Looking towards "Local Lumahai" — Photo courtesy of Jade Eckardt

There's two drastically different sides to Lumahai Beach on Kaua`i's North Shore. The western end, dubbed by residents as "Local Lumahai," is home to a usually calm and clean river where local children love to swim all day long and visitors are welcome to join. At this end, you can drive right up (watch out for mud pits), hang at the car in the shade and take a short walk to the river and the ocean. As with most of the beach, swimming in the ocean is not advised, but the river is amazing and time spent here resembles being near a cool river in the countryside.

View from the top towards the eastern end — Photo courtesy of Jade Eckardt

You have two options when it comes to accessing the eastern end or "Visitors Lumahai." Take the mile-long walk to the other end. Along the way, look for driftwood, beach glass, and other beach finds.

The other option is to pull up on the side of the winding highway where you'll see the dirt pull-off spot under the ironwood pine trees. At this end of the beach, you'll take a rather short and steep winding path down to the beach, where there's a somewhat protected (during small surf only) area to swim in. There's a large black rock to sit on, and still plenty of find white sand to sunbathe on.

Always be careful at Lumahai, but don't miss out on a wonderful experience here.