Pōʻipu Beach in Kōloa was rated by the Travel Channel as the Best Beach in America, and with one look you’ll see why. This spectacular string of white sand beaches fronted by a great beach park offers everything you could possibly want for a day of shoreline fun.
Pōʻipu Beach History
Pōʻipu Beach, Kaua’i was originally part of the huge ancient Hawaiian settlement of Kāneiolauma; archaeological sites abound above Pōʻipu Beach Park, including the 13-acre Kāneiolauma Heiau (Hawaiian temple) site, which is undergoing revitization and is still in use by Native Hawaiians today. Though approximately 1,000 archaeological features in the area were lost due to razing for Hawai‘i’s first sugar plantation, then later to make way for residential and resort construction, what remains of Kāneiolauma Village is now a protected archaeological and cultural park.
Pōʻipu Beach Facilities
You’ll find paved parking, picnic tables, barbecue grills, pavilions, restrooms, a playground, and showers at Pōʻipu Beach Park. Beach concessions rent water activities equipment, and across the street Brennecke’s Beach Broiler serves up great food and drinks.
Pōʻipu Beach Swimming Conditions
Pōʻipu Beach’s clear, calm waters make for great swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, and kayaking. The western side has a small sandbar break, making for fun boogie boarding. As with all Hawaiian beaches, check the current conditions and pay heed to all posted signs regarding ocean conditions and safety.
How to Get There
From Līhue, take Highway 50 south for seven miles. Turn left on Maluhia Road (520) and continue for 3.25 miles. Jog right one block at Kōloa Road then turn left onto Pōʻipu Road, which after 1.75 miles will curve left and follow the coastline. After the curve, follow Pōʻipu Road for another mile to Ho‘owi‘i Road. Turn right on Ho‘owi‘i and follow it to the end.
