Waipake Beach is often confused as being the north part of Larsen’s Beach. There is a rocky promontory that juts out into the sea, with beaches on both sides. Many people call these two beaches North Larsen’s Beach and South Larsen’s Beach. However, the north beach is actually named Waipake Beach and the south beach is simply Larsen’s Beach.
Larsen’s Beach is known for its seclusion and reputation as a clothing optional beach, and Waipake Beach is even more remote.
In fact, Waipake may be one of the least visited beaches on the island of Kauai. Since the most common entry point for Larsen’s Beach is on the south end, and the beach is rather long, few people make it all the way to Waipake.
Waipake Beach has two rocky points for bookends. Between the bookends is a secluded stretch of beach where the local wildlife is not afraid to hang out. Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles can often be found on the beach. (Watch out for monk seals resting in the vegetation along the beach.)
Above the beach is some of the island’s best habitats for sea birds, including nesting areas for Wedge-tailed Sheerwaters and Laysan Albatrosses. (The land above the beach is owned by Mark Zuckerberg.)
The north end of the beach is pretty much a dead end unless you do some rock hopping along the coastline (not recommended due to potentially dangerous waves). Beyond the rocky coastline is Pila’a Beach which is the beach that fronts Mark Zuckerberg’s estate.
To visit Waipake Beach, go to the end of Larsen (Larson on some maps) Beach Road and park in the parking area for Larsen’s Beach. Take the trail down to the beach, then proceed all the way down Larsen’s Beach to the rocky promontory. At the promontory you can either take the lower trail in the coastal rocks, or the trail above the promontory, to reach Waipake Beach.
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