Kealia Beach

Kealia Beach or Salt Bed Beach is just off Highway 56 in East Kauai, Hawaii. It is a north beach, a little north of Kapaa Beach. The beach extends 150 feet wide and .5 miles in length. It is a popular beach for surfing and boogie boarding. The summer months are best for surfing as the riptide is not as fierce. It is best to check the ocean conditions before surfing though since there is no lifeguard on duty. It is best for surfing rather than swimming because of the riptides.

The north shore of the beach was once a landing site for steamers letting off goods and passengers to Kealia. Kealia was a plantation town, so there were often goods to send off and bring in. The ruined dock still remains.

Kealia Beach is also known as a Salt Bed. In ancient times Hawaiians would take salt from the area that used to form in the sand flats. Now those who mine for salt do so at the dunes next to the highway.

Kealia Beach does not have facilities, but does have nice white sand for sunbathing and beach volleyball. Wading is possible and swimming only when the waves are calm.