Immerse yourself in tranquility at Waimea Driftwood Beach, located just steps away from the charming Waimea Plantation Cottages on Kauai’s west coast.
- Region: West Shore
- Best for beachcombing, relaxing walks and sunsets.
- Located at the Waimea Plantation Cottages in Waimea.
- No lifeguards or restrooms.
- Map: Google Maps
The Waimea Driftwood Beach is the section of Waimea Beach at the Waimea Plantation Cottages. A sign on the cottage grounds overlooking the beach reads “Historic Waimea Driftwood Beach”. Very near here, Captain Cook first set foot on the Hawaiian Islands in 1778.
Aptly named, driftwood can usually be found on the beach. The driftwood is debris from the nearby Waimea River. During heavy runoff and flooding, branches and trees are washed downstream on the Waimea River from the island’s interior, with some ending up at Driftwood Beach.
The entire Waimea Beach is sometimes referred to as a black sand beach, however the sand along this stretch is actually a dark, reddish brown. The red hue comes from red dirt silt that is also washed down the Waimea River and into the ocean.
With heavily silted water and exposure to the open ocean, it’s best to stay on the beach at Driftwood. Beachcombing and relaxing walks are popular activities at the beach. Sunsets are often spectacular here.
Driftwood Beach sees few visitors and is often deserted. Mornings and late afternoons are popular times to visit the beach.
Waimea Driftwood Beach is mostly visited by guests of Waimea Plantation Cottages. The charming cottages are a nice destination for those seeking rest and relaxation in a quaint coastal setting, and the beach is a nice extension of the property’s breezy and easy vibe. Non-guests of the cottages can still visit the beach, either by parking at the cottages’ office (also the location of Chicken in a Barrel BBQ – Waimea), or by walking west on the beach from the Waimea Pier and Lucy Wright Park locations.
