Lucy Wright Beach Park
Waimea, HI
Lucy Wright Beach Park sits at the mouth of the Waimea River, a gray sand beach named for Kauai's first Hawaiian female school teacher, marking the spot where Captain Cook first came ashore in Hawaii in 1778. The river runs cloudy from upstream red dirt, so most people come for the history and the view of Waimea town rather than a swim.
The historical significance is real and worth the stop, but murky river water and a lack of any real swimming draw keep this well below Kekaha and Salt Pond for a beach day.
How we score beachesRead the Captain Cook landing marker near the park entrance before you walk the beach. It's easy to miss and gives real context to an otherwise unremarkable looking stretch of sand.
A small lot at the park entrance off Alawai Road usually has space outside of local events.
A flat, short path connects the lot to the sand, an easy walk, though the ground near the river mouth can be soft and muddy.
Dogs are not permitted at Lucy Wright Beach Park, per Kauai County park rules.
The river runs cloudier after winter rain, while summer's drier conditions bring somewhat clearer water, though this was never a beach known for good visibility.
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