Lydgate Beach Park is a popular family-friendly beach on Kauai that features two enclosed lagoons and a large playground/park. The beach park is very popular with local residents, but many tourists can be found here also.
The enclosed lagoons are man-made, with rock walls that separate the lagoons from the open ocean. Crevices in the rock walls allow a variety of tropical fish to enter the lagoons. The calm waters of the lagoons, along with the tropical fish, make this the perfect place for beginner snorkelers and swimmers. The smaller inner lagoon is shallow, ideal for young children.
Across from the beach, the park boasts the Kamalani Playground with a covered pavilion, volcano slide, play bridge, and Japanese garden. There is an open field that is suited for sports-related activities.
The park also features lifeguards, restrooms, showers and plenty of parking. Overall, the park has the most extensive set of facilities of any beach park on the island.
Also at Lydgate are two important historical sites, the City of Refuge (Hauola) and the Hikinaakala Heiau. These are sacred Hawaiian archaeological sites that should not be disturbed.
Lydgate Beach is centrally located on Kauai’s eastern side near the towns of Kapaa and Lihue. The Wailua River State Park is adjacent.
The park is named after the Rev. John Lydgate, a civic leader, teacher, historian and more, who spent the last two decades of his life building the park.
Before visiting, stay up to date on news about the beach. In the past, there have been official reports from officials about avoiding swimming here to due baby sharks in the water. Always look out for any warning signs.
Camping is quite a popular thing to do here as well. The cost for permits at the Lydgate campground for Hawaii residents is $5 per day for 10×10 foot and 20×20 foot campsites. The price for permits at Lydgate for non-residents is $25 per day for 10×10 foot and 20×20 foot campsites. Permit applications for the campground are available at kauai.gov/parks.
