Kee beach lies on the north shore of Kauai, nestled in the shadow of the na Pali (Hawaiian for "the cliffs"). It's no exaggeration to say that Kee Beach is magical. Kauai is an island known for natural beauty, but even on the Garden Island Kee stands out as somewhere special.
Imagine a tiny ocean cove filled with crystal clear water and surrounded by jungle. Off-shore waves crash against the outer reef. To your right, the reef reaches all the way to the shore and stretches into the distance. To your left, mountains and cliffs reach down to the sea. The beach sand is white, fine, and covers the floor of the lagoon. That's Ke'e Beach, nestled at the end of Highway 560.
Kee beach is, quite literally, the end of the road. Highway 560 stops at Kee: the na Pali shoreline is too rugged for any road larger than a hiking trail. There's parking along the road, but be advised that Kee Beach is a very popular spot. The earlier in the day you reach Kee, the more likely you are to find parking.
Kee Beach Amenities
Kee beach has washrooms / changing rooms, and that’s it for amenities. If you're planning on spending the day bring your own provisions, as you don't want to lose your parking spot while you're off for lunch at Hanalei!
At the time of this writing lifeguards are not on duty at Kee Beach. This situation is scheduled to change in the summer of 2008. for now, however, assume the nearest lifeguards are at Haena Beach Park, quite some distance away.
The Waters of Kee Beach
During the summer months, Kee lagoon is calm and clear. Snorkeling in the lagoon is a pleasure. No other Kauai snorkeling spot, including Tunnels, has water as clear as Kee.
If it's high tide it's possible to snorkel over the surrounding reef. Don't head to the point to the east of Kee, where reef channels create dangerous currents. Nor should you try to reach the outer reef. There's a strong current close to the outer reef capable of whipping even the strongest swimmer around and into the na Pali coast, which is all sharp rocks, sheer drops and nasty undertows. People have drowned, so it's best to stay inside the cove.
Inside Kee lagoon you're well-protected from the ocean during the summer. Winter waves can crash right over the reef and into the cove, creating dangerous conditions. (the south shore is better for winter snorkeling. Try Poipu Beach Park instead).
An opening at the west end of the cove connects Kee Beach with the open ocean. When the tide changes, a strong rip current passes through this opening. Get too close to the opening and you can get swept out, resulting in an unintended (and possibly fatal) view of the na Pali. Stay in the calm, protected waters of Kee lagoon—there's plenty to see there.
Kalalau Trail and the Hula Heiau
Kee beach is located in Haena State Park (not to be confused with the neighboring Haena Beach Park). The parking lot at Kee is also the starting point for hikers taking the Kalalau Trail: a rugged, two day hike over the na Pali to Kalalau Valley.
The Kalalau Trail is for experienced hikers only. For less hardcore hikers a short hike from the beach leads to the terraced remains of a hula haeau, or hula school / temple.
If you'd like a view of na Pali without hiking over them, walk east along Kee Beach to the first point. Turn around and you see the Pali stretched out before you. This spectacular view is hidden from Kee lagoon: you have to walk up the beach to see it.
Getting to Kee Beach
Head north on Highway 560 to Hanalei. Drive through Hanalei. Keep going. Drive past the side roads for Tunnels Beach. Keep on going. Drive past Haena Beach Park and into Haena State Park. When you run out of road, you're at Ke'e beach!
