When I saw pictures of the playground at Lydgate Beach Park, Kauai online before our trip to Kauai with a toddler and baby, I knew we had to visit.
That gothic dark wood. The towers and bridges. The classic, old-school feel of a wooden playground. It was a must for our trip!
And I am so glad that we went, because we fell in love with Kamalani Playground, and even more so with the surrounding Lydgate Beach State Park!
Kamalani Playground
Let’s start with the playground, which was the initial draw for us to Lydgate park.
Kamalani Playground was built in the 90’s by a group of community volunteers, and they did not skimp on this thing. The epic structure is massive, with nooks and crannies to hide in, towers to climb, swings, slides, and everything else you could want from an old-school playground.
There is a lovely shaded area in the middle for families to hang out while the little ones wear themselves out. There are also plenty of trees around providing shade for the hot Kauai days.
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Throughout the Kamalani Playground, you’ll find concrete structures decorated with tile. Some of them are really cool and unique! You will also find tons of keiki-created artwork.
Being an older, wooden playground structure, the years have taken some toll. There are areas that are a little worn down, but to me that adds to the character. I read some reviews online from parents concerned about kids hurting themselves on the not-so-perfect surfaces. In my mind, that risk comes with playing on a structure like this.
It’s definitely no deathtrap like some playgrounds of our childhood were, and while molded plastic might be safer, I am a believer in letting kids enjoy this playground, even with the risk of bumps and bruises.
That being said, the Parks department closed Lydgate beginning in August of 2019 to undergo $215,000 worth of safety upgrades. We went just before this, and I can’t wait to go back and see the improvements!
Additionally, they are currently building an inclusive playground adjacent to the older Lydgate Park playground. It is slated to open in Spring 2022! This playground will be more accessible for kids with physical disabilities, while also having areas for sensory relief and other features designed to provide access for all kids.
Please note that there is a separate, smaller playground (with the same aesthetic) in a different area of the Lydgate Beach State Park – further south by the camp sites. You’ll want to make sure you’re at Kamalani Playground, and not at Kamalani Kai Bridge!
Lydgate Beach
Come for the playground, stay for the amazing beach.
Both Kamalani Playground and Lydgate Beach are within the Lydgate Beach State Park. The beach itself is arguably one of the best on Kauai for visiting with kids.
There are two separate lagoons for swimming, both protected from the tide by a rock wall. They are fantastic, calm swimming spots that kids will love, and they are full of tropical fish that come and go through the rock wall openings.
The smaller of the two areas is more protected, with very calm water. It never gets very deep, and I could wade all the way out without getting my shorts wet. This area was where the youngest children were hanging out.
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The bigger area was a little more impacted by the waves, although still quite calm. The water is deeper here, and a wider variety of sea creatures make their way into this lagoon, making it a perfect place for kids to snorkel for the first time.
The beach area is surrounded by a handful of palm trees, and each time that we visited, we had no trouble scoring a spot under a tree. We were there in the shoulder season, and on weekdays, so it might be a bit tougher to get a shady spot in the high season.
Just off the beach are full facilities including barbecue areas, picnic tables, showers, and bathrooms.
Getting to Lydgate Beach Park and Kamalani Playground
Lydgate Beach is within the larger Lydgate Beach State Park. We were a little unclear how to find the Lydgate playground and the beach when we visited the first time. You’ll enter on Leho Drive, and turn onto Nalu Road. As you continue down Nalu Road, Kamalani Playground will be on your left as you’re driving through a parking lot. It blends in with the trees!
Continue further down Nalu Road, and you’ll come across more parking off to the right. This is where you’ll find the beach! If there are no Lydgate beach parking spots, you’ll continue to a final parking lot where the street ends. This lot is just to the north of the protected swimming areas.
There are a lot of awesome beaches on Kauai, but for families with young children especially, Lydgate is one of the best. Combine that with the epic Kamalani Playground, and it is easy to spend several days hanging around this state park.
Have you been to Lydgate Beach Park? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave your comments and any questions down below!
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Originally published February, 2020. Updated January, 2022.
