Hidden beyond the far end of Anini Beach lies a peaceful stretch of golden sand shaded by tropical trees and bordered by calm, shallow water ideal for relaxing and wading.
- Region: North Shore (Princeville)
- Best for: Swimming, wading, beginner snorkeling, and quiet beach days.
- Access: Reachable via an 8–10 minute downhill trail from Princeville near The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, or by driving to the far end of Anini Beach and crossing Anini Stream when conditions are safe.
- Facilities: No lifeguards, restrooms, or food vendors.
- Map: Google Maps
Tucked away at the far end of Anini Beach, beyond the shaded crossing of Anini Stream, lies a quiet stretch of shoreline that feels wonderfully removed from the rest of the North Shore. Wyllie’s Beach is a secluded pocket of golden sand where calm waters, dense tropical greenery, and a slower pace create an ideal setting for long, unhurried days by the ocean.
Situated below the high bluffs of Princeville, Wyllie’s Beach offers roughly 200 feet of golden sand backed by thick vegetation and overhanging trees. Though relatively narrow, the beach opens into a calm, shallow lagoon protected by an offshore reef. The reef creates a broad sandbar where families often relax in waist-deep water while gentle waves roll softly across the shallows. Much of the beach remains shaded throughout the day, with pockets of sunlight filtering through the trees along the shoreline. There are no lifeguards, restrooms, or food vendors here—just a quiet stretch of coast that feels far removed from busier parts of the island.
Thanks to the protective reef offshore, the waters at Wyllie’s Beach remain unusually calm throughout much of the year, making it a popular spot for swimming, wading, and beginner snorkeling. During clear conditions, visitors sometimes spot tropical fish and even octopus in the shallow water near the reef. After periods of rain, however, Anini Stream can carry silt into the lagoon, creating murkier water and occasionally stronger currents near the stream mouth. Visitors should use caution when conditions appear unsettled.
Wyllie’s Beach takes its name from Robert Crichton Wyllie, the Scottish-born physician and diplomat who played a major role in the Hawaiian Kingdom during the mid-1800s. Wyllie served as the Kingdom’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for more than two decades and purchased a large tract of land overlooking Hanalei Valley in 1853. That property would later become the foundation for present-day Princeville, a name Wyllie himself selected in 1860 to commemorate a visit by Queen Emma and her young son, Prince Albert Kamehameha. Today, Wyllie Road in Princeville still bears his name, leading toward the bluff above the beach that quietly carries on his legacy.
Wyllie’s Beach Access
From Princeville
At the end of Wyllie Road near the The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, a trail descends through shaded forest to the beach below. The path drops roughly 225 feet over about one-third of a mile and can become slick and muddy, especially after rain. The hike typically takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Proper footwear is strongly recommended, as the trail can be uneven in places.
From Anini Beach
Visitors can also reach Wyllie’s Beach from the far end of Anini Beach by crossing Anini Stream when conditions are safe. Depending on recent rainfall and stream flow, the crossing can vary from ankle-deep water to chest-high conditions. During periods of heavy rain or strong flow, crossing the stream may not be advisable.
Read more about Wyllie's Beach in our Winter 2026 Issue of Kauai Magazine.
