Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [123]
Safety in the Surf
Before you even think about packing your bathing suit, get a copy of the free brochures Kauai Beach Guide and Tips for a Safe Vacation. It could save your life. These color brochures explain how to avoid potential dangers in Kauai’s ocean environment. The power of the ocean is nothing to fool around with. The surf can increase in size in a short period of time, or an offshore rip current can carry you out to sea. Even a walk alone on the beach without paying attention to the ocean can have potentially dangerous results (like being swept out to sea).
The number-one advice is to swim at beaches where there are lifeguards and to talk to the lifeguards before entering the ocean. The Kauai Beach Guide lists all beaches on Kauai and whether a lifeguard is on duty. It also lists each beach’s potential hazards, like strong currents, dangerous shorebreaks, high surf conditions, slippery rocks, sharp coral, sudden drop-offs, and waves on ledges.
In general, the north and west shores are hazardous in winter (Sept–May), with big surf. In summer, the opposite is true, and the big waves occur along the south and east shores. But hazardous conditions can occur on any beach at any time of the year. The brochure stresses the following points:
• Swim in lifeguard areas and check with lifeguards on ocean conditions before you go into the water.
• Watch the ocean at least 20 minutes before you go in. Lifeguards can show you what potential hazards to look for.
• Always (always, always, always) swim (or snorkel) with a buddy.
• Always keep a close watch over young children.
You can get these free brochures by contacting the Kauai Visitors Bureau, 4334 Rice St., Suite 101, Lihue, HI 96766 ( 80 8/245-3971). You’ll also find plenty of beach and safety tips at www.kauaiexplorer.com.
Poipu Beach Park
Big, wide Poipu is actually two beaches in one; it’s divided by a sandbar, called a tombolo. On the left, a lava-rock jetty protects a sandy-bottomed pool that’s perfect for children; on the right, the open bay attracts swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers. And everyone likes to picnic on the grassy lawn graced by coconut trees. You’ll find excellent swimming, small tide pools for exploring, great reefs for snorkeling and diving, good fishing, nice waves for surfers, and a steady wind for windsurfers. Poipu attracts a daily crowd, but the density seldom approaches Waikiki levels except on holidays. Facilities include a lifeguard, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and free parking in the red-dirt lot. Plus, Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is nearby. To get here, turn onto Poipu Beach Road, then turn right at Hoowili Road.
Prince Kuhio Park
This tiny park, across the street from Ho’ai Bay, marks the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who was born March 26 (a state holiday), 1871. Kuhio’s mother died shortly after his birth; he was adopted by his mother’s sister, Kapiolani, and her husband, Kalakaua. When Kalakaua became king in 1874, Kuhio became prince. However, he did not become king because his aunt, Liliuokalani, ascended to the throne upon Kalakaua’s death. In 1893, her reign was overthrown by the U.S. government. However, in 1902 Kuhio was elected as Hawaii’s delegate (nonvoting member) to Congress, where he served until his death in 1922. This park is across the street from the ocean, where the rocky drop-off into the water is not very convenient for access (although snorkeling offshore is great). We suggest that you go a bit further east to Keiki (Baby) Beach, a small pocket of sand off Hoona Road, where swimming is generally safe. To get to Prince Kuhio Park, take Poipu Road toward the ocean and veer right at the fork in the road onto Lawai Beach Road. To get to Baby Beach, turn onto Hoona Road.
Spouting Horn Beach Park
According to ancient Hawaiian legend, a mo’o (lizard) was returning to Kauai from Niihau, where he had just