there early in the morning as you can easily spend the entire day enjoying the calm ocean and snorkeling.

Steep short walk from our condo. Small secluded beach, especially at high tide. Limited parking near St. Regis Hotel and a longer walk, just as steep.

The hike down can be a little daunting but just take it slow and you'll be fine. Great snorkeling! Saw tons of different fish and even an octopus. Good amount of shade right next to the surf. Not a ton of people either due to the limited parking. Get there early in the morning to guarantee a parking spot.

Waves were calmer which made it easier for our toddler grandson. Saw turtles and fish close to show without snorkel gear and then much more with the gear.

Best condos in Kauai are right above this beach. Puu Poa complex and the best of them all is unit 412. We stayed there and it's amazing!!! Pack a beach chair and some snorkeling gear on your back,walk past PuuPoa condos and the small trail is on your right. Don't sweat the decent down with the help of rope. If your in fair shape you'll do it no problem. Older or unfit folks shouldn't attempt it. Remember whatever you pack down has to come back up. The beach has amazing views of Bali hi and offers some incredible snorkeling with a huge variety of fish and if lucky some big sea turtles. We went here every day and never saw more than 10 people. Use caution and wear a water shoe or sneakers that will get muddy on way up and down. The beach has perfect sand and plenty of shade trees that umbrella the shoreline.

Hideaway beach was picturesque with fantastic snorkeling. The climb down can be slippery and muddy but the ropes help with the descent. I assume the steep climb keeps the beach from getting crowded since there weren't many people. This was our favorite beach and offered plenty of shade and wide beach. We walked around volcanic rock on the right side and discovered another secluded beach. Snorkeling in the calm water enabled us to see many colorful fish and 2 sea turtles. Snorkeling is best on the far right point.

Stunning views, crystal clear water, wonderful beach....everything you can dream about a perfect spot. Walk for a long while with no crowds, no loud noise, just the surf lapping at the shore. Perfect place for a beach day!

The absolute most gorgeous perfect beach I have ever seen. It is even more beautiful in pictures then the pictures show. We enjoyed being somewhere quiet with only a few other people around as opposed to the busy beaches every where else. We felt like we were in the Hawaii that we had dreamed of on our private secluded beach, the breeze in our hair, blue turquoise clear waters, golden coarse sand in our toes, the coconut trees swaying, waves crashing. Breathtaking. I never wanted to leave and can't wait to go back.

We bought water shoes and snorkels for under $30 at the Longs Drugs after reading the great reviews about the Hideaway Beach (Pali Ke Kua) and decided to check it out. The small parking lot near the start of the steep narrow trail path was full. We just valeted at the St Regis. The stairs/steps to the beach were challenging at some points (partially broken) for some in our party. Be sure to hold on to railing/rope to help both descend and going back for it can be slippery; it’s good to wear shoes. This beach with shallow water is great for snorkeling as there are many varieties of fishes (my son spotted a turtle)’ there are also lots of coral. It is not wide but it is a quiet, secluded, and relaxing place.

I stayed at Pali Ke Kua with my family of 4. We hired some snorkelling gear for the week and so decided to try it out at Hideaways, a short walk down a very steep path away. After the hard work to get down there, you were rewarded with a great snorkelling experience. Many fish to be seen right from the word go. I would recommend that you try snorkelling here if you are around the Hanalei or Princeville area.

Hideaways is one of the best beaches and snorkeling spots in the world. It is also very had to get to but worth the effort. I'll leave it to others to describe how to get there from by the tennis courts next to the St. Regis.

Awesome snorkeling - tons of fish, eels, some turtles, incredibly clear water.

It is a perfect example of what makes Kauai such a special island - a secluded and beautiful beach. Be careful after the rains the path gets very slippery!

We love this beach so much for snorkeling. We have been there twice and both times not very crowded. Challenging climb down to visit but lots of coral, fish and even and octopus to see!

This is exactly what I pictured when I imagined Kauai!
perfect sandy beaches, beautiful blue waters, coral perfect for snorkeling and not that many people!
I actually missed this place the first time I tried to go. I put the direction into google maps and it took me straight to the Saint Regis, which is where the street ends. I parked in the little side lot (it was 7am so there was no one there) and then followed my GPS towards the Saint Regis which is where it was telling me to go. I thought I had to walk through their grounds to get there. They had a little sign that says 'Beach access' so I followed that and it took me all the way around the hotel and onto their beach, not what I was expecting and man was I disappointed!
Went home. Reread some reviews and went back later in the day. The second time I walked there but I did notice that the parking lot was full as it was midday. The trail is literally RIGHT NEXT to the parking lot. It's in between the parking lot fence and the tennis court fence. Once I went back I wondered how I even missed it!
Please note: a lot of review said it was dangerous. It's not. I went with my nieces the second time. 2 & 5, I carried the 5 year old on my back going down and my brother in law carried the 2 year old in his arms. It's not dangerous, just go slowly. hold on to the rail, or the rope and make sure your footing is sure. Do this and you'll be fine. Also, going up the 6 year old did it by herself and she was fine, the trail only takes about 5 min. I also went barefoot and that was way better than some people that went in sandals and said they had a hard time. The ground isn't straight dirt that turns muddy, it's sandy so even though it had rained the day before, I still got some grip. THE BEACH IS SO WORTH IT PLEASE DON'T MISS OUT.

Secret Beach is near the Princeville St. Regis hotel. In fact we valet parked at the hotel and then embarked on the steep climb down to the beach. What a disappointment. The beach is very small and it was a lot of work to get to it. There are plenty of other beaches in Northern Kauai that are far nicer than Secret Beach. My opinion is they ought to keep it a secret.

Most people come to Kauai and never make it down to this gem. First off, it's on the north end so the beach is "seasonal" and with only (9) parking spots up top, it's not necessarily convenient. Lastly is the sketchy trail to get down to the beach but for those that make the effort, it is the epitome of what you expect a tropical beach to be.

Ok so it's February and fairly low tide this impacted our experience. We found 2 beaches- the paved path from the Puu Pau condos leads to a remote beach with lots of shade. The paved path is steep but very manageable. The beach is very rocky and not very good for swimming or surfing. You cannot get to the public beach where the surfers are from this side at this tide.

We also went to the beach from the public parking lot by the Regis. The trail down is narrow and uneven. The beach really is beautiful. The sand is still pretty harsh compared to other beaches but much less big rocks and lots of people surf there.

This little beach is getting more and more crowded every year. And now with the highway closed, I was amazed at the amount of people who were willing to brave that super steep trail down (and back up!). For the first time this year, we had trouble finding a spot to situate ourselves without being in the surf. Nutty. Parking is challenging to non-existent, but if you're staying close by, this beach is the one to visit.

Great place if you wanna be alone and secluded. Amazing spot to watch the sunset. There's a bbq area on the way down to beach with grassy area to hang out and grill up some food. It's a lil bit of a hike getting down there so make sure you have everything, the walk back up is pretty steep but all cement sidewalk. Watch out for frogs once the sun goes down :)

Amazing cozy little beach. People get confused and go to another beach just a mile up. Some of the pictures and reviews posted here are of another beach.
You access this beach by entering a very little pad on the north side of the tennis court 100 yards before the St Regis gate. The hike is not bad, but it requires good mobility.
The beach itself is very small, great sand, water can be a bit choppy for small kids.
Bring your snorkeling equipment to see some turtles.

Nice place to visit for all day snorkeling or picnic or just or take photos. Small intimate beach with limited beach

This beach is terrific, but a challenge to get to if you are not sure-footed. It is STEEP, can be slippery if it rains, and it is not as private as you would expect. It is rather small compared to other beaches. The snorkeling is pretty good, and there is plenty of shade. The sand is pretty nice because of the shade for easy walking without burning your feet. I am 72 and used thigh muscles that obviously haven't been used in years. I was in pain walking down stairs for three days afterwards. Have fun!

We only saw a few people snorkeling from above, but the water was so beautiful that we braved the steep hike down. Best decision ever! Hideaway Beach is truly a hidden gem. The snorkeling was awesome. We saw some fish we hadn't seen elsewhere. Loved the coral tunnels.

One of my favorite beaches on the island but on a nice day you wont be the only one that had the idea to go to hideaway beach.

Get there early or be prepared to walk a long distance. The parking is limited. The neighboring businesses don't want anyone on their property. It's exciting to get their via the cables and steep descent.

This is one of the most idyllic beaches ever. It's not very big and the climb down, and up again, is muddy and a bit slippery, but it's well worth the effort. Surfers will really love it as will those who just want to sit and watch the impressive waves.

It is a nice beach but parking can be tough so not sure this would be my first choice....bring your own parasol umbrella....

This beach is accessed by a "private" paved trail in the condo units called Pali Ke Kua 9or snorkeling/swimming from Hideaways). The beach is quiet, often empty, great snorkeling and swimming. Can access Hideaways beach if tide is right by walking around black lava rocks or you can reach it by snorkeling/swimming. Absolutely lovely. A real gem.

Difficult to find the trail and parking, unless you go valet at the St. Regis Hotel. Very steep trail with ropes to hang onto (not recommended if trail is muddy from rain unless you are a thrill seeker). The beautiful water, sand, trees, and lava rock edges on a small beach make this a worthwhile visit.

Take the easy hike (don't be intimidated) to get down to this beach. The rope is reliable but be cautious as if you're not careful you could take a nasty tumble. Great beat to hang out on, not a place to do a ton of swimming, however.

Limited parking and different time of year applies. This beach is secluded but known if researched! Go early in the day or late. Worth the effort.

An unforgettable week in Kauai (the 'garden island') with my husband and children aged 8 and 6 respectively.

We landed in the dark at little Lihue airport... our baggage arrived in the semi outdoor hall, we felt the gentle warm breeze and with chickens at our feet we knew we had arrived somewhere pretty different from our English home.

A 40 minute drive took us to Princeville, at the north end of the island, in a self catering apartment at Pali Ke Kua. Quite simply the most stunning views on the island and the best backdrops to the incredible sunsets, the stars were pretty special at night too. We had an ocean view, an excellent pool, and our own little beach. With the locals secret hideaway beach and the St Regis Hotel (excellent sundowner spot) a short walk away and the Princeville supermarket a short drive it worked a treat for us.

We filled each day.. highlights included -

A slightly strenuous but very gentle 4 in a boat, 1 hour kayak (no need to book) down the magical Hanalei river, along side beautiful yellow sea hibiscus trees to watch herons and turtles basking under the huge bamboos and flowering banana trees. The little surfers paradise town of Hanalei is a good place to book tours and have a shaved ice (or two) as well.

A 30 minute drive down to Kapp'a one day to pick up some bikes at coconut cycles. We cycled the non strenuous 4km north along the coastal bike path. Completely free of cars.. just palm trees laden with coconuts, pineapple plantations and beautiful uninterrupted views of the Pacific ocean. We stopped for lunch at an unassuming blue and yellow Mexican food van, El Rey del mar, which had the most incredible burritos with home made salsa - not to be missed! We can recommend Bubba burgers in Kapaa as well. An island favourite apparently with walls filled with signed photos of famous people who have eaten there and bought a T shirt 😂...

Another day followed with a wonderful time spent at tunnels beach just north of Hanalei, the absolute best place for easy snorkling, and where we came face to face with loads of fish including Hawaiis state fish the Humuhumu nukunuku apau a'a. A refreshing coconut afterwards made up for the longish trek down the beach which was the calmest/safest place for the kids to snorkel.

Two afternoons in a row my husband took the children to Makai golf course, in Princeville for 9 holes, which he said was a priceless experience - once again with outstanding views. Kids play for free with a paying adult and the staff were excellent and all very friendly.

Another day we drove down to Lihue airport and took a 50 minute helicopter flight with sunshine helicopters around the island which included going down to the Waimea Canyon (home to Jurassic park..) and around the unforgettably beautiful Na Pali coastline.

Also the little 'trendy' arty town of Hanapeepee with the newly replaced swinging bridge and Lapperts ice cream was a nice stopover on the way back from Waimea canyon (1.5 hours from Princeville) where a little trek around the nature trail just after milestone 8.5 was just enough to keep the kids and parents happy.

It was around 30 degrees all week with a few refreshing showers each day. Hardly any air con on the island so the rain is a pleasant relief.. I found the rash vests for the kids were a must too as the sun seemed to burn our pasty white skin quite easily!

All in all an unforgettable, exciting, activity filled adventure and if you can swallow the high prices and deal with the long flight distance, I would highly recommend this tropical paradise as a holiday destination with a difference for young families.

This is a private beach with access you can only get to if you are staying in Pali Ke Kua. The other half of hideaways that has public access is cut off from this half of the beach. Beautiful views. Almost no one around. Sometimes you will literally be the only person there. Coarse sand. Wear water shoes. Lots of lava rock. You won’t be able to go out very far in the water but it’s so peaceful. Also, you’ll need to be in good shape to get down the trail to the beach. Very steep, though paved most of the way.

The beach is secluded and smaller, but expect a good amount of people unless earlier or later in the day. The descent is requires a bit of navigation, but the views are spectacular.

The beach is smaller and a good amount of people do come down, which does impact the experience overall relative to its size.

That stated a great view and experience.

Pali Ke Kua Beach is one of our top favorite places in Kauai. We found this gem on TripAdvisor and we could not be anymore happier. We were staying at Princeville so it was only a 5 minute drive there.

Directions: Drive down Ka Haku Rd and you will see on your right about 5-8 parking spots (we went around 12:30PM and we knew it was going to be packed). We drove down further and valeted at the Princeville Resort and made sure to tip them! They were kind and also told us to have fun.

No need for chairs because the sand is soft enough to sit on with a towel. Also, umbrella is unnecessary because the trees perfectly give you the right amount of shade! The reef is pretty lively here too, if you’re planning on snorkeling go ahead and bring that gear.

The trail to the beach is closed due to dangerous access conditions. The trail is barricaded with a closed sign. Some one recently fell. Use the more gentle access from Pali Ke Ku condo.

Its quite a trip down, but this little slice of paradise is so worth it.
The snorkeling is awesome.
My Happy Place

This beach is a bonus for those staying at the Pali Ke kua Condos. The trail down is steep but very doable. Several carved benches along the path to rest. Very quiet and restful spot..

If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot, this beach is definitely worth a visit. It had lots of sand, lots of shade available, crystal clear water for snorkeling, and was incredibly scenic.

There is a bit of work involved to get down to the beach and back up, but it is definitely worth it.

Visited June 2016, Totally worth the trip. Very little parking at top, and steep slick, sightly muddy path down with rope assist. I suggest do not carry too much stuff down, only snorkel gear and a water and grass mat to lay on. Wear a backpack and keep your hands free to use the rope for the 5 min steep hike .

A lovely, coarse sand beach covered by lava rock. Saw lots of little fish and crab. Enjoyed a quiet sunset here.

The climb down is a bit daunting but we found this is the easiest and least cloudy place for snorkeling from Princeville. All types of fish and turtles are present.

Small hidden gem of a beach. Good snorkeling and see many fish. Bring bread stuffed in water bottle to fed fish. Trail to beach is step and dangerous. Would not be safe in rain. Require extreme effort to climb up. Grabbing ropes and slippery.

This is another of those really pretty places on Kauai where it can be tough to negotiate the steep trail. if its wet or rainy don't try! Once you get there it is a small beach and with only a few parking spaces it is never crowded. The snorkeling can be good for experienced swimmers, but the rocky entrance can be a challenge to negotiate and there can be rip currents, which can take you miles out to sea within seconds! Come here with caution and if you do, I recommend you stay on the sand unless a great swimmer!

Hideaways is a gorgeous beach! Be sure to wear good footwear, recommend hiking shoes or good water shoes with traction. There are ropes to hang onto as you go down the steep trail. It's much easier coming up. Take our snorkeling gear!!

Close to Princeville resort accessible via a beaten path and about 100 meters downhill slippery muddy hike down a hill (only a rope for support) Down hill is very treacherous uphill climb is easy.

What a reward for the effort. lovely crescent beach with soft sand and shallow mild waters great for snorkeling. can spend hours undisturbed.

Did not expect this stay of 5 days to be so beautiful.. it was and way more..
The condos are located by the sea, overlooking imposing cliffs, and has a path down to Hideaways Beach- so amazing and private, with rocks, waves lashing on them.. a good sandy stretch too!
The condos were so clean, with full kitchen,
2 full baths, 2 bedrooms sleeping 4, and very comfortable..
The Hideaways Pizza pub served delicious food too!
The condos are so close to spectacular northern shore points- The Lighthouse in
Kīlauea, Hanalei beach and town with restaurants, Haena beach, Tunnels beach,
Ke’e beach , The Hanakapai trail,
LIMAHULI Gardens and more!
LOVED IT!!
Will go back there next time in Kauai!

Hideaway is more known these days, but because of the somewhat challenging descent (and following ascent) to the beach, it doesn't attract too many at once. Located on the east side of the St. Regis parking lot, look for the dirt/mud trail left of the tennis courts. This is a short but steep climb; there are some steps but you'll mostly use a series of ropes to make your way down. If it's been raining a bit, you should be very careful given the mud (and it'll always be wet to some degree...this is Kauai after all).

We were lucky and didn't have too much fresh mud, made it down with our 10 year old in about 10 minutes. Wear good hiking shoes or sandals, any shoe with a decent grip. Flip flops only if you are an agile hiker/climber. Try to bring a day pack and avoid carrying stuff with your hands, you'll need both of them.

Once there, a pristine beach with excellent snorkeling and swimming awaits. Lots of shade too, a big bonus.

Since there is no lifeguard nor trash bins, please be mindful of your safety and cleaning up after yourself.

You hike down to this beach using a steep trail with ropes to help you along the way. They really helped on the way up. Look out for the remnants of a metal railing. Some of the support pipes have been left with jagged edges. Once you get down, it's a lovely beach, somewhat secluded which gives it a nice feel.

We enjoyed snorkeling here. In our search for turtles, we swam to the left (west) and ended up in a little trouble close to the rocks. We saw plenty of fish and enjoyed the feeling of swimming in and out of the channels produced by the lava formations. It reminded me of narrow European roadways, not knowing when you'd find a dead end or another path.

Limited parking near the trail head. You can wait for a spot to open or park elsewhere. If you're staying in Princeville, it may not be a bad walk depending on where your hotel/resort is.

This is a great quiet little beach with a pretty view. Good place to read a book. There is limited parking in the lot, only about 10 spots. There is a path that leads down to the beach. it is a bit of a treacherous hike so try to have your hands free to hold on as you climb down.

Its a small slightly difficult to get to, but stuck in my mind as one of the highlight of Kauai beaches. It is paradise!!! Do come early as parking is limited & bring snorkeling gears during low tide. This is a must visit beach when in north shore, Kauai!!

Gorgeous clear water teeming with fish, turtles, and eagle rays. Spectacular snorkeling and great view of Bali Hai from beach

Great little hike down to the beach. Get there early for parking and a spot on the beach. Tide gets high later in the day.

Stayed at the Westin right up the road. Could have taken the shuttle to St. Regis but didn’t want to wait for it so drove over and did the free valet parking, then walked 5 min to the tennis courts for trail down to the beach. It was dry and hadn’t rained so while it was steep (needed the railing & rope) it wasn’t slick. Gorgeous beach with super soft, thick sand, cliffs behind you on the one end, volcanic rock framing the beach on both ends….. My 15 yr old son (barefoot!) and I (Keen’s hiking sandals) hiked around/over the volcanic rock at both ends to go exploring. Was a perfect afternoon.

Do not venture down here without shoes with good soles!! The entrance to the beach hike is immediately to the left of the tennis courts at Pua Poa Resort at the end of the road in Princeville. Follow the small, dirt path down the cliff. Steep stairs, mud, tree roots, ropes to hold on to. Not a place for the un-fit. Beach is beautiful and ok for swimming as it is relatively calm, and we did not experience rip tides. You will feel all you muscles the next day, as it takes all of them to hike down and back up!! Worth the trip.

Wear sneakers or stable shoes. Hold tight to the rope and proceed with caution. You will be fine. Down in ten up on five. It's fun .

Excellent spot for snorkeling.

Parking is a bit of a challenge.

To access the trail you utilize a rope for part of the way.

This beach is amazing!

We went here 2x while in Princeville and it was the best snorkeling we found in the area!

There is a very small parking lot right by the tennis courts before the St Regis that only has about 6 parking spots, so come early or be prepared to wait. There is no other public parking nearby. The hike down is not long but it is a bit challenging with some steep stairs and then a part with ropes to help (thanks to some smart person!). The reward for your adventure is BIG!

This small and very uncrowded beach was SUPER! The snorkeling was GREAT here too! Bring your beach stuff and plan to hang out!

We had a home rented in Princeville so the beach was within walking distance. That made it really handy for all. There were ten of us and aged from five to sixty six. This beach fitted all our requirements. Shallow spots for the little tikes, great snorkelling for others and a perfect place to sit and read the local paper under a tree.
There are many many beaches in this area but this one remains high on our list.

Quite and we are close to the Hideway Beach. Good snorkeling, has lots of shade and privacy. I would definitely hang out all day.

If this beach wasn’t in Hawaii it wouldn’t rate 3 stars. First, the good news: like pretty much every beach in Hawaii, the clear, blue water and landscapes are beautiful. Rumor has it during the calmer summer months this beach presents snorkeling opportunities. During our March visit the giant waves ruled that out. Now for the bad news: there are only 8 parking spaces near the trailhead and none nearby so expect a long walk before you get to the trail. The trail itself starts easily enough slicing through a narrow slot between two resorts before reaching the remnants of a steep metal staircase. This staircase is in horrible disrepair with many of the handrails apparently intentionally broken off leaving sharp edges. You don’t want to make a misstep here or you may end up in the hospital. Once this sorry excuse for a staircase ends the fun really begins with a steep, muddy descent to the waters edge. Thankfully some kind souls strung ropes along this or it would be impossibly slippery in the Kauai mud. There are just too many beautiful beaches here to work this hard for this one imho.

Nice beach with lots of shade. Good snorkeling right off shore, but tricky entry to ocean due to rocky shore line. Access is down a very steep paved path at Pali Ke Kua condos. Sign indicates residents only, but I've never had an issue.

It is really a hideaway gem! We had valet parking since St Regis had very limited self-park slots. So you go through the narrow path by the parking lot and descend a steep trail with ropes as railings you can hold on to. It is kinda challenging if you have a bad leg or some knee problem so you gotta assess before descending. You will get sneak peaks of the how beautiful it is on the way down, and finally boom! One of the best beaches i have ever visited! Secluded and clear waters! Must -see in Kauai!

The parking lot for this beach is easy to miss and often full. I lucky enough to snag a parking space around 3 PM on a Thursday. The walk down was a bit of a trek but nothing too dangerous - what makes it difficult is that you're likely carrying your beach gear with you. Probably not the best if you have small children.
Once I got down to the beach, I had the majority of it to myself. The views were outstanding and the water was pleasant. I would visit this beach again.
I traveled here as a solo female and felt very safe and comfortable.

Also known as Hideaways Beach, directly in front of the Pu’u Poa Condos in Princeville. The trail down to the beach is named Kaumumene Trail and can be accessed by walking through the parking lot between the Pu’u Poa Condos and the 1 Hotel. The entrance is right next to the Pu’u Poa Condos pool on the other side of the fence. The trail is very steep with large dirt “steps” in some places. The rope railings were very helpful. Would recommend tennis shoes. The path splits. Go right for the beach and left for a pretty overlook. Steep drop offs here so be careful with young kids. Our special needs adult son could not make the trek. But our 17 yo son loved the little adventure. Beach is beautiful. We visited 12/27/24 so the surf was crashing. Otherwise I hear this is a good place to snorkel.

This was my favorite beach of the 8 we went to on the Island. It’s secluded, shaded, and has good snorkeling. The trail down is short but very steep. A rope is there to hold onto. The more beach gear you have, obviously the harder it will be to get down. I’d rule out a big cooler. Very limited parking so go early.

Watching the beautiful Hawaiian sunset is a must when visiting Kauai.
Don't miss it. Easy to walk too.

This was our first day trip during our vacation. The few parking spots for the beach were taken when we got there so went to Princeville Resort and used their valet parking. We told them where we were going and welcomed us, and didn’t charge use a penny (always free). The hike down to the beach was fun! We were prepared with tennis shoes (I recommend no flip flops downhill). Arrival is spectacular and it doesn’t ware off. We loved the water and the views all around us. I did the hike back in flip flops no problem. I recommend this as a top place to visit in Kauai. 🌺

Its spectacular! easy parking! Easy to get to....It takes yur breath away. There is plenty of shade with the trees.. bring chairs to sit and enjoy.

Getting to Hideaways Beach requires a steep climb down a cliff (with the help of ropes tied to stakes and trees!) but at the bottom lies a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of beach with turquoise-blue water. We were there on a calm day but read that swimmers should always use caution. There are no amenities, which is part of the charm of this beach, but be prepared with food, water and sunscreen.

Limited access due to limited parking. The path is slightly hidden between fences and the walk down to the beach is steep and not for the light hearted. The end of the trail off the bluff rewards one with a beautifully small beach with a peak of Bali hai. Some snorkeling is done here but the waves can be large.

We experienced Hideaways beach while staying at a condo at Puu Poa. The path down was an adventure. This is why we came to Kauai, to experience nature at it's best. The hike down was very manageable but caution should be taken. I can see how if you try the path after or during a rain it could be difficult. The beach at the end made it worthwhile. Great sand and very good snorkeling. With the view of the mountains, it was truly one of our favorite beaches. Water was a bit murky later in the day due to waves but plenty of fish and some turtles to swim with. Parking limited to about 8 spots so staying at the condo and walking there was perfect. Highly recommend a visit while in Princeville.

If it is rainy consider skipping this unless you are fit. The trail is really really bad in the rain - the ropes are there for a reason but if you have bad knees or no upper body strength then go somewhere else. And check the tide report - if it’s not the summer then the surf can be so bad you can’t snorkel anyway. Great otherwise

There is a reason they call it hideaway. You have a bit of hike through a steep incline and a rope staircase rail. Wear shoes that can take mud/red clay. I'm not sure which was worse going down to the beach or climbing back up once you have swam and snorkeled all day. It is an amazing view and out of the public eye. You can watch locals surf and see some really great fish while snorkeling.

I'd found out about this spot from reviews on this site prior to our recent Kauai trip. Yay! So glad I did. We stayed at the St. Regis, just steps away from Hideaways. We rented snorkel gear from Hanalei Surf Shop and double checked favorite spots of a few locals. Hideaways was included every time. Heed the warnings about the path- don't wear flip-flops! I had good Chaco rafting shoes that had good tread. The rope does help but the rusty metal pieces are no joke and keep an eye out for little spiky pieces sticking out of the ground. That would be a quick trip to the ER & a tetanus shot! Once we got down it was easy to find beach real estate. There were a few people around, at 11:30 am on a Thursday, but not crowded. We'd lucked out with the surf and had a great time snorkeling. So many beautiful fish and turtles were in the area just before we arrived- another couple had seen two but we didn't want to head too far out since we're not pros. We headed back the next day and snorkeling was decent but water was murkier. All together an awesome spot that lets you feel like you have something somewhat private, away from crowds (we did Ke'e & Tunnels on this trip too). If we'd had another day I'd happily have gone early AM to hang out on the beach, snorkel for a couple of hours, do a picnic lunch before heading back.

there are lots of superb beaches in Kauai but this is one of our favourites - guaranteed to have a lovely time, especially families

although its better if you don't go, so we have it to ourselves:) sweet little beach. worth the stairs.

It’s quite the hike to get down since it’s so steep & your hanging onto a rope. The water and beach are beautiful. Loved the ocean views from the hillside walking down to the beach. This would be a great snorkeling spot. Unfortunately the beach is very small and the day we went it was so crowded we didn’t stay. Unless your in good shape for the climb, I wouldn’t go there because it always seemed very busy. From our condo balcony we could see people headed down to the trail, it always seemed crowded. That is why we never attempted to go again.

It was more of a climb than we realized but worth the views and shady beach. It wasn’t crowded but definitely not a secret. It had some fun rocks to climb on one end and decent snorkeling. The climb back to the parking lot required two hands and in hindsight we had brought too much with us. It would be difficult for young kids or the elderly. Not disability accessible.

The beach is a great secluded spot with spectacular views. However when we were there, there was tons of small flies in the sand. We wound up leaving because of it. Another family left as well because they were being bitten. If this is not an issue at the time you go I would go back to sit there, very peaceful and calm ocean. No lifeguards around and it is a hike to get down there.

This was a cool off the beaten path beach. No one around, super secluded. Great for some quiet time and private time!!!

THis says it is a private beach for the Pali KE Kua complex, but we saw plenty of people coming in from the street to go down there. There is another "public " entrance down near the St Regis where there is a little trail to take you down to the other side of this beach. THE hike down is on a paved trail a good majority of the way, although it is steep and on rainy days I'm sure is quite slippery, its not as treacherous as the public beach trail. The beach is small with lots of shade and a good place to sit an relax and enjoy the waves. The surf wasn't bad when we were there, but I can see how it could be at times when I have watched the surf from above on more stormy days.IF you are staying here, it is worth the bit of a hike to get there. It was moderately difficult. It has a bench along the way you could rest on if you needed to .

This beach is truly a must see while on Kauai. The path is not easy to find, nor is the climb down particularly easy, but the work is well worth it! The beach is completely secluded and peaceful, with amazing views in all directions. If you go in February you will likely see whales off the coast--we saw so many! Don't miss out on this hidden beauty.

Awesome and tranquil beach! Make sure you wear decent shoes because some areas can be slippery. There are ropes to help you up and down, so try to keep your luggage to a minimum. Great place to snorkel and just relax.

It is a great place to view the sunrise. We hiked to this beach to view the morning sunrise. Most days nobody there. When there was, it was only one family. Really enjoyed it.

The beach was not crowded. The path leading to it was a little challenging because the ground was slippery and it started with stairs then a rail and then just a rope on a steep decline. It was well worth the climb. The view was incredible.

It's a bit tough to get to, but it feels like you've found your own piece of Hawaii. It's definitely worth the trip. Incredible.

The path to Pali Ke Kua (also known as Hideaways Beach) is before one gets to the Princeville Hotel gate house. Look around for the tennis courts for a path to the right. The trail down is OK if it hasn't rained a lot--it can be rather slippery when wet. The beach has large kamani trees to tuck up under and snorkeling is good. However, I had a bad experience there and will not be returning. My hubby went snorkeling and I was happy with a good book and shade from the trees. I was very comfortable having the peace and quiet all to myself but another man came down the trail which at first was no problem. However, after a few minutes he stripped nude and proceeded walking back and forth in front of me which was really creepy! I just kept my head down and ignored him and he finally left. Now, I prefer not to go there unless there are several other people with us.

We had some great snorkeling here, the best I have had in Kauai. The trail down can be quite treacherous, especially when it has been raining. Think twice before you head down with children, or if you have any aching body parts.

This beach is insanely beautiful but the hike down is tough but doable slowly. There are ropes on both sides and be sure both hands are free. When it gets steep go backwards. My 9 year old boys did it without issue. My 13 and 16 year old slipped a couple times. It wasn’t raining but it was slippery. I would not want to head down after a rain or try to go backup after a rain. The trek back up is what got me. We went around the lava rock to the north and used the paved trail to the condos backup but it is just steep and I am out of shape :). The beach was very calm and beautiful snorkeling! Totally breath taking! Parking is a real problem. We got up early one of the first days we were here and were lucky enough to get a spot. Only 8ish spots available. Other reviews say you can valet at the resort down the street but we didn’t try that.

We were in Princeville in October of 2015, then were fortunate enough to be back again this August, 2016. This time we were able to swim at Hideaways (although it was raining off and on). This beach is AWESOME. It is a challenge to get to and there is little to no parking at all. We rented bikes from our condo and rode down. There is amazing snorkeling, saw several turtles and tons of fish. Really though, the hike down is short but VERY steep. Be careful if it has been raining!

I made the trek down with a friend around 7am on a Friday morning. We were staying at the condo's right next to it. It was pretty steep and it was a little slippery because it had rained the night before but there are ropes to help guide you and poles to hold onto. Not for the fragile persons. Very worth it once you're there! Beautiful water, nice views.

We stayed at the Pali Ke Kua resport so walked here regularly. The path is well-maintained and the actual beach is very quiet and a lovely spot to just sit and enjoy the solitude. I love the north side because of the power of the waves but this spot is not as wild as other areas. Maybe not a swimming/sunbathing area but a great spot to just watch the water and contemplate life!

We found this gem while out on a drive on a rainy day. It was beautiful and quite peaceful. Parking was an issue. Limited Peking on a first come first serve bases.

Great hike. Moderate. Spent a morning there and for the most part had the beach all to ourselves. Bring insect repellent and water

Our condo had a view of Bali Hai and was peaceful and great for watching sunsets. Convenient location for walking. Nice enough pool and jacuzzi but I'd skip the pizza restaurant on site. Limited offerings due to limited staff, expensive, and hot!

This beach is awesome. Very steep hike - don’t wear flip flops. Strap sandals would be better. I walked barefoot on the way back and it was just fine. The sand is like cornmeal - it’s really cool. It’s soft and clean. The water is beautiful and the waves weren’t super crazy. Lots of kids and snorkeling down here. Worth the trip!

Snorkel without the crowds. Enjoy Kauai on a private cove where you can relax and breathe! Have a picnic and play in the ocean. Now be advised the train down to the beach is a bit treacherous, with rope to help you with the steep part but it is worth it!

Was a true gem. It was a little adventure to get to but well worth it. If the ropes are there it makes to easier to get to. Good place for snorkeling. Would definetely go again.

Probably the best snorkeling on the island. We were fortunate to access on the private trail as a Pali Ke Kua guest. Nice private beach with lots of shady spots. Very shallow. Only a couple of spots to access the beach safely during low tide.

I loved this little gem of a beach! As others have mentioned, it's not a super fun hike to get to the beach - so bring sturdy shoes and be prepared to get muddy! That being said, the hike down is so worth the payoff at this gorgeous little spot. It's a very small beach, but there is lots of shade. Get there early to not only get a parking spot and a spot on the beach, but also for some amazing snorkeling! It's fairly shallow so you need to be careful of the coral as you swim around but it's worth it. We saw so many beautiful fish! By the time we were ready to leave mid-afternoon, there were many families hiking down so it got a bit crowded - bummer. But worth spending a morning here on Kauai!

This beach is beautiful. The water is a
Gorgeous turquoise color just like photos. Hiking down is steep and can be muddy but if you take your time you will be fine. Parking lot is very small so you may have to park far away and walk to entrance. There was not much to see snorkeling when we were there unfortunately. The beauty of the beach more than made up for this!

Stayed at Hanalei Bay resort. We walked from HBR to Hideaways beach through the St. Regis. What a wonderful snorkeling experience. First of all, the path down is steep and slippery. Please were appropriate shoes. Tevas or strapped sandels at the minimum. Do not wear flip flops to slides. It is a max 10 minute walk to Hideaways beach, but steep. It is not a large beach but has plenty of shade. Ther are many spots to place your towels and gear so that you can go out and snorkel. It was quite busy when we were there in the morning, but so worth it. The snorkeling was fantastic and there was a kayaking group beached there. It is a perfect place to snorkel for 1-1.5 hours. Otherwise it is not a beach to sit on for the day IMO. Have fun.

One of Kauai's many small and friendly beaches. Just pull off the side of the Kuhio highway, and spread out your towel. It's fresh and clean there, and good for snorkeling, and just lounging away the afternoon.

This place was tough to locate because google map is not accurate. You need to drive pass the Hideaway Pizza Restaurant and the Small parking lot is right next to a tennis court. If you see St. Regis, you went too far.
We got there late afternoon and right after a rain shower. I was going to try taking my 3.5 year old daughter down but I’m glad she fell asleep in the car so I went and checked it out by myself while my husband wait with her.

The trail down to the beach was very steep and particularly slippery after the rain. I don’t think I could safely assist my 3.5 year old down this trail. I did see young kids there but they are a bit older and hiked down before the rain. Honestly I was impressed with the brave parents letting their kids attempt this trail. I would recommend checking this place out on a sunny day.

I love this kind of beach. A bit hidden and absolutely gorgeous. This is a great alternative to Lumahai Beach, which is closed off due to the road closure in north shore.

I didn’t get a chance to hang out here for long but it was beautiful even after a rainy afternoon. There are lot of reefs close to shore so it must be a great snorkel spot. I plan to spend some time on this beach on my next Kauai trip.

This was my favorite beach for snorkeling. The trailhead is located on the right- before the St. Regis hotel. There is only a very small parking lot but you can valet park at the St. Regis for free. ( we tipped the valet) Steep trail down but doable. If in Kauai, invest in a good pair of walking sandals or hiking shoes. Its muddy here and steep trails at times.
The beach wasn’t too populated and snorkeling was great. We saw many colorful fish and a sea turtle! Enjoy.

Please do not attempt to go or swim at Hideaway's Beach in the winter months. The surf can be huge (25-45 ft) and every year, people get swept off their feet and some have drown. Hideaways is a popular surf spot for expert locals but it can have rip currents and is open ocean with a small beach. Summertime is best and it is a lovely beach at that time. Parking to get there is an issue because it is located at Pali Ke Kua Resort and the parking and path to reach the beach is private. Your car can get towed if you try to park in their parking lot.

Great place to bring a book and picnic! Easy access, shady definitely what's best about the North Shore!

Well, I walked over to this beach from Hanalei Beach Resort, which involved walking down a moderately graded concrete trail, then up quite a few steps through a construction site, finally finding the trail along a chain link fence. There is a sign saying closed trail, but it seems no one pays attention to it. It is a dirt trail, with steps carved into it, and ropes to hang unto when descending. I didn’t find it that dangerous if you pay attention and not get tripped up by the roots. Once you get far enough down, you’ll see the reef and aqua water, though the day I visited it was quite stirred up. Beach is super small, maybe 20 yards, with rock cliffs on either end so that’s it. It was fun visiting, would go back if snorkeling conditions were better. Check it out. The ascent was easier than the descent!

Sometimes hard to find a safe beach in Kauai, but this is a great place. Just near the Princeville hotel, and hard to find parking. (We used the valet service at the hotel!)
A difficult path (climb) down, but well worth it.
No services nearby so take all your food and water with you.
Worth the effort!

There is a short and steep hike down to the beach so wear footwear with some treads for grip. the ropes heading down are helpful. Bring a boogie-board some chairs and your snorkel gear. Saw some fish and a turtle just beyond the reef. Beach is secluded, tranquil and safe for swimming. The water is pristine and the views stellar. Beach area is great for body surfing if you don't want to snorkel. Overall this beach offers the best of everything. Don't miss it

The water was still a bit cloudy from the recent heavy rain and wave action but was still clear enough to snorkel in and view a fair amount of fish and coral. The waves break quite a ways beyond the beach so it was quite easy to maneuver around the coral that can b e quite shallow even a few hundred feet from shore. Plenty of shade all day long, and plenty of sand to find a place to relax. Parking is very limited with perhaps 8 parking spots. It is close to a number of rental areas so walk ins are quite common.

This is a gem of a beach that is hidden between the St. Regis and the condos situated next door. There is a very small dirt path next to the tennis courts and the small parking lot for the beach. The trail descends very sharply from the cliffs. There are about 5-10 patchy concrete steps and rusted out iron railings (sharp, be careful), and the rest of the climb down is dirt steps and climbing rope that serves as a railing. Please don't try to carry a lot of stuff down. You do have to be somewhat fit, or at least have good use of your arms and legs. The steps can get very muddy/slippery after a rain. Wear sneakers/hiking boots, flip-flops are doable but you have to go slowly.

The view of the beach once you reach the bottom is worth it. It's pristine, has plenty of reef to snorkel in that are much better preserved than the beach at the St. Regis. We spent most of our time here. Plenty of people made the climb down, even young children and older folks that I didn't think would make it (think 70-80-ish years old). Backdrop is black lava rock and green trees. At low tide you can traverse the rocks on the right (facing the ocean) and access the rocky beach next door, which has lots of small shell pieces and crabs.

We stopped by this beach, as it was only a few minutes from our rental. Make sure to get there early, as the only parking lot close to the trail has only 8-10 available spots. Make sure to wait until the path is dry, or else you will slide a good feet down. Other than it being wet and slippery, it is really worth it! The beach is gorgeous and since there is only a few parking spots, there wasn't a lot of visitors while we were there. Make sure to bring some lunch, as the spot to beautiful not to spend all day there!

My wife and I rented some snorkel gear and hiked our way down to hideaways beach for a couple hours. The trail down is certainly hairy and should be avoided by anyone that isn't relatively nimble. The beach is pretty small and does not provide much of a view of anything but the ocean in front of you. Being so secluded meant that it wasn't crowded at least. Also, it was a good spot for a first time snorkeler as there were some shallow reefs to see fish and we didn't experience any strong currents.

Beautiful pleasant beach to which you will arrive after a small steep hike. It´s advisable to come here when is not raining as you might slip.

This is a very challenging hike if your not in shape. I live in Oregon and enjoy hiking at the young age of 73, but would not do a repeat of this hike. Even with a hiking pole, it proved to be to be a hike for the younger set. Beautiful views and lovely beach at the final destination.

I think this beach is best for snorkeling. Better to be there earlier before most crowds. The water is clear and it’s a lot of corals and fish to enjoy. I dropped the car at st. Regis valet parking. It’s a free parking for everyone, just give some tips to valet. It’s great to grab some drinks or coffee at St.Regis after snorkeling and enjoy the great view of Hanalei bay from outside patio of hotel.

Love the hike down to this gorgeous private beach. Blue and green water, it was amazing. Our family loves the ropes, they made it adventurous and fun at the same time. The hike down could be slippery after the rain, it made it fun but at the same time you have to be cautious.

I first enjoyed this secluded beach nearly 40 years ago when it was a handful to reach from the parking lot. Today it's easy and as beautiful as ever.

We went snorkeling here and couldn't get enough. The sea turtles were icing on the cake. I would highly recommend this location. Get there early enough to grab one of the eight parking spots. Also be ready to climb down the mountain holding onto a rope.

We loved this beach for a variety of reasons. First, it has some shade from the trees if you don't feel like baking in the sun. We got there in the afternoon and there were not that many people there. I think the morning would be even better for snorkeling which was even good in the afternoon (got to see a turtle). There are reefs everywhere! You do have to negotiate down then up a very steep hill but there are ropes to hold onto which are very helpful. We had to park in the Princeville Resort just past the little parking lot thats on the right (only 7-8 spaces). Just tell the valet you are going to the beach and tip them when you pick up the car.

Official name is Pali Ke Kua Beach - also look for reviews under the official name.

Beach is on the north side of the road. Parking is literally just before you get to the St Regis resort. Parking is limited to 8 vehicles, so get there early or "pay" to park at the Regis if you cannot walk to the area.

The trail to and from the beach will be "slick" if it has rained recently. Because this is on the "wet" side of the island, expect some slick areas on the trail. If you are carrying anything you should make sure that at least one hand is free to aid your decent or assent along the trail.

Once you make it to the beach enjoy the snorkeling if you have the ability to do so, The reefs are just of shore (take notice to them from above at the top of the trail) are very good - some of the best accessible from a beach. Before going make it a point to know the tide schedule for the day. During low tide the water will be down a few feet making it easier to be closer to the fish hanging around the reefs.

DO NOT WALK ON THE REEFS! Don't "be that guy" that does that. That includes the areas just off the beach, especially the East side of the beach that so many folks do.

This beach is beyond beautiful!!! We have gone back twice. The trek down and back looks super sketchy but it’s not as bad as it looks. Not very many people on the beach! Sooooo beautiful! A must!

Kauai’s hidden gem. There’s not as much sea life here, but this beach is very tranquil, provides plenty of shade, and wasn’t to crowded even in the month of July.

The reefs here are fantastic for snorkeling and the beach is tranquil and very private. When we arrived, there were probably about 10 people there. You have a gorgeous view of cliffs to the north and you really are tucked away in a nice cove.

We saw numerous fish while snorkeling, and appreciated how quiet the whole scene was. The water is about shallow in places on the reef, so be cautious not to drift or you could scrape a knee (not to mention damage the beauty that this place embodies).

The trail to this beach is not for the faint of heart. To say it is steep is an understatement. If you are not accustomed to climbing or hiking you may find this difficult and dangerous. Grip the ropes down firmly and plan each step. My husband and I are fit and have some hiking experience and we found it manageable with our gear and a beach bag, but small children could easily injure themselves. We saw an older couple take one look down at the plunging steps and rope railing and turn around. So be cautious of your own level of risk. If you opt for this beach, it is very serene.

Hideaways (aka Pali Ke Kua beach) is two segments; one side is close to Pali Ke Kua condos (with a steep but paved private path down to the beach); the other segment is closer to St. Regis and has public access. There is a point between the two, and when the tide is high, it's hard to get from one side to the other. We visited the Pali Ke Kua side of Hideaways and loved it. The variety of fish and turtles was the largest of anyplace we visited on our 10-day trip. It's a small beach, so not crowded at all (we often had it to ourselves), and there's enough sand and tree cover that you can have shade if you want it and chill on the sand to enjoy the sunset. The reef is close to shore, so it's not a swimming beach. The path on the Pali Ke Kua side is steep, so it's a pretty good hike up when you're done (travel light if you can). There's a barbecue pit and table on a grassy area next to the sand (bring your own charcoal). It's awesome for snorkeling! Recommend for snorkelers and families who have kids comfortable with snorkeling and who can manage the steep path down and up.

There is a path that winds down to the beach behind Pali Ke Kua. It is steep, and it feels like you are walking through a rainforest. At the middle, there is a picnic table and bbq's. At the bottom of the trail is the beach. It's very private and the water is clear, so it makes for great snorkeling.

Lodging at Pali Ke Kua, #5 VRBO 754929.We had a wonderful stay at Pali Ke Kua #5! The condo is immaculate, comfortable, affordable and quiet. The location is excellent. A major plus for us was the quick walk to a beautiful, secluded beach with some of Kauai’s best snorkeling at Hideaways Beach! Also, the sunset views from the nearby bluff are fantastic. The local Princeville Center has a big grocery store, restaurants and other services. Access is easy to the north to the famous Kalelau Trail for hiking the Na Pali Coast and to Hanalei Bay for restaurants and shopping. We plan to return as soon as we can! And we will recommend it to family and friends!

This is probably my favorite beach in Kauai. It is a little treacherous getting to the beach, but the trek is so worth it!! The water is so calm and clear and I think that because it's a little difficult to get to, it limits the amount of people who would actually go.

Been wanting to visit Hideaways but last time we came to Kauai in November conditions were not ideal. Finally we were there this summer and could experience the beauty and amazing snorkeling of this "hidden" beach. First you have to find parking in the tiny lot. Then you have to maneuver a very steep rocky trail down. Ropes are there to help you down. If you are short like me, it makes the trek a little bit harder but I am an experienced hiker so I managed fine. But once you get there oh my....it is Kauai at its finest. Amazing snorkeling. I saw fish I'd never seen before. Lots of surf so super fun to play in. We have teenage boys and they like adventure. Hideaways is a gem! A must visit for those who are fit and have no knee issues. A MUST while in Kauai.

Staying in Pali Ke Kua Beach. The beach access is a very steep trail, which could be very dangerous when wet (slipping risk). When I got to the bottom of the paved trail, there was a nondescript picnic area, from which I found my way down a trail to the "beach". It was too steep to sit in a beach chair, the water was hallmarked by large stones, and there appeared to be no swimmable area whatsoever. I know there are other ways down that surfers use, and we generally saw several out in the water, but this does not appear to be a swimmable beach, at least in January, when we happen to be here.

This is a beautiful spot in North Kauai, but difficult to get to. The paved path behind Pali Ke Kua is SO STEEP, but the unpaved dirt path down the street between the fence and the tennis courts is just as hard to navigate! Must be why this beach is so peaceful and not crowded. Wonderful snorkeling spot and quiet for reading and napping. Views are AMAZING!

This is yet another of MANY beautiful places to see on the Jewel of the Pacific, Kauai! That said, be FOREWARNED that if your not in terrific physical condition, if you have any issues with balance or unsure footing or your afraid of heights, do NOT attempt this hike! There are so many other easy hikes and beautiful places where you wont risk life and limb! I highly recommend you try them instead!

You have to be committed to wanting too go to Hideaways, there must isn't an easy way to get there. If you are staying at Pali Ke Kua there is a private path that is paved, but still challenging. If you are not a guest there the public patch ante a bit more challenging. IF you are up for the challenge the end is well worth it. Hideaways is not large but it is gorgeous, worth the trip to us.

If you can handle the minor hassle of valet parking at the St Regis and a 10-15 minute walk on a very steep hill, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous sandy beach with excellent easy shore snorkeling. The hill has some old rope rails to help with descent and ascent. People bring infants despite the difficulty. I was glad I told my 96 year old mother not to do it, but most people can.

This is a beautiful beach with stunningly clear water and bright sands! Definitely worth the drive, and absolutely worth taking time to enjoy it!

This was my favorite beach although it wasn't my wife's favorite. She likes to see the mountains around and for me it was swimming and snorkeling. I saw so many fish here that I wished I had seen at other beaches on this trip. My boys and I snorkeled out pretty far around the reef and couldn't get enough. We went to this beach our first day and went back again to enjoy. When tours are led to this beach by kayak, that means is a good spot. The walk is rough but take it slow and you won't be disappointed. I saw all different ages enjoying themselves at this beach

You need to be able to handle a little precariousness to get to/from the beach, but it is doable. Once there you'll find it is not such a secret. The snorkeling is nice. The lack of a way to rinse and the bad parking are buzzkills but not deal killers. This is my experience. I will go again.

Parking is the main issue here. It is easier to just use the valet at the St. Regis. It is free but give a tip to the valet on your way out. Beautiful beach! Not too busy because the hike down is truly a hike down. Some parts are steep and slick but honestly worth it. Snorkeling was okay I’m sure it is better on a calmer day. We went the day before remnants of Olivia passed by so the water was a little choppy.

Stayed at the St Regis and walked over to Hideaway Beach in Kauai. Very scenic, a bit of a challenge to get down due to the wet muddy conditions. There are 2 sets of ropes to help navigate down the path but nothing too extreme .Small beach but the water is bright blue with fish swimming around. Beautiful scenery. Must take picture shots.

We are staying at the Westin Ocean Resort Villas in Princeville, and if you take the shuttle to the St. Regis, you can access this beach before getting to the St. Regis drop off at the lobby. The descent is STEEP with not much (any) railing. The "railing" is ropes tied together anchored to metal posts in the ground. My kids (15 and 17) must be part mountain goat because they had no problem walking down (but did concur it was steep). I was lucky that there was no one behind us because I was so freaked out, I went down part way on my bottom (better than falling!)
There is shade at the beach which is nice. The snorkeling is pretty good. Going up was steep, but I took my time and waited for others coming down. It was an adventure!

We went to this beach three times to snorkel and found it quite nice. Be prepared to hang onto rope on the way down and up the steep slope. The beach is not very wide, perhaps due to recent storms, but the snorkeling was OK. I would probably have given this beach a higher rating were it not for the better (best?) location I found below Sealodge a short distance away.

We stayed in Princeville and walked about 1.5 miles to the trail. Make sure you have good shows to make it down the trail and have backpacks instead of handbags. This is a great place to snorkel! Nice reef and lots of fish. Can you say humahumanukanukaapuaa!

This beach was by far our favorite beach that we visited on the island. It was spectacular! The pathway to the beach is very steep and if the ground is wet it could be very slippery. There is a rope to hang onto which helps with navigating down the steep terrain. The hike was well worth it as the views, sand, water, and entire area was more than we ever could have dreamed of. If you go be sure to just pack light because you don't want to have to haul a bunch of stuff down the mountain to then haul it back up again. You need both arms free to be able to maneuver up and down. I would recommend tennis shoes. We happened upon this beach and had our flip flops on so that made it harder getting up and down. Having better shoes would have been helpful. There is no lifeguard on duty and no restrooms.

Finding this beach is a challenge, and the hike to it is challenging. Only physically fit individuals should try it. The beach is very secluded and there were only about a dozen people there. There is some snorkeling there, but we were not prepared to do that. Parking is almost impossible to find unless you go early.

Last year and before we had delicious pasta dishes - especially their lasagne and some delicious gluten free. This year when we went we were sad to see they now only serve pizza and salad - both very good though but disappointed. Also our table for 6 rocked back and forth so badly our drinks were spilling. We were in a large booth and the table was “fixed” in. Very annoying. Service was very slow but they were slammed and probably short of staff.

The hike to the beach is a little challenging but so worth it! The surf was pretty high that afternoon so swimming was definitely out. There was only one other couple there so privacy wasn't a big issue. The view was absolutely gorgeous. On the way out, we noticed a very large Monk seal to the left end of the beach, trying to nap. If you want a little adventurous hike, go for it but be forewarned, if you're out of shape, you'll definitely be out-of- breath by the time you make it back up!!

This is a very scenic and beautiful beach in Princeville, Kauai. When the sun is out, the colors of the water can't be beat anywhere else on the island. Although my wife and I didn't snorkel or swim in the water, we found the beach perfect for a relaxing morning rest. But before you can rest, you need to hike in, or should I say down.

We parked in a small public parking lot that sits right next to the dirt trail which brings you down to the beach. The trail is flat going in, but then immediately slopes to a 30-45 degree angle. There are metal hand railings about half way down, but then the ropes take over. I highly recommend you use them! We went right after a rainy day, so the dirt was a bit slippery.

In my opinion the very short hike down and back up were well worth it!

This was my favorite beach on the island. Tucked away with an awesome reef for snorkeling. We swam with a bunch of sea turtles just off shore. The hike down is a bit tough but it's worth it.

The steep steps have a handrail part of the way down, and careful steps were taken to get even the least adventurous of our group to this breathtaking beach near Princeville

The walk down is steep however there is a railing for a portion of the trail and a rope for the rest. The beach is amazing. Beach goers can snorkel and swim (limited). The colour of the water is amazing

Getting down to Hideaway Beach is a challenge and difficult to do in flip flops, but once you make it down to the sand, it is ethereal. The water is crystal clear, and the beach looks like something from a dream. Some local ladies were enjoying the beach topless, so if you have children and are concerned about this possibility, you may want to enjoy another one of Kauai's many spectacular beaches. The trek up and down to the beach is also treacherous for kids. Since we were staying at the nearby Princeville Resort, it was so close to us. This beach is beautiful!

I am a total chicken when it comes to steep hikes, but this one was easily doable for me because of the rails and ropes to hold. Based on what I read ahead of time, and knowing my own fears, I expected I would turn back half way, but it was never too much. I visited this beach twice, and would do it again in a heartbeat. The snorkeling was quite good, the beach was not crowded, and the view was perfect. Several couples were there just to watch the sunset, as it offers quite a lovely setting. Parking is very difficult, so we were dropped off, then walked back to our rental house in Princeville (1.5 miles).

We climbed down to Hideaways in very wet conditions multiple times before during and after the affects of Hurricane Lane. Several times we had our 4 and 6 year old grandsons with us. We made sure to have an adult in front and in back of the young ones, and made sure everyone had sandals or water shoes with good soles / tread for gripping. When the trail is dry, it is a much easier hike down. Before the hurricane, the snorkeling was great, but during and after the water was so churned up that you could not see any marine life when snorkeling here. The short hike is worth it for the views alone though!

What a killer beach. getting there is not the easiest, do not go during rain. We made the journey and my mother on her 70th did as well. Not recommended, but she is not a normal 70, very active. We saw a seal just sleeping on the beach, and usually not many people down there. Maybe more now since I am writing this.

Parking is competitive - there's a 8-car lot right before the guardhouse of the Princeville St. Regis, easy to find but usually full by 7:30 or 8am. On the east side of that parking lot is a small dirt trail that leads you down a cliff. You definitely have to be ready to walk down a steep trail with lots of roots and rocks, but it's totally do-able with the ropes they have to hang on to. The beach is beautiful, only about 75 yards long. Lots of people were swimming or snorkeling. Can get a little crowded because it was such a small beach, but it was still well worth the trip! Don't miss this one!!

This beach requires some effort to get to. One, the parking sucks & two, the walk down is perilous. Do not wear flip flops, make sure you can use your hands to assist with using the dilapidated remaining hand rail and ropes that have been put up. But once you get down, the beach is beautiful, the sand is wonderful and the snorkeling is great. Like every place you go, pack out what you pack in. If you brought it down to the beach, then take it back up with you. I just don’t understand the concept of leaving crap behind. These beaches are precious and should be left better than you found them for the next person to enjoy.

One of our favorite beaches in Princeville, Hideaway's Beach has a steep trail that takes less than 10 mins to hike down to a beautiful beach. Good snorkeling on a calm day, we saw a plethora of fish and sea turtles. Great place to relax...so keep it hidden!

Such a beautiful spot, so pleased we found out about this and paid a visit. Quite shady, so if you’re looking just to sunbathe it’s not really the place for you all day but sooo worth the trip down to feel like you’re in a secluded little secret beach.
The path was fine - just a bit slippy so go with caution and you’ll be grand.

Take a snorkel with you for sure - there were turtles in the water there!

Parking can be a problem so Arrive early and park in the small lite top to the fence. The hike down is steep and moderately difficult with ropes to assist your descent. The hike out is actually easier. If it's wet, avoid and come back a different day. Beach is about 200' long, coarse sand, black rock cliffs on both sides. Snorkeling is decent, water very clear. Beautiful photo op looking towards Bali Hai.

It's the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. The sand is different. The view is perfect. It's so private. Not crowded at all. You better wear hiking shoes or something like that. The trail is challenging but it worth it. It's not long at all.
Highly recommended.

this place is amazing !!! a truly beautiful beach, complete with seals and turtles. getting here is a challenge but well worth it !!

Took the concrete path in the condo complex to get down to the beach.. didn't swim but just walked around and gazed at the sea, the waves, and the volcanic rocks. No one else there.. super beautiful, transquil, relaxing place. But don't recommend for after dark due to the path to get up and down

This beach was pretty great. We snorkeled, the currents were a bit strong, but we had fun. Not a lot to see though.
The difficult part was getting back up the darn hill after swimming and snorkeling and being exhausted. The hike is basically straight up the side of the cliff. But it was pretty secluded.

This was on our must see list from the ULTIMATE KAUAI GUIDEBOOK.

We went early June, it kept raining that day every 30min or so. The hike down becomes a mudslide despite the "safety ropes" in place. Wear hiking shoes and normal clothes for the climb down, change at down at the beach...or spend the first 20min rinsing your wounds in the ocean and the next 2-3days healing your road rash. Lesson learned! It is one of the more isolated beaches however. Not best for swimming.

I bought a $20 fishing rod at Walmart and caught some small fish at Hideaways beach using Calamari from the grocery store. Surfers use the trail in the mornings. The parking lot is often full and I think people use the lot for walking in Princeville rather than the beach. I didn't see any other place to park nearby.

We decided to go pretty early in the morning because we read the reviews that said parking can be difficult - and were rewarded with finding a spot (only 8 parking spots). It was raining but we trekked onward.

Although it is definitely not an easy hike, it’s doable. We are not super in-shape people but managed just fine (even in flip flops) and our children (19, 16, and 12 had zero problems). Just go slow and hold on to the ropes!

The beach is breathtaking and the snorkeling was A+. Kids swam right next to a giant sea turtle and could see perfectly even on a rainy and cloudy day.

There are NO bathrooms so plan accordingly. Walk back up is a little easier (thankfully as we were tired from swimming)

Like a lot of other beaches, but pretty small and pretty mellow. A nice place to just chill and relax as you watch the pounding waves. Be careful on the rocks and check out all the sea cucumbers down there too.

Very limited parking...narrow road to get there...trees grow right out of the water which provide shade and some climbing activities for kids...we had kite surfers out in the water which we watched for a long time ...just sitting there ...doing nothing...well worth it

The beach itself is great! You get the water the rock the sand and natural tree as canopy! However, the road leading to it can be dangerous! Recommend pants and closed toe shoe and then change.

We've been here all week and it's been raining everyday which means muddy, slippery trails. Not sure how folks get stuff down this trail when it's muddy because you certainly need both hands in some sections to get down to the beach. Once you're down there it's quite lovely. There was a pretty mean rip current when we went down to the beach so it wasn't very relaxing to swim in. Definitely worth it to go down to it though if you're in decent shape and if the water is calm, then you've definitely hit the jackpot.

Can't say enough about any of the breathtaking beaches on this island - you can't top them anywhere.

It was a bit of a hike down to the beach but if you take it slow and are careful it's manageable. The beach was definitely worth it. GO EARLY otherwise there is no parking and the later you wait the more people are there. I really enjoyed it when there were only about 4 on the beach with us. Hideaway Beach isn't so hidden any more. I heard the snorkeling was PERFECT. I didn't think to bring any gear with me. Some talked about seeing turtles and tons of fish.

The entire family enjoyed hiking down the cliff to hideaway beach. Worth the adventure! Would suggest sneakers be worn especially when the trail has experienced rain. Very slippery and the trail can become very muddy!

We went here 2x while in Princeville and it was the best snorkeling we found in the area!

There is a very small parking lot right by the tennis courts before the St Regis that only has about 6 parking spots, so come early or be prepared to wait. There is no other public parking nearby. The hike down is not long but it is a bit challenging with some steep stairs and then a part with ropes to help (thanks to some smart person!). The reward for your adventure is BIG!

This small and very uncrowded beach was SUPER! The snorkeling was GREAT here too! Bring your beach stuff and plan to hang out!

Hideaways beach was one of the many North Shore beaches people recommended to us and we now understand why - it's awesome! We only had one day on North Shore and were tight on time after a mid morning helicopter tour so Tunnels and Secrets would have been tough to fit in but Hideaways was a perfect compromise! It's right next to the St. Regis which logistically was great because we wanted to check out the views from the hotel and had a nice lunch their first. This was great because we were able to complimentary Valet park at the hotel and then a very short walk out of the driveway to Hideaways. It is like everyone says a steep walk down but was easily manageable - there are ropes which are to be used for support and maybe took 5 minutes to get down. It's very hidden though and water was incredibly clear which made it a unique experience. It's relatively swim able too minus a few scattered rock mounds. The privacy (maybe 5 other people), hidden-ness, and clarity of the water made it a highlight of our trip! Next time we'll definitely check out tunnels and other beaches but we're very glad we at least got to do Hideaways.

Best to go in the afternoon because it’s shady in the morning. Saw a ton of fish and a sea turtle. The beach is pristine and worth the trip.

Nice place to relax, snorkel, see the tide pools or just have a nice walk on the beach...A small hike down however worth it

This beach is absolutely gorgeous! It is hard to get to though. If you dont have sturdy shoes like Keens or Tevas I suggest going barefoot. It is aVERY steep climb and if you are not used to using your legs for hiking then you will feel it the next day (days after too). It is an amazing place to snorkel. The water isn't too rough and there are fish, sea turtles, seacucumbers, and many other critters hanging out in the coral reef! Parking next to the trail head is limited BUT the resort has free valet parking and it is a very short walk from there. We just tipped the valet after we got back and it was easier than waiting for a spot to open up in the small beach access lot. If you are up for the challenge this beach is worth it!

We stayed at the Puu Poa so the entrance was right next to us (also adjacent to the St. Regis). The walk down is a little rugged so wear appropriate shoes and backpack to carry your stuff. You do need to hold on to the rails and ropes since it is steep. The water is crystal clear and you can snorkel right off the beach. We saw a huge variety of colorful fish and sea turtles!

My family of 4 did the hike down about 10:30 am on a Monday. It's steep, but between the railing and ropes it is fine for anybody in OK shape. I didn't perceive all the jagged rail dangers that some mention. The biggest problem on the hike was the crowd. It's really a 1-way trail but there were constantly people wanting to go in both directions, which became very awkward to move aside on the precarious trail. I estimate there were 100 people at the beach...12 with a kayak tour and the rest who just hiked down. It's very scenic and snorkeling was great - good water clarity and fish everywhere right up to the shore. But there was a constant problem of needing to watch for swimming into other snorkelers, which made it hard to keep attention on the reef and fish instead. Some of the crowd had cleared up by noon, so maybe late morning is just a particularly crowded time down there?

The parking lot next door to the St. Regis is very small - maybe 10 cars max. We were staying in the general area so my husband dropped off my two teenage girls and I with all of our stuff, and then he went back to our condo to switch out the car for a bike (and he biked back to join us).

The trail is crazy like people say, but for our family it wasn't at all difficult and my girls had on flip flops, no problem. Just go slowly and use the rope. This trail was my favorite part of the beach because it looked like something a person would rig in their backyard. You come out of the weird trail onto the most breathtaking little beach I've ever seen. Plenty of shade, and not too many people. My husband and I probably liked this beach the best. We all snorkeled, and my girls also just played in the water. Georgous must see!

BTW, we did carry down some water and a couple chairs, but it is hard to carry things like umbrellas and big coolers.

Hideaways is a lovely beach -- nice shade, beautiful water, and very picturesque. Even though it's located right in Princeville, its limited parking access makes it usually fairly quiet. Good snorkeling on calm days.

The path to the beach has changed to further up the Sea Lodge parking lot by the BBQs and much better to access. Overall path is good and not to difficult. Small children 5 and up can handle the trail. Beautiful cove type beach nice sand and plenty of shade. Decent snorkeling Don’t park on Sea Lodge property. Found parking with no signs in front and to the left of the Stillwater lobby

Lots of sea turtles when snorkeling. Lots of work to get to them by way of ropes and cautious footing. What was hoped to be a hidden gem isn’t so hidden anymore. Worth seeing. Have additional beach plans when you find this spot crowded.

Beautiful beach - right out of a picture book. But parking is a real hassle. If you don't get there early, you can forget finding a parking space.

Disclaimer- It is really difficult to get to this beach especially if it has been raining.

This beach is really beautiful and is definitely worth the short hike down. It is secluded and just gorgeous. We hiked down to the beach the last day we were in Princeville and I was so upset that we hadn't been down there before. I would have spent every day at this beach.

This was within walking distance from our condo but you have to know where to look. Right at the end of the Puu Poa condos is a small (maybe 10 cars) parking lot and a small dirt path along the lot. Walk toward the ocean. There’s a trail that has some semblance of stairs and a rope to hold onto. It is steep but not far.
The beach has plenty of shade and sun and decent snorkeling. Go there if you’re staying nearby.

lovely beach, not too bad of a hike from trail along side the condo tennis courts. use the ropes and metal hand rails when on the trail - keep an eye out for jagged metal protruding edges on metal railing though.

the small, nearby beach access lot was full, we valeted our rental car at the St. Regis. Valet pointed out the beach trail head just past St. Regis driveway.

strong currents but nice snorkeling straight out. bring fins. saw turtles. wanted to return, late in the afternoon, on another day, was told (by other couple occupying the beach), that the seas calm down a bit around 5:30pm. Had every intentions of a return but ended up doing other activities elsewhere on North shore and never did make it back for a late afternoon visit.

Beautiful little beach near the resort we stayed at in Princeville. The walk down is a little challenging and very steep, you will want good shoes. The beach is small so it can get a little crowded (by Kauai standards) in the afternoon so morning is best. But the beach can be washed out and dangerous if the big surf is up so is best on small or no surf days.

This beach was fairly crowded when we visited during summer. Guess it wasn't such a hideaway! We brought a picnic and there were outhouses to use as well for basic needs. We were able to pull our rental car in fairly close to beach.

This beach is reached by a pathway by the Pali Ke Kua resort. It's rather steep, but the rewards are worth it. The snorkeling is great and the water is very clear.

The very small parking area is always full but fear not, valet parking at the St. Regis is free. It’s a steep hike down and slippery after rain. You’ll want anything for footwear other than flip flops. Can carry things if you are brave but best to have both hands available to use to hold onto the ropes, etc. The beach was not crowded, it was beautiful, and provided excellent swimming and snorkeling. The water was still good and clear here after the rains instead of brown water like next door in Hanalei.

My family and I recently returned from Kauai and staying out in Princeville. Several friends had recommended Hideaways to us. I have to say, it was hands down our family's favorite beach and we spent time in Poipu, Hanalei and Tunnels. It's a relatively small beachfront, but the views are fantastic at sunset, the snorkeling is great and there is never a crowd (at least not in October). You will read that this is a difficult climb to and from the beach, but we all did it just fine multiple times, including my 6-month pregnant daughter. There is a railing and ropes to assist you down and up. I would say that it's not for anyone that has a difficult time climbing or engaging in strenuous activity, but honestly, it's not very difficult at all. I highly recommend it.

This was my favorite beach until Trip Advisor and social media ruined it. We used to be able to snorkel over the reefs and see the most amazing fish but it appears that the overuse of this beach has destroyed the reef and the overcrowding from kayak tours and tourists have ruined its appeal. So sad.

The parking here was really limited and the "path" to get down was really sketchy! It had just poured, so it was SO slick and steep and really muddy. There are stairs for the first bit, but once those stairs are gone, all that's left is a muddy rope. We had friends who came down with us and they had a baby strapped on front and they made it fine, but it was really steep and SO slippery. We had the entire beach to ourselves though which was REALLY nice. My hubby snorkeled here for a bit and saw two turtles- so that was really cool!

The views are spectacular and the water is warm. The Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy a chat, a drink, and let the world go by.

Why did we wait so long to see this hidden GEM. We were on the ST. Regis hotel side. There are two sides to the beach. There are only eight places to park then follow the trail down. A little hairy on a few parts not recommended for children to decent down. We parked a St Regis Hotel and tipped the valet, nice people. The beach has clear water and truly amazing beach. We will defiantly put this on our next visit. We spent about an hour an half with a huge turtle in the water!

We stayed at Pali Ke Kua and loved being so close to this beach. We really enjoyed this area as it was super quiet and peaceful.

My favorite moments were walking to the lookout area and capturing the ocean and night sky.

Take the Anini beach road just south of Princeville to see three different beaches. Beautiful green waters, very clear. Geat swimming and spots for babies and little ones to splash. Must see for kids and Adults.

The trip down is quite interesting, especially if its been raining. The beach itself is very nice, it just seems to be rather busy every day.

Secret beach near St Regis. The path down is steep and somewhat dangerous. Cool beach at the bottom. Appears to be good for snorkeling and surfing (past the reef). Secluded beach without a lot of people.

I went to about 5 beaches on Kauai and this was my favorite. Very limited parking (8 stalls). Super clear blue water and since there's only 8 parking stalls, there was hardly anyone on the beach. Tons of shade on shore as well thanks to the huge trees overhanging. The hike down is steep but doable so wear good footwear. Beautiful beach! A must visit!

such a natural wonder you will be blow away . such a wonderful spot hope it stays like this for ever. take camera!

Overall this beach has beautiful views. It is however not ideal for swimming. Maybe we went at the wrong time, but the waves were pretty high and a resident of the island told us afterwards that she would not recommend it for swimming. Also getting to it was slightly more challenging than we anticipated.

We enjoyed a great meal in this lovely Pizza restaurant/bar while staying on the property,very reasonable prices for both food & drinks with great staff

We are within walking distance to this gem of a beach and it is AMAZING! You take the Ka Haku road nearly to the end, just before the Princeville Resort (formerly St. Regis) on the right side there is a small lot for 7 cars with a sign that reads Beach Parking. Next to the lot is a dirt path... take that and be prepared for a steep descent - hold onto the rope! From lot to beach is about a 10 minute trek... would be shorter if not for the near vertical descent. And when you arrive at the beach get in the water! Many reefs just a couple of feet from the shore which extend for a long ways... ridges between them which makes for smooth swimming. Snorkel, fins and a mask and you will be in snorkeling paradise. Many turtles and a variety of fish to see. Also, the beach is small but the sand is beautiful and there are trees along the beach which offer shade, as well as a couple of swings attached to the trees. Paradise best describes this beach and it is FREE! Also,
Just around the corner from this beach is Queen’s Bath. Different road/access point.

Must do when in Princeville. There are two parts of this beach, one just before the Pinceville Resort (cool way down) and the more secluded one that can only be accessed via the Pali Ke Kua condomniums (much nicer, less crowded, turtle snorkling 😊)

The little bit of work getting down to the beach is so worth it!!! The path leading down to the beach is NOT suitable for kids or the elderly, though. It is very steep and requires grabbing onto a rope on your descent and ascent--it is slippery as well. There is plenty of shade, unlike most of the beaches on the island, which is nice on blistering days!

I cannot say enough about the beauty of this beach. It is a bit small, but offers plenty of sun or shade, and pretty good snorkeling for the island. The hike down is short, but difficult. Parking is tough.

We decided to check this beach out late afternoon on the day we arrived on the island. It was one that I had on my list to see. The hike was pretty crazy because we weren't expecting it. I am glad they had a rope on the side of the trail to help you as you were climbing back up in some of the steeper areas. It was so cool though. When you get down to the beach and it opens up into this little spot with such pretty water. I really liked this beach and we all thought it was worth the hike!

The parking is sparse, but if you are lucky enough to get a spot, make sure you go! This is a beautiful almost private beach. The hike is a bit hairy at points, but well worth it.

Wonderful beach, but the trail would be hard for older people, young children, etc. You are basically climbing down a cliff with ropes for handrails.

If you ever dreamed about being stranded on a island in the middle of nowhere, this is your spot. Just don't forget the bae, beer, and pizza.
This place will make you fall in love again, make you a kid again, and make you reevaluate your life.

This is a very small beach tucked away behind a condo complex. It really was nothing special, no great views, and really could have been anywhere. It was crowded the morning we went. There were 8 other people on the beach, so it was crowded for how small the beach area is. The way down to the beach is dangerous and really can't be made safely by anyone who is not in good shape. There are ropes on both sides of the "stairs" (which are ruts in the mud and spaced widely apart) and my husband and I had to hold on to the ropes to keep from slipping down the path. On the way back , I literally had to use the ropes to pull myself up from stair to stair. When we got back, we were a muddy mess. The mud is hard to avoid on Kauai, but this was ridiculous. Avoid this beach - it was not private and was nothing worth seeing.

After reading the reviews here, it seems that the experience in Hideaways may largely depend on the time of the year and whether you are on the east or the west side. We went in late Dec. using the private path from the PKK condos leading to the eastern side of the beach. The sealed path is not as bad as it sounds - it's steep, but easily negotiated if you take your time. There were quite a few children there when we went, and the path was safe even after overnight rains. The beach itself is narrow, with lots of shade, and heaps of tide pools to explore - a beautiful setting. However, at this time of the year at least, it is not a great swimming spot. The reef here is very large, and there is very little sandy area for swimming. The swell was quite high, and the water becomes deep very quickly - I would not allow my children to swim here. The snorkelling at this time was pretty average too - visibility not great and, although there was a reasonable range of fish, they were not abundant at all. We did see two turtles though.

Gorgeous beach, wonderful place to relax! We stopped here on one of our driving adventures! Perfect place to stop after driving around the whole island!
Had a little picnic on the beach.

This beach is located close to the St. Regis Hotel in Princeville and parking is very limited. You can always valet at the hotel for a few dollars and the valet staff are very nice. Unless you kayak, this beach is tricky to get to and from. There are a set of ropes to help you down and back up the hill, but I do not suggest carrying anything with you.

A little difficult to find but worth the effort. Path to the beach is steep , muddy and slippery after rain. Not for the faint of heart. Great snorkeling. It is where we finally were able to find and swim w a sea turtle. Wow! Path down is to left of tennis courts near St Regis. Walk if u can as there are only about 8 parking spots

This beach was down the road from where we were staying in princeville. It’s easy to find by just following the road to the St. Regis. There is a dirt path that takes you around the side of the resort which then turns into a “staircase” leading down to the beach. It can get kind of hairy going down as some of the steps are deteriorated but there are hand rails and ropes to help guide you down. I would recommend bringing a backpack of some sort to carry your belongings in so you have both hands free to safely descend/ascend. Once you get down there it’s incredibly beautiful and very peaceful. There were several people snorkeling and enjoying the beach but it didn’t seem to ever get too crowded.

My husband and I just returned from our beautiful get away to u # 115. I feel compelled to write about this beautiful place because I’ve seen a few negative reviews.
This is the perfect location. The views from our ground floor unit were amazing. We had breakfast and dinner here every night.
The only negative was that the trade winds were not blowing so mid afternoon at the condo was warm, however many fans are provided and by sunset time it was lovely.
Perfect hideways beach at the bottom of the trail provided for a terrific area to watch the waves
Hideaways Pizza right across was a great place to grab a to go snack for the sunset.
The property is not a 5 star so if you want granite and all the toots and whistles this won’t work, but we found everything from beach chairs to flash lights provided in this very comfortable spot. Quick drive into Hanalei Bay and good shopping and lots of food choices close by.
We plan to return!

Wear sturdy shoes, STEEP, nature-made stairs with guide rope for support, no facilities. Bring water, towels, sunscreen and snorkel gear. We parked for free (tip only) at the St. Regis valet :)

This beautiful beach that is literally at the end of the road is well worth a visit just before sunset. The beach is sandy and clean, with plenty of perfect viewing locations to watch the sun set behind the rocks

Go take a beach chair and enjoy the last hour or so before sunset. We had some great waves breaking before sunset and then an awesome sunset. It’s the farthest west most of us are going to ever be able to stand on US soil and watch gods beauty manifest its last light of the day. We go every year both for sunset, the beach and the road trip to the north side of the island.

This is fun to go mostly because it's so beautiful, but also because it's hard to get to. The entrance is only a few hundred yards from the St. Regis Princeville, but the trail drops down a couple of very steep slopes. There are hand ropes in place that we used both to go down and to get back up. It had rained and the trail was slick. Some of the locals were up and down the trail with surfboards, babies, etc. Impressive!

crazy place and a must see one of the best locations. I wish i could camp here and spend more time. bring camera and plan the time to find and go here

All the beaches on Kaui are really nice. The north shore is rough, but that's what makes it so beautiful.

This is a very small beach that is accessed by a small path between the Puu Poa Condos and St Regis Hotel in Princeville. The path is very steep but it is doable. Just make sure you hold on to the handrails and or ropes and you go down or back up.

The water is crystal clear, if it is stormy then do not go the waves get big and there are many rocks that abound. We were able to snorkel on the only calm day and the fish were very abundant and we even had turtles. I cant say enough about this beach but I know that I haven't said much here. I have snorkeled many area and this is one of the best, I just wished that the weather had cooperated more so I could have spent a week here enjoying the area.

It is a long way down a terrible trail, steep and slippery. Be super careful. It is nice when you get there but don't go when the surf is big and expect to swim there.

We stayed at Pali Ke Kua and had to check out this beach. I was dreading the hard walk down but it was quite easy on the path for guests. Mostly sealed, no ropes to hang on to. The path was surrouneded with beautiful plants and the views down to the beach were lovely. The beach has lots of rock pools with fish and crabs in them. Great for little children to discover. Many people were snorkelling over the reef area. Nice little walk, bit steep going up but worth it. I have bad knees and I was fine.

Hideaways is a beautiful beach. Make sure you wear decent shoes because it is slippery in some areas. We wore our Salomon trail runners. Snorkeling was good and it was fun watching the kayakers.

Pali Ke Kua Beach is wonderful as many Kauai beaches are. We have a timeshare in the Princeville area and have been going yearly for 30 plus years. The beauty of the island and the friendliness of the people are awesome. The first year we went we hit the tail end of a hurricane and had 30 inches of rain which for this desert family was fascinating! The run off made the waterfalls run red and for yards out the ocean also had the same tint. Fascinating! However, one warning: high in the moutains are wild pigs which urinate on the dirt. The pigs are not ill themselves but are carriers of leptospirosis. If there is an unusual amount of rain that dirt can be washed into the fresh water streams as it did that year--ocean water is not a problem. My family went to a local beach which was fed by a stream. Our son decided to do some exploring and crossed the stream which was running red due to Kauai's red dirt that had been washed into it. After that day it was time to go home and our son became very ill--vomiting, etc. Didn't think too much about it but after a day or so at home I decided to call Kauai's Department of Public Health to see if some odd kind of virus was showing up there. They immediately asked me if he had been in the fresh water stream near one of our favorite beaches and I said yes. They said to immediately get him to an infectuous disease specialist as there had been an outbreak of Leptospirosis which can be fatal to humans. Lepto is one of the puppy shots given to dogs. I immediately called the specialist and explained and they said to get him there within the hour. Lepto is curable IF you get to a doctor within a certain time limits but if not can cause loss of limbs or death. Luckily, we made it just in time.

There is a very narrow path you have to look closely for right before you get to the St. Regis with a small parking lot that holds about 6 cars. Then its about a 10 minute “hike” down a very steep trail you have to use a rope to help you down and back. Although the couple times i have visited we didn’t swim with the waves and coral bottom, but you can go in a little and swim some. The beach and views are terrific and just another fun and beautiful little gem here in Princeville.

Hideaways is a beautiful beach, very clear water, very blue with white sand. The Kauai of your dreams. The hike is down a 300 ft cliff....there are some rails and ropes provided. The stairs down are NOT maintained by the county, so it is uneven and just cut into the hillside. Not for the faint of heart, but oh so worth it when you get there.

We went to Hideaway's Beach after visiting Queen's Bath as we had heard it's one of the island's best beaches. We took advantage of the free valet parking at the St. Regis as the (small) parking lot for the beach was full. The trail down is a little tricky to find, it's just next to the little parking lot before the St. Regis entrance on the right hand side. There are no signs, which is often the case on Kauai!

Many people dislike the "trail" down to the beach. I say "trail" because there is a bit of a climb with a rope involved, but it's not that bad and it's quite short. Unless you're highly immobile you will be totally fine. That being said, if it has been raining and the floor is muddy, it may be an issue! We went when it was dry.

For a hidden beach it was actually quite busy. The beach is tiny so that's the main reason it appeared busy I suppose. The main issue we had with this beach is the lack of sun. We went somewhat early, perhaps around 10am, and there was virtually no sun on the beach (due to it facing North). Some people may like this, but I prefer sun, especially after getting out of the water to dry off. We were stuck in the shade as the small sunny area was already taken and it stayed that way until we left a couple of hours later.

Sun aside, the beach is very nice and provides some simple snorkeling. The reef here is mostly dead but there are still plenty of fish around to spot! We didn't see any turtles or anything else of interest mind you, but if you are a beginner snorkeler it's a great place to go!

Overall, I preferred other beaches on the island due to the sun issue and the fact this beach was so small it appeared busy despite there not being many people.

This beautiful beach was just below our condo. It is pretty secluded and there seems to be only surfers parking here. The short hike down to the beach isn't for the weak. 2ft steps in some spots. Did I mention worth it?

ITs a bit of a journey down but once you are there, wow it is the most beautiful beach I've ever been too! Like out of a magazine! So amazing and worth the wait for the parking spot.

We were in Kauai at the end of July '18. Tunnels beach was closed and so we went to Hideaways. Oh what a delight. The reef is very rich and lots of fishes to see. Some even saw up to 5 turtles. Current was a little strong but not too bad. Reefs are pretty high so you have to swim in the channels for most part and be a little careful whilst swimming directly on top of reefs. Water here is much clearer and we enjoyed it much more than Anini beach which is close by.

Tip on parking: there is very few parking spots. you can valet at the St. Regis and tip the valet ;)

This was our first time to Hideaways Beach. The hike down to the beach is a little daunting but it was georgeous. We went on a Saturday and it was VERY crowded as it is the smallest beach we have been to on Kauai.

It's a steep trail down to the beach we were down there with only one other family. They were snorkeling and in calm water it would be safe. In high surf stay away other than the hike down and back.

We are completing our month stay at Pali Ke Kua and our stay could not have been improved upon. The view from our second story lanai is pure bliss. An artist could not have improved upon it. The unit is quiet, fully furnished with top quality linens and ample cooking utensils. Cross ventilation had us cutting down on the air flowing through. We used the overhead fans once or twice. The grounds are lovely. There is a paved walk down to a beach, which is steep and the beach not that great. Numerous idyllic beaches are a short drive away. We have been fortunate to have had such wonderful weather. Yesterday was the only full day of soaking rain we have experienced during our long stay. We are sorry to leave.

We hiked down the morning of our wedding anniversary and it was amazing! Beautiful sand, views of distant cliffs and impressive waves. A secluded and picturesque beach. Not to be missed.

Visited this amazing little spot only a few days ago. The water is amazing ! Highly recommend a swim, be careful on the way down as it is a little slippery especially after a bit of rain. Runners/secure shoes are probably recommended over flip flops.

There's a tiny parking lot to the left of the St. Regis Princeville, and a thin dirt road path that is easily missed. The path is a bit slick, especially in flip flops, but definitely doable. Would not recommend for those not comfortable hiking steep declines in the mud/dirt. It's one of the prettiest beaches I've ever seen.

Hard to find path but very nice beach once there. Has natural shade and the waves a bit rough for snorkeling.

We visited Hideaway Beach on a rainy day and waited for the skies to clear before heading down. The trail to the beach is very steep and gets incredibly slippery after rain, so take extra caution if the ground is wet! Despite the challenging path, the hike is surprisingly short, and trust me-it's absolutely worth it!
When we reached the bottom, we were rewarded with a secluded beach all to ourselves. The views are stunning, and there's something magical about having such a peaceful spot in paradise all to yourself. If you're up for a little adventure, Hideaway Beach is a must-see in Kauai!

Love this place, we got married there 15 years ago next March, will be there again next March. Visit this place everything we go to Hawaii, our special spot. A must if you are visiting Kauai

Warning - treacherous path required to reach the beach (slippery, muddy, not maintained). Requires sturdy shoes and 2 free hands to use the ropes provided. Pretty beach with ok snorkeling (tunnels much better). No facilities byo snacks and water.

Named after young Prince Albert, this area on the north side of Kauai continues to live up to its royal name – the pretentiousness and exclusionary attitude is pervasive. My wife and I drove from Poipu one afternoon to visit the town, but what we experienced was: No access to the Makai Golf Pro Shop (don’t even know if they have one since we weren’t allowed to park near the facility), very few parking spaces available at Queens Bath and Hideaway Beach plus they were all occupied. We turned around and regretted wasting our time on this royalty-wannabe “ivory tower”. Can’t understand why the Mayor of Kauai allows this to happen.

We usually go here when we go to Kauai. The hill is steep, but worth the hike. I recommend, if you're on the north side!

We were too late to get a parking spot on day 1, so we set out before sunrise - just after a rain, on day 2. If arriving when the trail is wet, wear real shoes, pack light, and keep your hands free - if you can use the ropes to "rappel" down, you'll be fine. We had a couple of slips, and the cooler that we dropped at the top rolled all the way to the bottom of the steep descent. When we went back up several hours later, the trail was in MUCH better shape in terms of traction.

The beach is small - it seemed crowded layer in the day when there were about 50 people there. There isn't a lot of flat space, but there is plenty of shade. The reefs are immediately accessible, which is awesome - but also presents some difficulty when the waves push you around in the shallows. We were under a surf advisory on our visit.

We probably saw 50 different types of fish, including an eel, a needlefish, and a flounder - many of the fish were beautiful - wish we'd had a Go Pro for the snorkeling.

It's easy to get too far away from shore here. The ocean can pull you out if you get too distracted by the scenery. Best to partner up and remain aware of your surroundings.

We loved this beach!

Beautiful beach, it is a trek To get there Not sure I want to give a good review it may cause many people to visit I think I was among six other people on the beach when I was there can’t beat that

Beautiful beach for the summer months when the surf is small. Dangerous in the winter months due to large surf and the very steep trail down can be slick. Also no parkimg available

We stayed at Pali Ke Kua and walked down to the beach. Very steep, but well-maintained. Not much to see at bottom, and not somewhere to really swim, at least in December with the waves as they were.

This is one of the best beaches ever to snorkel. Very nice that you just get in the water and can start snorkeling. Usually not to crowded partly because the hike down. It is extremely steep and you really need both hands to hang on to the ropes. Make sure you wear good shoes that will grip. Very limited parking at the tennis courts so recommend to get their early. Also, there are plenty of spots under the trees to get shade from the sun

Alternative to closed queens bath, it’s near by-come out take a right and the beach lot is right before the guard shack on your right, the trail is along the fence in the parking lot! This is not somewhere anyone can go, it requires a steep hike hanging on to ropes and steep terrain, almost rappelling in to the beach, again not somewhere to bring small children or someone not athletic.

Just beautiful. Clear clear water, rocks for snorkeling (we did not, so not sure of the quantity/quality of fish/turtles - certainly did not see any turtles from looking from above). The access is super steep and might challenge your leg and arm muscles - guide ropes are super helpful to steady you on the way down and pull yourself back up. Likely not navigable for kids under 8 or tiny adults or those unsteady on their feet. We saw a number of folks out of breath after coming back up. Path difficulty makes it hard to carry too much as you need free hands to navigate, though quite a few folks had Tommy Bahama backpack chairs. Most of the beach is shaded, with a few sunny spots. Good places to get in the water and just hang out without being too close to rocks. Pretty crowded on a Wed afternoon with families and young people.

This beach is a must see if you're in Princeville. As my 15 year-old daughter put it "this is the beach I've been waiting for all my life!". The water is the most beautiful blue and there is a gorgeous reef with lots of fish. However, the access is not easy. You will need to hold on to the rope to secure yourself on the way down and up. It's steep and slippery, especially if there's been any precipitation. For me and my kids, this was only a minor challenge since we are in good shape and accustomed to hiking. Anyone who is handicapped, walks with a cane or is not sure footed should NOT attempt to go down this trail. There were a lot of children and older folks who made it safely. They took it slow!

This was our favorite snorkeling beach! We saw more here than our actual snorkeling tours. Parking is slim and the hike down is a little slippery and quite steep. But definitely worth it! We shared the beach with no more than 30 other people. The water was very calm and the beach had quite a bit of shade in the morning.

Great sandy beach, plenty of room and privacy. Nice place for a shore hike. Small fresh water stream flowing into the bay.

This is what Hawaii is about. It’s a bit treacherous getting down to the beach so definitely not for the little ones but once you get down there it is amazing. The trek down and back up is adventurous but the shady beach, the views and the clear warm water are wonderful. One of our favorite things we did there. Definitely worth it!!! Parking is not good as there are only 7 or 8 spots. It’s well worth it to just go to the St Regis and valet for free and tip the driver when you pick up the car. It’s a short walk from there.

The trail can be treacherous but this beach is great for snorkeling. It is small so not a fantastic beach to spread out for sunbathing, etc. Wear running shoes vs. sandals or flip flops. Very limited (almost none) parking in upper lot.

Practicality vertical trail up and down the cliff complete with ropes to steady yourself but it opens up to a beautiful almost private beach. Snorkeling was good although waves were a bit rough the day we were there. Do NOT attempt this trail after a rain.

Trail is kinda hidden west of small parking lot. (3 minute walk from the Regis)

Steep and muddy trail with ropes for safety and support. Not too bad but have hands available.

Beach is beautiful, serene and relatively uncrowded. Clean and trash free...take your trash or any garbage you see back up the trail with you

Hard to find but well worth the effort. Amazing reef with lots of sea life and beach to enjoy. Take a picnic basket or grab something from the Foodland grocery store. Drive toward the St. Regis hotel and just before you get to the guard gate there is a very very small public parking lot on your right. Good luck finding a place. Anyway... walk to the back of that parking lot and you will find a somewhat steep trail that is no fun if it has been raining. Very slippery! Find the path, follow it down, ENJOY!
Please like review MJ 😎

We were staying at a Puu Poa condo and the access to this beach is right next to the complex so we did not have a parking issue. We went to this beach 5 times during our stay. It is a little tricky climb down to the beach. The snorkeling is very good if surf is not too rough. We saw turtles every time we were there. It was only crowded one time and that is when a group of kayaks landed.

the pictures don't do this unit justice. I have been going to Kauai for the last 10 years, always use VRBO. stayed in Kapa'a 4 times, always drove to Princeville. next stay was in Princeville. Pala Ke Kua unit 245 is the best I have ever stayed at. everything is in this unit, full kitchen, fully stocked, comfortable furniture, large bathrooms, it doesn't get any better that this. the view, Wow! wonderful ocean view, sitting on the second floor have cocktails in the afternoon was so peaceful. Very quiet location, next door to the St. Regis, shopping 5 minutes away...............I hate to post such a good review, bookings may not be available......Thank you to the owners for the little personal touchs left for us. The owners are very responsive. Don't miss out on this one.
Bob Unbedacht

This is a cute and small beach with some good snorkeling during summer months. The climb is a good workout too!

Amazing..parking for at the most 8 cars. Well, that might be right because 8 cars full of people is too many for the beach. Good snorkeling but try and get a spot or your towel.

Get over it.

I come to this spot every year. I love it here

The only thing is that the hiking ability gets a bit harder for some people as there has been a lot of erosion compared to last year. The railings have become more damaged or broken.

Prob best to go down in your hiking shoes compared to sandals.

Prob not a good idea if you're not active or in good shape for elevated hike.

Lots of turtles and coral reef and you have to watch for the rip currents in the ocean. Can be very strong in this area.

Enjoy your time.

If you want a shallow place to see gadz of fish, then this is the beach to go!! Plus, not a whole lotta people to there!

In July of 2018, the last 20 miles of the north shore were inaccessible due to road closures, making Ke'e Beach and Tunnels Beach out of reach. So we along with many, many others discovered Hideaway's. The trail down is an adventure in itself - short, steep, and eroded with random ropes tied up to help both descent and ascent. The beach is small and well shaded with a sandy bottom near the shore and rocks not far out for finding fish etc.

Kauai has so many amazing beaches. It’s hard to really give any of them less than 5 stars. Hideaways is beautiful. Situated in a secluded like cove that is fairly difficult to get to. If you aren’t staying at the st. Regis you are limited to 8 parking spots at the beginning of the beach trail to hideaways. None of these spots were empty when we tried to get one, even as early as 730am. Once you get to the path it’s a tough hike down holding onto ropes down extremely steep terrain. It’s not a very long hike and we did notice many families with small children once at the bottom so it’s definitely doable but be careful especially after a rain. The best part of hideaways beach for us was the amazing snorkeling. We saw 4 sea turtles while snorkeling here.

Quiet and beautiful, hideaway beach is a great place to relax. It is small, maybe 100 yards long, but due to the difficult climb down and back up there aren't many young kids. The snorkeling is great too. I went out while my wife stayed back and read on the beach. It also has quite a bit of shade so no need for an umbrella.

Small secluded beach below and behind everything. Steep hike down the hill. Wouldnt auggest people with physical limitations to do this. Snorkeling great, white sandy beach, adult beverages in hand, soaking up the sun and surroundings....was lovely for me!

For those lucky enough to find parking, this beach is a little slice of Heaven. There is a small lot next to the tennis court at Puu Poa and you can also access this by a sidewalk down from Pali Ke Kua. When we were recently there for about 3 hours, we only encountered one other couple the entire time. It happened to have been a rare calm Winter Day. This beach is best visited during the Summer months and does require some athleticism to reach. Definitely worth the effort.

J

This is NOT an easy access beach - BUT it is 100% a must see and worth the hike up and down. Tunnels Beach was closed so we ended up visiting Hideaways and Hanalei Bay almost daily. Hideaways has LOTS of shade - it is a small beach so go early. We do not recommend to go if it is raining as the hike down/up can get slippery then. We love the beach and it is great for snorkeling. Enjoy!

Just a short distance from our Condo, this beach is very beautiful and secluded. The walk down is well built. Coming back up can be a trial if you're not up to hiking steep cliffs. You need to take care getting into the water because of the rocks and reefs off the beach, but it can be done and enjoyed. Relaxing on the beach is a real plus.

Great if you're looking for quiet and want to read a book or take a nap or even do a picnic. Not kid friendly more for adults

Our favorite hidden place to go but had to wait for parking this year thanks to the photogenic beach and social media.

If people ask just say "Princeville" or "it's too dangerous to visit" that always works for us.

The pics speak for themselves.

Great spot on the north shore. A bit less crowded than other beaches. If staying at Pali Ke Kua private access.

The beach is directly behind the condo. project. Parking is a challenge. The access is very steep and hard to climb down. HOWEVER, it's worth it! Shallow reef. lots of rock and small fish. In the winter it can be rough. Summer is like a lake. Go and enjoy.

This was my favorite place we visited during our trip to Kauai. There is a short, steep hike down to the beach, but there are ropes to help you down. There is plenty of shade and it is a great spot to snorkel. There are only eight parking spots, but the Princeville Hotel let us use their valet service. We just tipped the valet and were on our way!

Kauai offers so many options when it comes to beaches. Hideaway is no different. The small trek down doesn't disappoint either. I was fine barefoot but you certainly don't want to carry a lot.

We got dropped off at the Princeton resort and walked back to a trail between two fences near the parking station. Follow the path and get ready for a steep (muddy when wet) decent with ropes to assist you. The beach itself was great - great location, color of water and location. We snorkeled there and didn’t bring our cameras so no pics.

so pretty, you must try to visit this beach. Well worth the effort. We went and stayed the entire day on multiple days.

Do not attempt to climb down to this beach if you are not reasonably fit, as it as very steep and very muddy. There is a rope to hold on to, so make sure you pack your things in a backpack or something like that, so you can use your hands to hold on to the rope.

The beach is beyond beautiful, but small, so come early. The water can be choppy so snorkeling might not be possible.

If ypu want to visit a picture perfect beach, this is it!