Black Pot Beach in Kauai
This awesome north shore beach is a perfect alternative to its neighbor, Puu Poa Beach. Puu Poa Beach is cut off by a river and difficult for anyone to access that isn’t staying at a nearby 5-star resort. On the other hand, Black Pot Beach is easy to access, has additional facilities, and provides an almost identical beach experience.
2022 UPDATE – In case you heard about Blackpot beach being closed due to 2018 flooding, you can now know that it is reopened. There are a few changes since reopening.
There are less trees but a bigger paved parking lot. Also, you can no longer drive up onto the beach directly to park, but this isn’t keeping locals away from enjoying the beach.
Quick Facts
- Other Names: Black Pot Beach
- Known For: a gorgeous north shore Kauai beach protected from the often intense waves
- Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, showers
- Lifeguards: yes
- Parking: big lot that generally has spaces
- Cost: free
- Other: reef protected allowing snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding
Name of Black Pot Beach
Black Pot Beach gets its name from a large black iron cooking pot that was previously located on the beach.
While I couldn’t find the big cooking pot, I still saw lots of locals cooking and grilling on the beach.
Location
This beach is on the north shore of Kauai. It is directly across the river/channel from Puu Poa Beach. It is also directly next to the Hanalei Beach Park.
If you drive here from the airport you should plan on it taking about an hour.
What to Expect Once There
This beach is truly worth adding to your list for the perks you get from being here.
Free Parking/Full Facilities
There is a newly paved generously sized parking lot. While this beach can be popular, I had no problem getting a spot even on a busy saturday afternoon.
The beach also has showers, restrooms, picnic tables, as well as grills. There are also a good number of beach rentals.
Black Pot Beach Parking
Reef Protecting Water From Big Waves
So many Kauai beaches have really intense waves that keep them from being swimmable. Thankfully the offshore reef protects the waters here.
This makes this beach great for swimming, snorkeling, or even a sport like stand-up paddle boarding.
Gorgeous Mountain Views
Lush mountains also frame the backdrop of this beach. I love the combination of an exquisite beach with picturesque mountains.
Crowds
There are likely going to be a decent number of people on this beach due to its proximity to the Hanalei resort area.
While there were plenty of other visitors, locals included, in no way did it feel crowded since the beach is quite large.
Conclusion: Is Black Pot Beach worth visiting?
If you are on the north shore of Kauai and looking for a beach with free and easy access, you should consider Blackpot Beach.
It is immediately next door to Hanalei Beach Park and basically the same experience. You can fully enjoy either one.
WHAT TO PACK FOR KAUAI
- Dresses – Packing a few good dresses is essential for Hawaii. Dresses have become my go to on trips to help quickly put an outfit together. Revolve is one of my go to shops for beach dresses. ASOS also has great summer dresses.
- Shorts – Anyone who is traveling to Hawaii needs a good pair of shorts. Khakis are great for guys. For women, cute athletic shorts or denim shorts are perfect for a breezy summertime look. These Levi denim shorts are my current favorites! These high waisted athletic shorts have gone viral on instagram and for good reason, they are AMAZING.
- Sandals – LOVE these Teva’s! They are my new go to travel sandal. Shop my favorite Teva’s here. They are great to wear in the water snorkeling and also amazing for hiking in Hawaii.
- Sports bra – This SKIMS bra is the most comfortable sports bra you will ever wear! Trust me. I travel with 5 of them. Also, highly recommend checking out the SKIMS fits everybody bra is to die for as well.
- Tank tops – Free people is my go to place to buy cute and affordable tank tops. I have this tighten up tank in almost every color.
- Hat – essential. Shop the newest hats at Nordstrom.
- Beach cover-up – Having at least one good cover-up is essential on any beach trip. I recommend ASOS, Nordstrom and Revolve as well.
- Hiking boots – I have two pairs of hiking boots that I love. My Columbia waterproof boots and my Salomon hiking boots. Highly recommend checking them both out! Warning – they both sell out really quick.
- Tennis Shoes – I guess you could wear sandals hiking this trail but I would recommend tennis shoes. It can get narrow and slippery in parts. These Nike high tops are my current favs. They look so cute with shorts too!
- Packing cubes – I always go to Urban Outfitters for my packing cubes. They have the cutest ones!
- Quick Dry Travel Towel – This quick dry towel is amazing to travel with. It really will come in handy when you need extra room in your suitcase.
- Snorkeling gear – for obvious reasons.
Planning a trip to Kauai? Read everything we know about Kauai here:
My husband and I have been to Kauai many, many times and have written up more guides to help you plan your trip. These are my most popular blog posts and Kauai travel guides to help you plan your trip.
Kauai Beaches
Best Beaches for Snorkeling on Kauai
- TUNNELS BEACH IN KAUAI (amazing snorkeling, swimming, seals) – one of my personal favorite beaches own the entire island!
- KE’E BEACH ON KAUAI – great snorkeling, swimming, but you have to make reservation in advance – it was a nightmare.
- Hideaway’s Beach – Amazing snorkeling on the North Shore.
- Anini Beach – (Snorkeling, fishing, swimming) Great for basically everything.
- Kalapaki Beach in Kauai – Kids beach. Perfect beach for families, beginner snorkeling and swimming!
Best Cliff Jumping in Kauai
- SHIPWRECK BEACH ON KAUAI – Amazing cliff jumping beach
- QUEEN’S BATH KAUAI: COMPLETE GUIDE – Another must visit!
More awesome beaches
- MOLOA’A BEACH ON KAUAI – Insanely underrated. Giligans Island was filmed here. This beach was another one of my favorites. Practically empty.
- Lumaha’i Beach Kauai – What you need to know before going
- Secret Beach Kauai! (aka Kauapea beach) – MUST see beach!
- Haena Beach – We saw a Monk Seal on this beach!
- Gillin’s Beach – Fairly secluded beach where you can ride horses!
- Donkey Beach – Underrated – practically deserted beach
- Hanalei Beach – Gorgeous beach, perfect for sunsets.
- Salt Pond Beach Park – Amazing beach for kids and families (You can camp here as well)
- Black Pot Beach
Kauai Hiking Guides
- WAILUA FALLS HIKE ON KAUAI – AMAZING WATERFALL HIKE! Probably my favorite hike I have ever done.
- KALEPA RIDGE TRAIL – BEST HIKE IN HAWAII…SERIOUSLY. Trust me, don’t leave this one off your list! It’s GORGEOUS!
- MAKALEHA TRAIL – Amazing trail that is extremely muddy. 100% worth it!
- CANYON TRAIL TO WAIPO’O FALLS
- Pihea Trail – Easy hike on Kauai with Na’pali Coast Views!
- Makauwahi Cave Trail – Kauai Hidden gem
Read about all the hikes we have done in Kauai here.
Read all other posts on Kauai here.