Beaches of Poipu

Kauai's alluring southern coastline features a series of unusual reef formations and white sand beaches, each with its own shoreline environment. Swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are all found within a one mile stretch of coastline. Poipu Beach Park is considered among the safest in Hawaii, with a lifeguard on duty seven days a week. However, you should always check ocean conditions before entering and never be in the ocean alone. For the most up-to-date ocean conditions and safety tips, visit www.kauai.explorer.com. Some Kauai beaches do not have trash receptacles, so please help us keep Kauai clean - bring your trash with you when you leave. Mahalo.

Baby Beach

To the west of Poipu Beach is Baby Beach, a sweet little protected cove perfect for very young children. Take Lawai Rd. (a/k/a Spouting Horn Road) to Hoona Road. Public beach access is located between #5142 and #5152.

Brennecke's Beach

Located at the eastern end of Poipu Beach Park, Brennecke's Beach is known for its easy to catch body boarding and body surfing waves. It is a favorite with Kauai residents and visitors alike. There is a great protected area for swimming and snorkeling - with surf breaks offshore (for experienced surfers).

Lawai Beach

Further to the west on Spouting Horn Road is Lawai Beach, a delightful snorkeling spot fronted by a resort of the same name. Although the strip of sand is narrow, the snorkeling is good and in calm waters. Further out is an offshore reef that provides several exciting surf breaks that are quite popular with local surfers.

Mahaulepu Beach

Further to the east is Mahaulepu Beach, a gorgeous and idyllic stretch of golden sand that feels truly remote. Mahaulepu is a two mile car trip from the end of Poipu Road. Travel east on the dirt cane field road to the main cane haul road intersection and turn right. There will be a security shack posting beach opening and closing hours. The beach usually closes by 6 p.m. in the winter and 7 p.m. in the summer. These are strictly enforced by the landowner that allows public access at their own risk. Mahaulepu is popular with locals and visitors, including wind surfers, swimmers, snorkelers, fishermen (or women) and sunbathers.

Poipu Beach

The most popular beach on the South Shore is Poipu Beach, which is fronted by Poipu Beach Park, and a few resorts. Poipu Beach was named America's Best Beach by The Travel Channel, ranking top among the 10 "best" beaches selected nationwide. This beach is a series of golden sand crescents, strung together where beach-goers will find snorkeling, swimming, a natural ocean wading pool, boogie-boarding and surfing.

Shipwreck's Beach

Another lovely beach is Shipwreck's Beach, a long stretch of golden sand on the eastern end of Poipu. Shipwreck's Beach is fronted by some resorts and a county park facility. During most of the year, the waters here are best for advanced surfers due to a short shore-break. This is a great beach however, to walk along, wade a little, sunbathe or hook up with a spectacular shoreline trail that goes east for a couple miles.