Lumaha'i Beach

Lumaha'i Beach is a dramatic north Kauai beach near Hanalei, with wide sand, South Pacific movie history, strong surf and no lifeguards.

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Lumaha'i Beach, Kauai

Lumaha'i Beach was made famous in the 1957 movie South Pacific. The beach is where Mitzi Gaynor "washed that man right out of her hair." Partly because of this history and partly because of its picturesque scenery, Lumaha'i has become one of the most photographed beaches on Kauai. Located just past Hanalei, this scenic beach is nearly a mile long and several hundred feet wide. Vegetated lava cliffs provide a vibrant backdrop.

While Lumaha'i Beach appears serene, there are dangers that lurk in its depths. The beach has no protective reef, making the coast totally exposed to the open ocean. Rip currents, powerful backwash, strong shorebreaks and high surf make it one of the most dangerous beaches on Kauai. On calm summer days, the Kahalahala (eastern) end of the beach may be calm enough to allow swimming.

Throughout the year, the western end attracts surfers and bodyboarders, but if you're not an expert at riding Hawaiian waves, the waves are certainly not friendly. Drownings and near-drownings have occurred here in the past. The beach is more suitable for a picnic or beach stroll.

Key Features

Wide north Kauai beach west of Hanalei
Appears in the 1958 movie South Pacific
No lifeguards are stationed at Lumaha'i Beach
No protective reef blocks the open north shore surf
Rip currents, strong shorebreak and powerful backwash make swimming dangerous
Kahalahala is the eastern section near the lookout and trail down to the sand
The larger western section is near the Lumaha'i River side
Where the river meets the ocean, water can be murky and unpredictable after rain
Experienced surfers and bodyboarders may enter only when conditions fit their ability
Lumaha'i Beach is mainly a shoreline walk, photo and wave-watching beach

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Frequently Asked Questions

Did Lumaha'i Beach appear in South Pacific?

Yes. Lumaha'i Beach appears in the 1958 movie South Pacific, including the well-known scene with Mitzi Gaynor singing "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair."

Why is swimming dangerous at Lumaha'i Beach?

The beach faces open north shore water with no protective reef. Rip currents, strong shorebreak and powerful backwash can make the ocean dangerous even when the beach looks inviting.

What is the Kahalahala section?

Kahalahala is the eastern section near the lookout and trail down to the beach. It may look calmer on quiet summer days, but visitors still need to read the ocean carefully.

What should visitors know about the Lumaha'i River side?

The river side has a larger beach area and roadside parking, but water where the river meets the ocean can be murky and unpredictable after rain or high surf.

Why is Lumaha'i Beach popular with photographers?

The wide sand, trees, cliffs, river views and north shore surf create one of Kauai's classic beach scenes, especially when the light is soft in the morning or late day.