Kaua'i has more sand beaches per mile of shoreline than any other island in Hawai'i. Its spectacular shoreline ranges from cliffs of bird sanctuaries to a fishpond in a volcanic crater to the traditional swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and beachcombing beaches. Although the owners of Ni'ihau discourage visitors, author John Clark includes fascinating sketches of the island to complete his inventory of Hawai'i's beaches.

The Beaches series by John R. K. Clark include Beaches of Maui County, Beaches of the Big Island, Beaches of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, and The Beaches of O'ahu. The author, an ocean recreation consultant, includes comprehensive site descriptions of hundreds of beaches in the Hawaiian Islands and shares his extensive knowledge of, and deep respect for, Hawai'i's shorelines.