Poipu Beaches

Enjoy Poipu Beaches

Poipu is well known for its glistening sandy beaches.

Poipu Beach

By far the most popular beach on Kauai's southern shore is at Poipu Beach Park. The wide sandy beach includes a small, protected area which is perfect for young children and for adult wading. Next to it is the main beach area known as Waiohai Beach, popular for wading, snorkeling, and swimming.

Experienced surfers challenge the waves that break in the summer over an outer reef. A surf break in the center, away from reefs is better suited for intermediate surfers. Beginners do best at nearby Kiahuna Beach.

Everyone entering the water should be wary of dangerous rip-currents which can drag swimmers out toward the open sea. Fortunately Poipu Beach has lifeguards stationed along the shore. It is always wise to check with them about possible dangers before entering the water.

Poipu Beach Park includes restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, and a broad, grassy area. Two large parking lots serve the beach and park, but at busy times they can fill quickly.

Across the road from Poipu Beach is Brennecke's Beach Broiler, a Poipu favorite, serving lunch and dinner meals of seafood, pasta, steak, and more. Their Beachside Deli provides snacks and the always-popular shave ice.

Brennecke's Beach

At the eastern end of Poipu Beach is Brennecke's Beach, a favorite with body surfers and body boarders. Skilled surfers head to the reef break outside the protected waters of the inner cove. Swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling are popular at Brennecke's. Restrooms are available, but there are no lifeguards.

Kiahuna Beach

Kiahuna Beach forms a gentle crescent in front of the Ko'a Kea and Sheraton Kauai resorts west of Poipu Beach. The the lagoon in front of the beach is protected by an outlying reef, making it a favored place for wading, beginning surfing, boogie boarding, and snorkeling. Experienced surfers seek out the larger waves beyond the reef.

Limited parking and public restrooms are located at the end of Hoonani Road. Some beach-goers park at nearby Poipu Beach and walk to Kiahuna. Shade is sparse, so beach umbrellas are popular.

Lawa'i Beach

Lawa'i Beach, along Lawa'i Road next to the Beach House Restaurant, is a popular oceanside destination for visitors staying at nearby resorts and for those who know about its quiet waters and family-friendly beach. Protected by an outer reef, the small lagoon is a favorite for wading, swimming, and snorkeling in water up to 15 feet in depth. Surfers find good waves beyond the inner reef.

Across the road from the beach are restrooms and a small snack shop. Parking is along the road and in a small public parking lot opposite the beach. The upscale Beach House Restaurant is often booked days in advance.

Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach spreads in front of the Grant Hyatt Hotel, east of Poipu Beach. Heavy surf makes it most popular for sunbathing, watching sunsets, beach combing, and cautious wading close to shore when conditions are safe. Swimming and boogie boarding are not recommended. At the east end of the beach stands a prominent rock bluff known as Lion's Head

Parking is found at the end of Ainakoa Street. Nearby, in front of the Grand Hyatt are restrooms. The same parking lot serves as the trailhead for the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail which strikes out to the northeast for two miles along the coast, eventually arriving at Mahaulepu Beach and Kawailoa Bay. For most of the way the scenic trail stays on the bluffs, affording wonderful views of the ocean and rugged shoreline.

Mahaulepu Beach

Mahaulepu Beach stretches for 2 miles along the coast from Punahoa Point to Pa'o'o Point. The beach is accessible by hiking the 2-mile-long Mahaulepu Heritage Trail (mentioned above). Vehicles can approach closer to the beach by following rugged roads off Mahaulepu Road. Mahaulepu Beach is divided into three sections, Gillin's Beach, Kawailoa Bay, and Ha'ula Beach. As conditions permit, the beach is favored for surfing, swimming, and snorkeling. Often visitors find the beach nearly deserted.

Kukui'ula Harbor Beach

Kukui'ula Harbor Beach forms a crescent along the back of the small boat harbor on Lawa'i Road. With the harbor protected by a breakwater, the ocean along the beach is usually calm. A 1-acre park adjoins the beach, providing a broad, grassy area popular for picnics. The Kukui'ula Outrigger Canoe Club stores its canoes on the upper edge of the grass. Often on Saturdays visitors can watch them launch and paddle out of the harbor. The beach is popular for wading and swimming, but swimmers need to watch for the occasional small craft maneuvering in the harbor.

Kukui'ula Harbor is along Lawa'i Road, a mile beyond Lawa'i Beach. The harbor and park include a boat launch ramp, restrooms, covered picnic areas, and parking. Several dive outfitters use the harbor as their base.

Keiki Cove Beach

Keiki Cove Beach is easy to miss as you walk or drive out Lawa'i Road beyond the Beach House Restaurant. A lava rock wall stands between the road and the beach, with an opening and stairs leading down to the little cove. An outer reef protects the water in front of the beach. Best suited for children, the beach makes a great place to play in the sand and wade in the shallow cove when conditions are safe. Parking is across the street along the road. Facilities are found back by Lawa'i Beach.