Pu'u Poa Beach Photos
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Pu'u Poa Beach, Kauai
Pu'u Poa Beach, located on the north shore of Kauai, is mainly used by guests of the St. Regis Princeville Resort and the Hanalei Bay Resort. If you're a guest at the Hanalei Bay Resort, you can take the steep, paved path that leads to the beach or use the resort shuttle. St. Regis Princeville Resort guests can just take the elevator to the ground level. If you're not a guest at either one of the two resorts, you take the 192 steps that start near the public parking lot, which is located near the entrance of the St. Regis Princeville Resort.
The beach has reddish-golden sand and is framed by lush green mountains. The width of the shoreline is subject to changing surf, narrowing in winter and widening during calm summer months. Pu'u Poa Beach is the longest beach near the Princeville Resort as it extends from the hotel down to Hanalei River. When the tide is low, a sandbar appears extending from the river to Black Pot Beach.
An offshore reef protects the beach, making it generally safe for swimming. The reef, however, is not enough barrier for the beach from winter swells. Swimming and snorkeling are discouraged during winter months. Plus, there are no lifeguards at Pu'u Poa Beach.
Winter days, on the other hand, are the time of the year when international surfers flock to Pu'u Poa Beach. Ocean water that breaks against the outer edge of the reef close to Hanalei River provides some of the most wonderful surf rides on Kauai. During calm summer months, the beach also offers some decent snorkeling near the reef.
Pu'u Poa Beach Overview
- Wide, white-sand beach near the St. Regis Princeville Resort and Hanalei Bay Resort
- Plenty of trees and shade
- Good swimming conditions in the summer
- Good surfing conditions during the winter
- Protected by a fringing reef
- Attracts international surfers during winter months
Location: 5300 Ka Haku Rd., Hanalei, Hawaii 96722 Directions: Take Highway 56, then turn onto Ka Haku Road. Drive until you reach the end of the road. There is a small public parking lot about 100 feet (30 m) before the St. Regis Princeville Resort's gate house (on the right side of the road). If you're a guest at either the St. Regis Princeville Resort or the Hanalei Bay Resort, you can use their parking lots. Don't park on the side of the road in this neighborhood. Your car will be towed.
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