Poipu Beach Park

Poipu Beach Park is a busy south Kauai beach park with lifeguards, reef-protected swimming areas, snorkeling, picnic lawns and frequent turtle and monk seal sightings.

View overview Plan Your Visit

Poipu Beach Park, Kauai

In 2001, the renowned beachologist Dr. Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman, picked Poipu Beach Park as the best beach in the United States. Travel Channel also named Po'ipu 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.

Po'ipu Beach Park is a family beach and accommodates nearly every type of beach activity. Two beaches actually make up Po'ipu 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.

Nukumoi Point, a tombolo, 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. Po'ipu Beach Park's tombolo is a favorite spot of Hawaiian monk seals; 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.

Key Features

Popular south Kauai beach park in Poipu
Two lifeguard towers are staffed daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Rock-walled shallow area gives families a calmer swimming spot on normal days
Nukumoi Point and the sandbar divide the main beach areas
Snorkeling, swimming and bodyboarding depend on daily surf, tide and current
Hawaiian green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals often rest near the sandbar
Visitors should keep distance from wildlife and follow posted guidance
Restrooms, showers, picnic lawns, pavilions and parking are close to the beach
Nearby Brennecke Beach is known for bodyboarding and bodysurfing
Poipu Beach Park is often busy, especially late morning through sunset

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sandbar at Poipu Beach Park?

Nukumoi Point is the low sandbar and rocky point that divides the beach areas. At times it creates a shallow crossing, but waves can wash over it when surf or tide is higher.

Why do turtles and monk seals rest at Poipu Beach?

The sand near the point is a common resting area for Hawaiian green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals. Visitors should keep distance and follow any posted wildlife guidance.

Which part of Poipu Beach is better for small children?

The shallow protected area near the rock wall is usually the calmer choice for small children when conditions are normal, but families should still check with lifeguards first.

How is Poipu Beach Park different from Brennecke Beach?

Poipu Beach Park has protected swimming areas and picnic lawns, while nearby Brennecke Beach is smaller and known mainly for bodyboarding and bodysurfing.

When is Poipu Beach Park most crowded?

Late morning through sunset is usually busiest, especially on sunny south shore days, weekends and holidays. Early arrival makes parking and picnic space easier.