Polihale State Beach Park at a Glance
Because of its remoteness and because of the eerie
quality of its beauty, this beach has been named
Polihale, which literally means “the home of the
underworld (Po)” in Hawaiian.
Polihale Beach Park sits at the western end of Kauai. It
is a very long beach fronted by sand dunes as thick 300
feet (100 m). Bordering Polihale Beach Park to the south
is the Pacific Missile Range Facility. The shoreline
fronting the Pacific Missile Range Facility has been
off-limits to the public as part of security policy
since the 9/11 tragedy. To the north of the beach are
the mountain ridges of the Na Pali Coast.
To reach the beach, one has to drive through a 5-mile
long cane road filled with ruts and potholes. Though
using 4WD is recommended, it is not a requirement. If
you don’t bring a 4WD though, you’d miss the fun of
driving down the beach’s sand dune though, which is a
popular activity here.
Polihale Beach Park is a wild beach characterized by
rough waves, rapid drops, and rip currents even along
the shore. There is no reef barrier that protects the
waves from the open ocean. The only safe place for a
swim is at Queen’s Pond, which is located at the south
end of the beach. Polihale Beach Park is more popular as
a camping and picnicking beach. There are no food shops
around so remember to pack snacks and lunch before going
to the beach. The only service available here is kayak
rental, and is open only during kayak season.
Polihale State Beach Park in Bullet Points
- Hawaii’s longest beach
- 17 mile long, and 300-foot wide white sand beach
- Sand dunes as thick as 330 feet (100 meters)
- It is the westernmost beach in Kauai
- The beach is accessible with a vehicle driving along
a dirt road
- Very remote and away from the civilization beach
- Great scenic views – Niihau and Na Pali cliffs
- Beautiful sunset views
- Poor swimming conditions, except on Queen's Pond
- Unprotected beach with very dangerous currents and
surf
- Dry and hot climate at the beach
- Sits right next to the Pacific Range Missile
Facility
- Driving on the beach allowed
Polihale State Beach Park Facilities
(top)
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic area
- Pavilion
- Campsites
- No lifeguards
- Kayak rental (during seasons)
Polihale State Beach Park Water Activities
- Swimming (only at Queen's Pond)
- Fishing
- Sand dune driving
Polihale State Beach Park Driving Directions / Location
From Lihue, take Highway 50. Drive past the towns of
Waimea and Kekaha. Turn on Kekaha Road, then take a
right on Old Mana Road. Continue driving for
approximately 13 miles (the last 6 miles is a dirt
road). Polihale Beach Park is at the end of the road.
Address: Off Kaumualii Highway, Hwy 50, Waimea, Kauai, HI
96796
Polihale State Beach Park Map (top)
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Polihale State Beach Park Weather
(top)
Now
71°F
Windchill:
71°F
Fair
|
Location: Waimea, HI, US
Wind: 3 mph E
Humidity: 59%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.06 in rising
Sunrise: 6:54 am
Sunset: 5:55 pm
|
Fri
Hi: 80°F
Low: 68°F
Partly Cloudy
|
Sat
Hi: 80°F
Low: 67°F
Mostly Sunny
|
Polihale State Beach Park Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Polihale State Beach Park Reviews and Comments
(top)
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please
click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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