Ke’e Beach (Hanalei, Kauai)

Our favorite beach in the world. Ke’e lies at the very feet of jagged and heavily wooded Pali cliffs that rise steeply above you.

Once you’re in the water, turn and look up at the cliffs. The white terns with their long tails wheel above you between the crags.

The water is deliciously cold. Wear your surf socks, because later the sand will be deadly hot. Well OK, pretty darn hot.

In the summer with no waves, Ke’e is like a giant bathtub. The western rocks contain the best fish viewing. This time we found an eel, a halibut, several humuhumu’s, one pipe fish, and a lion fish! And a pooping sea cucumber!

And since you’ve arrived by 9am at the very latest, make sure you enjoy the quality of the early morning light. Most of the car traffic is for the Kalalau trail, so the beach itself is not too crowded.

Ke’e lies at the very end of an enchanting twisty turny jungle road full of one lane bridges. Just go slow, because we all know you’re trying to take pictures and drive at the same time.

The jungle barely kept at bay. Perhaps given a good week or two of no cars, the jungle would totally reclaim this road.

The passing rain showers are brief, blown thru by the trade winds. The clouds lend an atmospheric impression.

And at the end of the day, don’t miss your well earned reward!