Kauai beaches are some of the most beautiful in Hawaii, but they aren't always family friendly. Sudden drop offs, rip currents and strong undertows make beaches such as Lumahai and Polihale very dangerous for anyone who wants to get in the water.
If you're vacationing with a family, or simply aren't a very strong swimmer, you might want to restrict your water activities to lifeguard supervised beaches. Lydgate Stare Park is one of the most family friendly locations on Kauai.
Swimming and Snorkeling at Lydgate Park
The swimming area at Lydgate Park is divided into two rock wall lagoons. The lagoons aren't natural: local volunteers built and maintain them. The north most lagoon is a toddler wading pool, while the larger lagoon is for swimming and snorkeling. Both lagoons are watched over by a lifeguard tower. Showers, changing rooms and picnic tables are all available.
Although snorkeling at Lydgate Park pales when compared to Tunnels or Ke'e beach, the rock lagoon's a good place to get used to your snorkeling gear. Visibility varies depending on the tides and weather, but a novice snorkeler will be able to see a variety of wrasse, damsel fish, unicorn fish and butterfly fish. Occasionally the lagoon is home to larger surgeon fish, and it's not unusual to see snowflake moray eels exploring the rock walls.
On rare occasions the surf washes a small honu, or green sea turtle, into the lagoon. Please remember that it's illegal to harass sea turtles, which includes chasing them, touching them or attempting to pick them up.
Ocean Warnings for Lydgate Park
One warning about the waters at Lydgate Park: don't venture outside of the lagoon walls. Lydgate is on the east shore of Kauai, which receives strong currents and unpredictable ocean conditions. Outside of the safety of the lagoons Lydgate beach has one of the highest drowning rates on the island. Don't let apparently calm conditions tempt you: east side ocean conditions can change quickly.
Kamalani Playground and the Kamalani Kai Bridge
Lydgate park is also home to Kamalani playground. An extensive playground that includes a volcano and lava tube slide, kamalani playground was designed by the local children of Kauai and is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers.
South of the rock lagoons and the Kamalani playground is the Kamalani Kai Bridge, a second playground designed by local children. The playground bridge is reached by walking down Lydgate Park's 2.5 mile pedestrian and bicycle path, which runs along the coast.
One word of warning about the play bridge. If it's been raining a large pool of runoff water pools at the bottom of the slides, which can be both slippery and dirty. Fresh water in Hawaii contains leptospirosis, which can cause severe illness. Kamalani Kai Bridge is best reserved for periods of dry, sunny level.
Lydgate Park and Hawaiian History
Walking north from Lydgate State Park's lagoons brings you to the Hikina Akala Heiau, a Hawaiian temple built sometime around 800 A.D. Hikina Akala means "rising of the sun," and the temple was so named because the rising sun touches the heiau before any other point on the Wailua coast.
The heiau is adjacent to the Hauola place of refuge, a sanctuary for Hawaiians who had broken a kapu, or taboo. Hauola was also a safe sanctuary for warriors on the losing side of battles. Those seeking sanctuary were free to return home after priests performed ceremonies on their behalf.
Today, only the stone foundations of Hauola (which means Dew of Life) and the heiau remain. The site remains sacred to native Hawaiians, so please don't climb over the foundation walls or disturb the stones. Close to the heiau you can see examples of ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, or stone carvings.
Getting to Lydgate State Park is simple, from Lihue, take the Kuhio Highway north until mile marker five. Turn right onto Leho road. Follow the road to Nalu road and turn right to reach the parking area.