📸 Salt Pond Beach Park | Kauai, Hawaii

2022Kauai

May 7

📝 My Story

Salt Pond Beach Park was one of those surprise stops that instantly won us over.

Located on the southern shore of Kauai near Hanapepe, this beach is known for its calm, family-friendly waters, protected by natural lava rock barriers that form gentle pools — perfect for kids and those who just want a relaxing swim without battling the waves.

Fun fact: the park is named for the traditional Hawaiian salt ponds adjacent to the beach, where locals continue to harvest salt by hand, using techniques passed down for generations.

We found Salt Pond Beach Park to be a fantastic place to stretch our legs, enjoy the soft sand, and take in some laid-back island vibes without big tourist crowds.

It’s a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours (or a whole afternoon if you bring lunch!).

🌎 Location

📍 Salt Pond Beach Park - Google Maps

📌 Quick Info

🏙️ City: Hanapepe, Kauai
🅿️ Parking: Free large parking lot
🚻 Bathrooms: Yes — public restrooms and showers available
🚲 Bike Rentals: Not available at beach
🧭 Travel Tip: Great spot for families with young kids due to calm, shallow water
📸 Photographer’s Note: Sunset photos here are absolutely stunning — bring your tripod!
🛐 Etiquette: Respect areas where salt harvesting occurs — they are still actively used by locals
🕰️ Best Time to Explore: Afternoon into sunset for mellow light and calm waters
♿ Accessibility: Accessible parking and beach pathways available

💡 Pro Tip

Bring your snorkeling gear!
The protected tide pools offer great chances to see small fish and other marine life — especially near the rocks.

📸 Photography Tip

Catch the sun setting behind the salt ponds or the beach — golden hour lights up the sand and sky in the most magical way.

🎉 Fun Fact

The traditional Hawaiian sea salt harvested here (called "Paʻakai") is still gifted among locals for cultural ceremonies and cooking — it's considered a treasure of the island.

🗺️ Planning Your Own Hawaii Adventure?

If you’re planning your own trip to Kauai (or anywhere across Hawaii), you can find this hidden gem — and many more — on my public travel map:
👉 View My Hawaii Travel Map Here ➔