Locals and lifeguards call it "Luma-die Beach" after the high rate of drowning and the treacherous near shore waters pounded by surf and vicious currents. In other words, swim at Lumahai at your own risk and only in the summer. Now that we're past the ugly part, this beach is rightly considered one of the true gems of Hawaii. Even though a thousand cards a day drive right past the trailhead to Lumahai, few tourists and locals make the steep descent on the narrow footpath that leads to this disjointed crescent beach just past the hippy-dippy paradise of Hanalei. From the beach, you can't see the road and can barely hear the cars. A high bluff and lava outcroppings make Lumahai feel extremely private and serene.

Shady, lush tropical trees ring edge of Lumahai providing ample places for repose and naps out of the bright sun. Shell seekers flock to Lumahai to find a variety of island specialities for making shell leis or other oceanic jewelery. The sand at Lumahai is soft and slightly glittery due to the small green powdery crystal fragments littering the beach. Intrepid souls can jump into the ocean from one of the lava rock finger jutting out into the cover. A protected tidepool has loads of critters and is a good spot for kids. Caveat -- midday the sun makes the sand extremely hot so, like the rest of Hawaii, "Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun." Also, you can hike into Lumahai from the next beach over but it is a bit of a schlep.

Map

Image via Flickr / Hawaii Lisa

—Alex, 03/18/07