Salt Pond Park has a great location but has a reputation for sometimes being on the seedier side. We’ve camped there and enjoyed it so it depends a bit on you! It’s a really nice beach for kids to play during the day due to the sheltered cove and it’s a good base for exploring the south side of the island.
Campground Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Cold Showers
- Picnic Tables
- Pavilions
- Trash Cans
- Drinking Fountains
- Lifeguards at the Beach from 9-5
How to get there
Located on the Southwest Side of the island just past Hanapepe is Salt Pond Beach Park, a county run campground. It is about 18 miles, or 30 minutes from Lihue. Take Route 50 west and shortly after crossing the bridge over the Hanapepe River turn right on Lele Road. After another half mile turn right on Lokokai Road and it will take you right to the park.
Satellite view of the park
Notice the crescent shaped white sand beach. With its natural rock barrier the swimming area is almost pool-like.
Advance reservations are required as permits are not issued at the campground.
Location
Located on the sunnier side of the island, it may be hotter than other areas. But you’ve got the ocean and cold showers nearby. The park is right next to the airport, so you’ll see helicopters taking off and landing. In can also get a little windy at times, but the camping areas are somewhat protected.
Salt Pond
The park is located next to actual Salt Ponds. The bare plains you see are flooded with sea water to make salt by evaporation. Not much to see, but very cool. The gathering of salt is only done by local families descended from the early Hawaiians. The state allows them to continue their tradition of gathering salt, but doesn’t permit them to offer it for sale; it is for personal use only. The harvesting of the salt only takes place in the summer when the necessary extended periods of dry weather and hot sun are most likely.
This video is very informative and explains the Salt gathering process.
Remember to get your permit. https://www.kauai.gov/Camping
You need to fill out this form to request a camping permit from the county.