A Look Back: Salt Pond Beach, Kauai

In search of tide pools.

We arrived at Salt Pond Beach Park before noon just after the low tide. We took a look at the natural salt pond, then followed the coastline to the left toward the airfield, until we came to the point where the rock outcroppings, which protected the cove, met the sand. The kids quickly put on their water shoes so they could climb up the rocks and get a closer look as the waves rolling in and crashing into the outside barrier. The surf outside was big and rough, but behind the barrier, in the cove, the waters were serene and flat.

I put on my water shoes too and we spent some time peering into the tidepools, discovering sea cucumbers, sea urchins, crabs, striped fish, mollusks, and other cool creatures. The crabs were skittering in and out of crevices and holes in the rocks. Two small crabs were battling it out with raised claws. I even caught a brief glimpse of a large turtle as it surfaced for air in the surf.

The tide pools continued on to the left, but before long we were hot and thirsty and feeling the heat of the midday sun.

So, we backtracked to the protected cove and took a dip in the cooling waters. Ahhhh. What a perfect day.

I have to add Salt Pond Beach to my list of favorite beaches. It has a wonderful coastline to explore and also has inviting calm waters for the kids.