Poipu Beach Park, Koloa, Kauai, HI: Complete 2024 Visitor Guide
If you have time for only one beach while vacationing in Kauai, make it Poipu Beach, one of the best places to visit in Hawaii!
Located on the sunny southern shores of Kauai, with gorgeous, finely powdered, golden sands and clear, turquoise waters, beautiful Poipu Beach regularly makes the list of the top ten beaches in Hawaii, if not all over the world.
Poipu Beach is the best family friendly beach in Kauai, offering protected swimming, snorkeling and surfing for all skill levels, all year round, along with excellent facilities. You can easily keep a bunch of kids engaged for a full day beach outing!
Poipu Beach consists of two large crescent-shaped bays with wide beaches, separated by a small strip of sand (called tombola) to a small island offshore, a refuge for Hawaiian green sea turtles, monk seals, and seabirds.
Lined with ritzy resorts that offer yummy food and drinks, along with some tasty food trucks, snacking and eating from the beach or nearby is pretty easy.
Poipu Beach was one of our favorite Kauai south shore beaches, and we still look back fondly on our memories of leisurely romantic strolls at sunset and our beginning surfer lessons on the friendly waves!
Come join us on a virtual tour of Poipu Beach Park, and we will help you plan your visit, and make sure you don’t miss this Kauai bucket list item!
Visiting Kauai? The only way to get a real feel for the rugged beauty of this incredible island is through a helicopter tour!
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Poipu Beach Park Directions
Poipu Beach Park is on the southern shore of Kauai, in the town of Poipu, about 30 minutes drive from Lihue.
Take Poipu Road, one of the main arteries through Poipu, to Hoowili Road. Head south on Hoowili Road towards Poipu Beach Park parking lot, which will be on the right.
Use “poipu beach park koloa hi 96756” for Google maps or GPS.
Poipu Beach Park Parking
Poipu Beach Park has a large, free beach parking lot which usually has spaces during the weekdays and earlier in the day.
Evenings and weekends, the parking lot may get full, but we could usually find street parking on Hoowili Road or Hoone Road (parallel to the beach).
Poipu Beach Park Map
The below map shows the location of Poipu Beach Park and nearby attractions.
Poipu Beach Access
From Poipu Beach Parking lot, cross Hoone Road, and walk down to the beach or park using one of the access paths.
Poipu Beach Reservations
Currently, Poipu Beach does not require any reservations or permits.
Poipu Beach Park Amenities / Facilities
Location: South Shore of Kauai, Koloa
Lifeguard: Yes
Beach Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, playground, grassy areas
Food Nearby: Food trucks at the entrance
Parking: Poipu Beach Park parking lot
Directions: Poipu Beach Park, Koloa, HI 96756
Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, making Poipu Beach one of the safest in Hawaii, but make sure you check the surf conditions or talk to the lifeguard before entering the water.
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
Best Things to Do at Poipu Beach Park, Kauai, HI
Poipu Beach is actually two beaches separated by a sandbar that extends from the shore to a sand and rock island off the shore.
The two crescent-shaped beaches are large and wide. The left beach has an extended lava rock barrier on one end, creating a shallow, calm pool.
The sandbar, rock island, underwater coral reefs and the crescent-shaped bays result in waves breaking well off shore, leaving relatively calm, shallow waters in the lagoons.
This makes Poipu Beach a great family friendly beach for kids and beginners.
1. Poipu Beach Snorkeling
Poipu Beach is one of the best snorkeling beaches in Kauai, and snorkelers of all abilities can find a location here suitable for their skill level.
For younger kids and beginners, the best snorkeling is near the lava rock barrier to the left side, that forms the shallow pool. Though shallow, we’ve seen abundant tropical fish here, and some large ones as well!
If you’re more experienced, you’ll want to head to the rocky island in the center, where we’ve seen hundreds of common, beautiful tropical fish, including yellow tangs, convict tangs, butterflyfish, and triggerfish.
Check out our Hawaiian fish snorkeling guide to identify and recognize many of the reef fish!
2. Poipu Beach Swimming
Poipu Beach is one of the best swimming beaches in Kauai, with the waters near the beach sheltered by the underwater reef.
Swimmers of most abilities can swim in the protected lagoons without worrying about strong currents or large waves.
A portion of the left beach is additionally protected by a lava rock wall, and the waters behind this wall are calm and shallow, ideal for small children to splash around!
The waters on the right side are more exposed, and better for experienced swimmers.
You are strongly urged to swim in areas under lifeguard surveillance, and check with them on the surf conditions or currents, when in doubt.
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
3. Surf Poipu Beach
With such a large expanse of Pacific Ocean water fronting Poipu Beach, surfers have a field day here!
Experienced surfers seeking the more challenging waves can head further off shore where the big waves break.
Beginners, kids or those trying out surfing for the first time can learn on the smaller waves closer to the lagoons.
With a mixed group of thrill-seeking teenagers and more cautious younger kids, Poipu Beach was the perfect beach for us!
Our younger ones had great fun boogie boarding, while the teenagers surfed the larger waves further out.
4. Admire Turtles and Monk Seals on Poipu Beach
If you haven’t spotted a Hawaiian green sea turtle or monk seal on your Hawaiian vacation yet, Poipu Beach is a beach where you’ll definitely spot them, and on the beach itself!
Especially if you stay till later in the evening, when at times, we’ve seen 20-30 turtles come to the beach to rest and sleep.
Monk seals are also quite common, especially on the island in the middle of Poipu Beach.
Both these iconic Hawaiian animals are endangered and protected, please view them from a distance!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Kauai tours now!
5. Sunbathe or Relax with a Book on the Poipu Beach
With its two large beaches, you can usually find a quiet spot for sunbathing or relaxing with a book on beautiful Poipu Beach.
Lounging on Poipu Beach’s finely powdered, golden sand, you can imbibe nature at its best, from the swaying palm trees above you to the rhythmic blue waves gently lapping on the sands.
Shade on Poipu Beach is quite limited, so bring your own beach umbrella or rent one!
6. Stay Back for Spectacular Sunsets
One of the most romantic things to do on Kauai is to admire a sunset from Poipu Beach!
The sun sets over the Pacific Ocean waters to the accompaniment of an array of gorgeous colors, lighting up the sky!
What better way to enjoy this amazing Kauai sunset than to stroll leisurely along Poipu Beach with your partner?
7. Kayak, Paddleboard, or Canoe on Poipu Beach
The calm ocean waters of Poipu Beach make for great kayaking, standup paddleboarding or canoeing.
Many stores bordering the beach area rent these out, and you can enjoy a pleasant outing with some exercise thrown in for good measure!
And if it is winter, you may be able to spot the migrating humpback whales from your vantage point further from the shore.
Snorkeling and Water Activities Gear Checklist
Though you can rent snorkeling gear or use the ones that come with tours, we invested in our own gear, mainly due to Covid-19 (why take the risk?).
- Snorkeling Gear Set: We love our Cressi Light Weight Premium Travel Snorkel Set for All Family, compact and easy to pack, great fitting, and very clear underwater. The Zenoplige Mask Fins Snorkel Set is a great budget option.
- Sunscreen: Hawaii’s sun can be harsh. Avoid sunburn with sunscreen compliant with Hawaii’s 104 Reef Act. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, moisturizing with Vitamin E, is our go-to when we travel to Hawaii. Apply liberally and regularly!
- Underwater Camera: Want to capture Hawaii’s incredible underwater seascape and marine life? Your best budget option is the Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof Disposable Camera, reasonably cheap with good underwater photos! If you want high-end photos and video, you must invest in the premium GoPro HERO12 – Waterproof Action Camera, (waterproof to 33 feet)!
- Inflatable Life Jackets: If you’re planning paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking and other water sports, and prefer your own life jacket, consider one of these two US Coast Guard approved options: the Onyx M-16 Series Belt Back Manual Inflatable Life Jacket or the Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket.
- Water Shoes: Some of Hawaii’s beaches have sharp lava rocks or coral reefs, good water shoes will protect your feet (but please do not walk on the reef!). We use the Merrell Hydro Moc rubber shoes (men’s, women’s), great for slippery rocks. If you prefer sandals, we recommend the Keen Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals (men’s, women’s).
- Waterproof Waist Pack: Keep your rental car keys, cards, and phone dry and safe while you swim or snorkel with a dry bag. We love this 2-pack AiRun Tech Pouch with waist strap. The transparent one is touch-screen friendly!
Tips for Your Visit to Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park is a popular Kauai destination, and if you want a quieter or more secluded beach, you should consider the nearby Shipwreck Beach or Salt Pond Beach Park, depending on what you want to do.
Weekdays and early mornings tend to be relatively uncrowded as well.
You will likely share the beach with green sea turtles and / or sea monks. Please observe posted signs and give them a wide berth (they need their rest).
Poipu Beach doesn’t have much shade and the Hawaiian sun can be quite harsh. Use reefsafe sunscreen liberally!
Be aware of the ocean, surf conditions and the weather: though Poipu Beach is one of the safest beaches on Kauai, you should still exercise caution and check with the lifeguard on duty.
Ocean Safety Tips
Hawaii’s beaches are beautiful, but ocean activities can be dangerous. Ocean conditions are dynamic and can change without warning.
Here are some tips to enjoy the ocean and beaches safely:
- ALWAYS heed posted warning signs.
- Check conditions just before you arrive at your chosen beach, and watch conditions at the beach for a bit before you decide to enter the water.
- Swim at a lifeguarded beach and ask the lifeguard for advice before you enter the water.
- Never turn your back on the ocean, whether you are standing at the shore or on a cliff above. If you see wet rocks or sand, it means the water has been here recently.
- Know your limitations, especially if you are not an experienced swimmer. If in doubt, do not go out.
- If you choose to enter the water, go with a partner or in a group.
- Know that alcohol can impair judgment and motor skills in the water.
- Keep children close and always keep your eyes on what they are doing in the water.
- Watch for sharp coral or rocks or sea urchins.
- Check advisories regarding water quality at various beaches here.
What Else to Do Near Poipu Beach Park, Kauai, HI
Poipu
Poipu is a charming town with many interesting things to do! Check out our detailed guide on what to do in Poipu, including the best places to eat and shop.
McBryde Garden and Allerton Garden, two of the best Kauai botanical gardens are nearby, and you can admire the many Hawaiian native plants, trees and flowers showcased there!
Spouting Horn, one of the best blowholes in Hawaii, is a short drive away, and you can gaze at one of nature’s wonders, regular gushes of water erupting from a hole in the lava rock!
Hike the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
If you like hiking, the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, one of the best coastal hikes in Kauai, and one of the easy Kauai hikes, starts from the nearby Shipwreck Beach.
The trail takes you through a wide variety of terrain including Makawehi Bluffs, lithified sand dunes, a golf course with nene geese (Hawaiian state bird), Makauwahi Cave Reserve, a limestone cave and sinkhole, and more beautiful beaches!
The Best Kauai Tours
Have you booked these top Kauai guided adventures yet?
Sunset catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast (relatively more stable ride, insane views on good weather days!)
Doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai (unobstructed views, chance to see more of the island than you can by land, no middle seats!)
Kayak on the Wailua River plus hike to a waterfall (a super fun activity for active travelers, albeit a little muddy sometimes!)
Raft trip to the Na Pali Coast plus snorkeling (prepare to get wet on this exhilarating adventure!)
Eurocopter ECO-Star helicopter tour over Kauai (the most booked Kauai helicopter tour on Viator with close to 2K reviews and a 5-star rating!)
Entire Kauai Island Air Tour (super popular, less expensive than a heli tour, large bubble windows for flightseeing!)
Renting a Car in Kauai
The best things to do in Kauai are scattered all over the island.
Public transport options on Kauai aren’t great, so if you want to explore the island beyond your base, you’ll want to book a rental car for your Kauai trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book Kauai car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Kauai car rentals now!
Lihue Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Not planning to pick up a rental car at Lihue airport? Pre-arrange round trip transfer from the airport to your hotel and back!
This shared shuttle serves hotels or vacation rentals in Princeville, Kahala, Poipu, Kapaa, or Lihue, and then back again. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
>> Check prices and availability for shared round-trip airport transfer in Kauai now!
Where to Stay in Kauai
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Kauai you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
Since you’ll likely want to base in a couple places on your trip to Kauai, we suggest starting your search for Kauai accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in both Poipu and Princeville and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
>> Look for a Kauai vacation rental on VRBO now!
Want detailed recommendations for accommodations in Kauai? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Kauai!
More Kauai Travel Inspiration
Headed to Kauai for a vacation? Check out our many comprehensive guides that will help you plan the perfect Kauai itinerary!
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