Poipu Beach Park

The Basics

This crescent-shaped beach is split into two smaller bays, which are separated by a sandbar. The beach features a protected swimming area for families with small children, a popular bodyboarding spot, a surf site for experienced surfers, and a good reef for snorkeling.

Most full-day island tours include a visit to Poipu Beach Park along with other popular attractions like Waimea Canyon and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Alternatively, choose a tour that focuses on the historic towns of Poipu and Koloa and really explore the island’s rich history and culture. Flightseeing tours also offer incredible aerial views of Poipu.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Poipu Beach Park is particularly popular with families with small children.

• The beach offers picnic areas, showers, and restrooms, and you can rent equipment for water sports.

• If you’re headed out into the surf, check in with a lifeguard for current conditions.

• If you spot a monk seal, do not approach, and stay at least 100 feet away.

How to Get There

Poipu Beach Park is located on the southern coast of Kauai, about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) south of Kauai’s capital city, Lihue. The beach is easily accessible by car, and free parking is available right across the street. The beach can also be reached by public bus from Lihue via the village of Kalaheo.

When to Get There

Poipu Beach Park is popular with locals, so arrive early on weekends and holidays to ensure you’ll find parking and snag a prime spot on the beach. Kauai has remarkably warm weather all year round, and Poipu is a great option during the winter rainy season because it is one of the driest spots on the island.

Snorkeling at Poipu Beach Park

Poipu Beach Park is a great spot to learn how to snorkel. The snorkeling area is small and shallow and is protected by the sandbar that divides the bays. A few colorful reefs dot the area to the right of the sandbar, and sea turtles are frequently seen here. Snorkeling equipment can be rented right at the beach.

Ways to explore

This crescent-shaped beach is divided into two smaller bays separated by a sandbar. The beach features a protected swimming area for families with small children, a popular bodyboarding spot, a surf site for experienced surfers, and a good reef for snorkeling.

Most full-day island tours include a visit to Poipu Beach Park along with other popular attractions like Waimea Canyon and the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Flightseeing tours also offer incredible aerial views of Poipu. Of course, this spot is easy to visit independently, too—just remember your beach gear.

Accessibility

Surprisingly accessible, with paved areas to the beach—the park offers beach wheelchairs for rent.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water shoes (rocky bottoms in some areas), snorkeling gear, beach umbrella, camera, reef-safe sunscreen, picnic supplies

What to wear

Swimwear, sun hat, sunglasses, water shoes or flip-flops, light cover-up

Not allowed

Touching or disturbing wildlife, flash photography of monk seals, overnight camping

Amenities

Parking, lifeguards, restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, barbecue grills, playground

Address

Poipu Beach Park is on Kauai’s southern tip, near the towns of Poipu and Koloa. It’s easily accessible by car or via guided tour.

Driving

From Highway 520, continue on Poipu Road and follow signs to Poipu Beach Park. Turn right on Hoowili Road, and you’ll quickly spot the parking lot.

Public transportation

Take Kauai Bus Route 30 (aka the Koloa Shuttle) and get off at the Poipu Road/Hoowili Road stop. It's a short walk to the beach from there.

Best times to visit

Stop by in the morning hours for the calmest waters and best snorkeling conditions or in the late afternoon for sea turtle watching.

Best days to visit

Weekdays for fewer crowds, though it’s more about visiting during clear, sunny weather.

Best months to visit

This spot is great year-round, though December–April is whale-watching season.