Fodor's Expert Review Lydgate State Park

This is by far the best family beach park on Kauai: the waters off the beach are protected by a hand-built breakwater, creating two boulder-enclosed saltwater pools for safe swimming and snorkeling most of the year. Heavy rains upriver do occasionally deposit driftwood, clogging the pools. The smaller of the two pools is perfect for keiki (children). Behind the beach is Kamalani Playground; children of all ages—that includes you—enjoy the swings, lava-tube slides, tree house, and open field. Picnic tables abound in the park, and pavilions for day use and overnight camping are available by permit. The Kamalani Kai Bridge is a second playground, south of the original. (The two are united by the Ke Ala Hele Makalae bike and pedestrian coastal path.) Note that at this writing, plans were under way to institute a $10 parking fee for nonresidents. This park system is perennially popular; the quietest times to visit are early mornings and weekdays.Amenities: lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunrise; swimming; walking.