Kauai offers more beaches per mile than any other Hawaiian island. The beaches of Kauai range from calm family-friendly bays of sparkling blue water to some of the most adventurous surf breaks in the world. With an island boasting such a large range, it can be dizzying to narrow itinerary beach destinations down. Our best local recommendation? Salt Pond Beach Park—an uncrowded “locals” beach.

When planning a day at Salt Pond, it is important to consider three things: sights, snacks, and sunsets.

Sights
There are three areas to choose from when coming to Salt Ponds Beach Park: the main bay, the keiki (baby) pond, and the airport side. From family-friendly swimming to winter whale watching to some of the best sunsets on-island, a traveler can hit a medley of beach day options when visiting.

The main bay is protected by an underwater reef that stretches across the opening of the bay to serve as a natural breakwater for waves and currents. The main bay tends to be deeper and is great for swimming laps. It is generally also the least frequented of all three areas, meaning travelers looking for a moment of tranquility and peace, can usually find the perfect spot. This white sand beach is perfect for walking and in the winter, travelers might see humpback whales that swim as close as a ½ a mile from the shoreline.

The baby pond is located to the right of the main bay, where a large natural reef formation created a calm and shallow pond area, making it easy for the little ones to run and play. This area is popular for families, making it feel a bit more lively overall, as families and keiki play in the shallow pond protected by the reef, and snorkelers are scattered about. Every now and then you will hear a loud stern voice through a megaphone coming from the lifeguard in the tower station—all part of the experience.

The airport side of the beach park is located next to the airport landing strip. This side is known for its calm pond area, with some exquisite snorkeling. Here, you’ll also see the salt ponds themselves. The salt ponds are old school and a cherished part of the island’s culture. See local Hawaiian families practicing the traditional art of salt making as you await sunset. It is customary for families to trade and exchange the traditional Hawaiian salt for other foods such as fish or meats, as the product cannot be sold in stores. Never just walk up to a salt pond. It is respectful to wait for an invitation.

Travel tip: when visiting the airport side, know that the road to the parking lot is not obvious, very typical of Kauai’s local spots. Instead of turning right onto Lokokai Road, keep straight on Lele Road, past the Salt Pond Beach Park signs. When you see Mavericks Helicopters on your right, take a slight right and continue forward until you reach the asphalt parking lot next to the traditional salt making ponds. On busy weekends, you will see local families with their Toyota 4x4s parked to the left side like a tailgate party — that’s when you’ll know you’re in the right place.

Snacks
Before hitting the beach, stop at the Country Store down the road. You cannot miss this lemon-yellow painted building perfect to pick up provisions. Beach beverages and snacks are a must and at this store, travelers can find things like ice, cold beverages (both alcoholic and non), to-go bowls of poke, Li Hing Mui local pineapple chunks, Maui Onion Chips, and SPAM musubi.

With a blanket in-hand, set up the perfect picnic of poke, cheese, crackers, pineapple, fruits, and of course, a bottle of twist cap wine, complete with stemless silicone wine cups.

Sunsets
The sunsets viewing from this area of Kauai is that of legends. For the best sunset viewing due West, drive to the big parking lot next to the Hawaiian salt pond on the airport side and walk a short distance to the sand close to the waves.

Sip on wine and eat snacks as you wait for the evening show. When the time is right, the sky will turn radiant, with striking orange and pink colors, before quietly over the horizon