Ke'e Beach/Kalalau Trail Conditions in January

Question

Good morning! We will be travelling to Kauai in mid-January with 2 kids (4 and 6 years old). We are staying in Poipu but made a reservation to visit Ke'e beach. Any chance of swimming at all in Ke'e Beach in the morning or hiking the first 1/2 mile of the Kalalau trail in January? Or will the conditions not permit? Just trying to decide how much time to budget for Ke'e in our itinerary. :) Thanks so much!

Answer

Hi there! Visiting Ke'e Beach and hiking the Kalalau Trail are both fantastic experiences, but conditions in January can be quite variable, especially given the season. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

Ke'e Beach Swimming in January: Ke'e Beach is located on the North Shore of Kauai, and it’s known for being somewhat exposed to the open ocean. While the beach itself is beautiful and great for relaxing, swimming conditions in January can be challenging due to winter swells. The winter months bring larger waves and more unpredictable ocean conditions, and the waters at Ke'e can be rough with strong currents. There’s also the possibility of the shorebreak being too strong for young children to safely swim. That being said, the water in the morning can sometimes be calmer, especially before the trade winds pick up in the afternoon, but there is no guarantee of ideal conditions for swimming.

If you're hoping for safe swimming, it might be best to check ocean conditions closer to your visit, as conditions can change daily based on the swells.
If swimming is a priority, you might want to consider other beaches with calmer waters, like Poipu Beach, which is better protected during the winter months.
Even if the conditions aren’t ideal for swimming, you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and explore the beach with the kids, perhaps for a picnic or a walk along the shore.

Kalalau Trail Conditions in January: The first half-mile of the Kalalau Trail is relatively easy and considered a popular hike, especially for families with younger children. However, even the first part of the trail can be slippery and muddy, particularly after rain. January is part of Kauai’s rainy season, and the trail conditions can be quite muddy, so it’s essential to be prepared for that. The first 1/2 mile of the Kalalau Trail is relatively flat, and it’s a beautiful introduction to the trail with some great views of the coastline. While the conditions can be muddy and a bit challenging, many families with young kids still venture out this far.

The first 1/2 mile is doable, but make sure to wear sturdy, waterproof footwear for both the hike and the mud!
If the trail is too muddy, consider turning back early rather than pushing forward, as parts of the trail can get more difficult beyond this point.
If you want a more manageable hike for the kids, the nearby Nounou Trail (East or West) might offer a shorter, drier option.

Suggestions for Your Itinerary: Given that you’ll be traveling with young kids, I’d recommend being flexible with your time at Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau Trail. Consider checking the weather and ocean conditions in the morning before you head out, as this will help you determine whether it’s safe to swim and whether the trail conditions are manageable. If you do visit Ke'e Beach, it might be best to plan for a shorter stay to see how the conditions are, rather than committing to a full day. You can always visit other spots like Poipu Beach, which is generally better for swimming and more child-friendly during the winter months.

In general, January is a great time for scenic drives and exploring Kauai’s other natural wonders, but it’s always good to be prepared for rainy or unpredictable weather, especially on the North Shore. Have a wonderful trip!