The best road cycling routes around Hanamaulu

Anini Beach is considered one of the safer beaches, but always practice ocean safety as there is no lifeguard on duty. The winter months can be more dangerous for swimming. Anini Beach has the longest reef in all the Hawai'ian Islands. It's a great place for snorkeling, picnicking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. Anini Road goes parallel to the beach and can get quite close.

Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northernmost point of the Hawaiian Islands. On the point, there is the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse. Visitors can also see the Kīlauea volcanic vent and look at the ocean from the top of a 180-foot ocean bluff. This area is a great place to spot seabirds that cannot be seen from land, like the red-footed booby, great frigate bird, and Laysan albatross. This parking area is not the end of the pavement, but sometimes there is a gate that is shut, stopping bikers from biking the rest of the way to the lighthouse on the tip of the point, just 0.2 miles north.

Waipouli Beach is a more low-key park by the Waipouli Beach Resort. There is public beach access on the south end, and it's a hangout spot for Kauai’s monk seals, right off the biking coastal path. This area is family-friendly, with shopping, coffee shops, activities, and hiking very close by. It has been marked as a wonderful spot to see the sunrise.

Kapa'a Beach is a long beach with golden sands that parallels the Kapa'a Bike Path. The full name is Ke Ala Hele Makalae, meaning “path that goes by the coast." Most people simply call it the Kapa‘a Bike Path or Kaua‘i Bike Trail. This bike path is a multi-use path that totals about 7 miles.

Lydgate Beach Park is a nice family-friendly beach with a recreation area around it. The beach can be a good option for swimming and snorkeling, with two rock-enclosed natural lagoons with different species of tropical fishes. It’s a nice safe haven from the open ocean waves, making it a good place for beginner snorkelers. The recreation area provides picnic areas, ‘Kamalani’ playground, and restrooms, and there is also a lifeguard at the beach. This is a perfect spot to end the ride along Kapaa Bike Path and enjoy the facilities of the park.

Keahua Arboretum is a natural area in the heart of Kauai’s rainforest at the end of Kuamo'o Road. This area is lush and colorful and gives the visitor a remote, adventurous feeling within the area. The Keahua Arboretum boasts the island's diverse flora and fauna; be sure to pack your bug spray and check the weather for this ride.

Poliahu Heiau at Wailua River State Park in Wailua has views of the Wailua River and the Pacific Ocean. Here you can also see the ancient Hawai'ian temple, Poliahu. All these things can be seen from the turnout. Poliahu is believed to be a Luakini (ancient Hawaiian) temple for the god Ku for success in war. Sadly, the structures were destroyed in 1819 by colonialism. It is important for a visitor to note that the area is considered sacred to many, so be respectful when visiting.

Donkey Beach is a secluded beach in the northeast of Kauai. The beach was a very popular nudist beach, but isn't anymore as the current owners decided against it. As the water is pretty rough here, it's not the perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling, but still a very nice spot for sunbathers and to take a little break after a long day