Tavares Beach (aka Lamalani aka Blue Tile House Beach)

Last updated 08. Jun, 2009 by lilikoi in Adventures & Sights | Rd to H, Beaches, Beaches | Hana Hwy, North Shore, Road to Hana, Road to Hana Beaches, Road to Hana Sites

Postcard perfect - Tavares beach is practically unknown except among locals.

Postcard perfect.
Tavares beach is practically unknown except among locals.

Rating: ★★★½☆

In a nutshell: Tavares Beach is a pretty, long, scenic sandy white beach with easy access and ample parking. Good for swimming, rock jumping, surfing and windsurfing. Virtually unknown to visitors, it is usually uncrowded (even sometimes empty) during the week. Tavares is a favorite among locals so weekends and holidays are crowded.
Minuses: Crowded on weekends and holidays. Some rocks in water. Occasionally swells bring massive influx of seaweed.
Sound-bite: “Blink and you’ll miss it.”

DETAILS:
Even though it is located right next to the road, if you were to blink, you’d miss it. 1/2 mile past the Paia traffic light, Tavares Beach is unmarked (besides a generic “Beach Access” sign in the vicinity.) Not listed in most guidebooks, most visitors pass by Tavares unnoticed. A good landmark sometimes used to describe the location is also what some folks call the beach: “Blue Tile House Beach.” This name comes from the landmark beach house right next to the parking lot which sports a stand-out glazed ceramic blue tile roof.

On the beach, you’ll notice there is a reef here close to shore, which keeps the break minimal at the shoreline. There is also a nice surf break further out that is typically good for beginner surfing and windsurfing. (Note: all North Shore breaks can get extreme in the winter.) This beach also features a rocky outcropping to the right (east) side of the beach that is perfectly situated for jumping over a deeper, wave protected area.

There can be a lot of seaweed at certain times of the year, and there are some rocks in areas – neither are a big deal if you pay attention – although the seaweed can get smelly and may turn many folks off if they happen to hit this beach during that time. We personally find ourselves at Taveres regularly – it is a very nice, usually uncrowded beach, that is a convenient quick “drive-by” visit when passing Paia.

Key Info:
Location: Hana Hwy (Hwy 36), 1/2 Mile Past Paia.
GPS Coordinates: 20.922,-156.373901
Facilities: None
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