Poipu Beach Park Photos
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Poipu Beach Park, Kauai
Poipu Beach Park (see more photos) is a 100-foot (30 m) wide and 3-mile (4.8 km) stretch of white-sand shoreline. In 2001, the renowned beachologist Dr. Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman, picked Poipu Beach Park as the best beach in the U.S. Travel Channel also named Poipu Beach Park as one of America’s and the World’s Best Beaches. As Kauai’s most popular beach, it attracts many beachgoers, yet it is never crowded in the way popular Waikiki Beach on the neighboring island of Oahu is.
Poipu Beach Park is a family beach and it accommodates nearly every type of beach activity. Two beaches actually make up Poipu Beach. The eastern side is called Baby Beach because it’s where keikis (kids) can swim free from dangers of big waves and strong currents. The water here is just a few inches deep and is sheltered by a jetty. On the western side of the beach, the waves break on the reef. This is the spot frequented by surfers and is also good for fishing, snorkeling, pole fishing and windsurfing.
A tombolo (known as Nukumoi Point) separates the two bays. A tombolo is a narrow piece of land, such as a spit or a bar, extending from a shore to an island. Poipu Beach Park’s tombolo is the favorite spot of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal; they are often found napping here in the afternoon. The area just before the tombolo, on the western side of the beach, is frequented by beginning bodyboarders. Waves here break gently on a shallow sandbar.
Poipu Beach Park Overview
- Consists of two lagoons separated by a tombolo
- Named best beach in America both by Travel Channel and Dr. Beach
- Has a protected swimming area for kids
- Water activities equipment can be rented on the beach
- Great beach for picnics and sunset watching
Location: 2250 Kuai Rd., Koloa, Hawaii 96756 Directions: From Koloa, take a right at the town’s T intersection, then a left to Poipu Road (look for the Chevron Station). When you reach the fork with the “Welcome to Poipu” sign, continue driving for about 1.75 miles (2.8 km). Poipu Road curves to the left following the coastline. Continue driving for another mile, then take a right on Hoowili Road. Poipu Beach Park is at the end of Hoowili Road.
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