Access to Hideaways Beach Cut Off

April 29, 2021

A legal issue concerning a visitor who hurt his hand on the trail to Hideaways Beach on Kauai’s North Shore has cut access to the trail, reports The Garden Island newspaper:

“Posts went up Tuesday blocking the entrance of a trailhead that leads to Kenomene Bay, or Hideaway Beach, in Princeville. Without this, access to a local treasure for diving, fishing and surfing is cut off.

It’s unsure how long the closure will last, but the county and Pu‘u Poa Condominiums are working together to restore that public access, County Attorney Matthew Bracken confirmed Tuesday afternoon.” – The Garden Island

Access to Hideaways Beach is provided by a narrow trail between the St. Regis Princeville Resort (renamed 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay) parking lot and the Puu Poa Condos. The trail is steep and often slippery. There are handrails nearer the top to hold on to. As you proceed down the trail, the handrails end and there are ropes that can be used. Indeed, the trail does have its risks.

The trail is the main access to Hideaways Beach. There is also a paved trail from the Pali Ke Kua Condos that leads to another section of the beach. We’ve heard about another trail – the Fort Alexander Trail – that also provides access to Hideaways Beach. We have not investigated this trail and have received reports it is little used, overgrown and also very dangerous. Because of the name, we are assuming the trail starts near the Fort Alexander exhibit at the Princeville Resort (1 Hotel Hanalei Bay).

Hideaways Beach is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, and the closure is an unfortunate circumstance. We’re hoping the situation can be resolved soon.