Hawaii, United States of America

Donkey Beach

Donkey Beach is a secluded beach situated on the eastern shoreline of Kauai, Hawaii, USA. The beach is known for its soft, golden sand and the nearby pastures of mules and donkeys, which give the beach its name.

Although it was once a popular location for nudist sunbathing, anti-nudity laws are now enforced. Trees on the southern end of the beach provide shade, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.

However, the surf conditions can be dangerous, and snorkeling is not recommended. Families with young children should also be cautious of Monk Seals, which can make the beach unsuitable for them.

Uncover great places to stay near Donkey Beach, where golden sands and tranquil pastures await.

Visitors can find public restrooms available at the parking area, but may need to bring wheels for heavy coolers when walking down and up a small hill to access the beach.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful, secluded and exclusive nature of the beach, which is accessed through a tree tunnel. Visitors love the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, but some warn about the strong shore break and waves, which can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers or children. Additionally, some visitors mention issues with ants on the beach.

Where to Stay near Donkey Beach?

Visitors to Donkey Beach often stay in the nearby town of Kapa'a, which offers a range of accommodations from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Others might choose to lodge in Lihue, where they can enjoy a broader range of dining and shopping options, making it a convenient base for exploring the eastern coast of Kauai.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Donkey Beach?

Latitude: 22.1169444 / Longitude: -159.2994444

Donkey Beach is located in Hawaii. The following map of Donkey Beach shows the exact location.

Donkey Beach: Weather Today

📅 Monday, October 27, 2025
It's an okay day for Donkey Beach, though there's a chance of light showers. The air temperature will reach 26.5 °C. The sea is a pleasant 27.0 °C, though the waves are a bit high. The wind is moderate but be aware of stronger gusts. The sun will be fighting through a lot of cloud cover, but the UV index will still reach 6.55.
🌬️

Air

Low / High21.7°C/26.5°C
Feels Like (High)27.2°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature27.0 °C
Wave Height1.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance53%
Rainfall0.7 mm
Rain Duration5 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:39/18:03
Sunshine Hours6.2 hrs
UV Index6.55
Cloud Cover90%
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Wind

Speed14.7 km/h
Gusts50.8 km/h
DirectionNE

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