Kauai - Glass Beach
 

Has anyone heard of "Glass Beach" in Kauai? It is suppose to be near Hanapepe. We'll be going in June '06 and would really like to see this. Can anyone give me directions?

Head to Pt. Allen (west side), and just before you get to the harbor itself, turn left at the NiteOwl T-Shirt factory.

On the right you'll soon see a _very_ rutted road (not recommended for low-rise vehicles such as sedans, as we've often seen them stuck -- with deflated tires or damaged drive shafts, mufflers, etc. -- calling for a tow truck). This is one of those "not for rental vehicles" roads, although rented jeeps & SUVs would have plenny ground clearance to do it. Not that I'm recommeding that you violate rental car company rules, of course!! 8-)

The bluff above this beach was a dump at one time (literally) so do NOT walk barefoot. Opposite the beach, is one of the local cemeteries, with interesting historical tombstones..

The winter surf brings in the glass floats from Japan, and those floats which don't survive the trip, eventually get ground up by the pounding surf. The resulting "beach glass" is what the tourists glean from the rocky shoreline.

Look around carefully at the other beachgoers. The first time we went we shared the beach with a very nice family and 2 monk seals. The second time we went there were young adults drinking and yelling. We thought it best not to get out of the car.

Early morning is the best time....before the hazards Barb mentions.

And totally agree with Auntie M...be careful with the rental car!

I asked this question of a friend who grew up in Kauai and this was her response....
Beach glass on Kauai can be found in Port Allen and it's called Glass Beach. Ask locals for directions as it's hard to find. It's just a little inlet. That is located between Waimea and Hanapepe.

It must be the same beach as the other poster noted...with directions.

If you go to Hanapepe you've gone too far.
Auntie's directions mo' bettah.
By the power plant if I recall correctly, yah?

Kal:
Yep...if you get to the boat harbor, you've gone too far.

KalenaLK:
I live on Kaua`i...your friend needs to come back and get her directions straight. 8-) Pt. Allen is located between Ele`ele and Hanapepe -- about 10 miles from Waimea. As Kal pointed out, if you reach Hanapepe, you've missed Pt. Allen.

.....and if you can see fish thru your car windows, once again you've gone too far at Glass Beach. :O)

Question for the Kauai residents: Can you take some of the glass with you? Or is that a no-no?

No problem taking glass from that beach...site of a former garbage dump, so wear _shoes_ and be careful where you walk.

....and be careful where you park and for the road condition.

If I can't (or shouldn't) drive a rental car on the road to the beach is it close enough to walk to?

I didn't find glass beach very interesting. Didn't look as cool to me as the pictures. I enjoyed the abandoned car and washing machine that were down the beach a little farther. Guess I'm a junkie. Also there was a cool place just beyond the junked car where ther was very interesting interaction between the ocean and the rock.

We are heading to Kauai in two weeks. Any recommendations for restaurants or things to do? We will be staying in Lihue. This will be our 4th trip to the beautiful island so we have already done a lot of the tourist stuff- NaPali coast, luau's. Would like to know what the locals do for fun!

Kuppie, you should start a new thread with you questions((D))8-)