Kealia Beach
Kapaa, HI
Kealia Beach runs long and straight just north of Kapaa, backed by an old sugar mill smokestack and a paved bike path that makes it an easy stop without much of a walk. A shorebreak here draws bodyboarders and beginner surfers, and a lifeguard tower keeps watch on weekends and holidays.
A solid, reliable surf beach with lifeguard coverage on busy days, though the shorebreak and occasional rip current keep it from being a carefree swim for everyone.
How we score beachesPark at the north end near the bike path bridge rather than the main lot. It's less crowded and puts you closer to the calmer stretch of sand.
A paved lot sits right off Kuhio Highway, with additional roadside parking along the bike path when it fills.
A paved path connects the lot to the sand, flat and easy, though the beach itself is soft sand beyond that point.
Winter brings the more consistent surf that draws local bodyboarders, along with rougher water and stronger currents near the river mouth at the south end. Summer's calmer water is the easier season for families.
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