Pu'u Poa Beach

Pu'u Poa Beach is a Princeville beach below the resort cliffs, with reef-protected calm-season water, Hanalei Bay views, limited parking and no lifeguards.

View overview Plan Your Visit

Pu'u Poa Beach, Kauai

Pu'u Poa Beach, located on the north shore of Kauai, is mainly used by guests of the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay 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. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay guests can just take the elevator to the ground level. If you're not a guest at either one of the two resorts, there is a small public parking lot near the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and a beach access path (see directions below).

The beach has reddish-golden sand and extends all the way to the Hanalei River. When the tide is low, a sandbar appears extending from the river to neighboring Black Pot Beach at Hanalei Bay. The width of the shoreline is subject to changing surf, narrowing in winter and widening during calm summer months.

An offshore reef protects the beach, making it generally safe for swimming and snorkeling. The reef, however, doesn't protect the beach from large winter swells that often occur between November and March. Swimming and snorkeling are discouraged during winter months. There are no lifeguards at Pu'u Poa Beach. The waves that break against the outer edge of the reef attracts surfers.

Key Features

Princeville beach below the resort area near 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Public access is by stairs, with very limited public parking nearby
Views look across Hanalei Bay toward the Bali Hai side of the north shore
Offshore reef can make nearshore water calmer during quiet summer conditions
Winter swells can make swimming and snorkeling unsafe
No lifeguards or public beach facilities are available
Snorkeling should only be considered by experienced snorkelers when the water is very calm and clear
Outer reef waves can attract surfers when conditions line up
Turtles may be seen in the water or resting along the beach
Pu'u Poa Beach is mainly a nearby-stay beach for views, calm-season snorkeling and careful shoreline time

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How do visitors reach Pu'u Poa Beach?

Public access is by stairs near the resort area in Princeville. Public parking is very limited, so arriving early or walking from a nearby stay makes the visit easier.

Is Pu'u Poa Beach good for snorkeling?

Calm summer days can bring clearer, reef-protected water for snorkeling near shore. Winter swell can make the same area rough and unsafe.

Are there lifeguards at Pu'u Poa Beach?

No. Pu'u Poa Beach has no lifeguards or public beach facilities, so visitors should choose the water only when conditions are clearly calm.

What views can visitors see from Pu'u Poa Beach?

The beach looks across Hanalei Bay toward the mountains and the Bali Hai side of the north shore, making it a scenic place for photos and sunset light.

How is Pu'u Poa Beach different from Hideaways Beach?

Both are Princeville beaches with limited parking and no lifeguards, but Pu'u Poa is tied more closely to the resort side and Hanalei Bay view.