Lydgate Park is a popular 40-acre ocean-front park at the mouth of the Wailua River. The long stretch of sand fronts a beautiful grass park with picnic areas, facilities and groves of ironwood trees. Two sandy, boulder-enclosed ponds are ideal for kids and snorkeling. Near the river at the north end of the park are the ruins of Hauola (City of Refuge) and Hikina A Ka La (Rising of the Sun), two sacred religious sites from the 1300s. An interpretive trail circles the temple through a coconut grove. The views inland include the Nounou Mountains and the Kalepa Ridge.
one-acre beach park offers some of the only protected waters on Kauai’s east coast and is a fun place to swim, snorkel, and feed the clouds of fish that will appear if you sprinkle frozen peas in the water for them.
Lydgate also has lifeguards on duty and they, along with the calm and clear water of the enclosed pool, make it a very safe spot.
The sandy beach is also popular for picnics, kite flying, and strolling, and includes restrooms and showers. Volunteers built a playground at this park, where the coconut grove once served as an ancient safe ground for Hawaiians who had broken the law.
It’s about 5 miles north of Lihue on Hwy. 56, just before the Kauai Resort Hotel. Turn right on Leho Dr. at mile marker 5 then take the second right into the beach parking lot.
Lydgate State Park was part of the shooting location for Elvis Presley’s classic film Blue Hawaii, along with the Coco Palms hotel (destroyed by Hurricane Iniki in 1992).
Quoted from greathawaiivacations.com and rei.com
What is it? A beach park.
Where is it? 4470 Nalu Rd., Kapaa, Hawaii, USA
Why go here? An easily accessible public beach near Lihue and Kapaa, with good park facilities.
