Poipu Beach Is A Must-See For Any Kauai Vacation

You probably already know that Kauai is filled with one-of-a-kind natural wonders. You could spend a lifetime sampling the island’s treasures and still have more to see.

One spot that’s an absolute must for any Kauai vacation is Poipu Beach.

Located a mere 15 miles south of Lihue Airport, it offers more than its share of unsurpassed scenic splendor, with unlimited recreational opportunities for people all ages to enjoy. After checking into your Kauai beachfront rental, this might just be the first place you want to go.

Most Popular Beach on The South Shore

The Travel Channel once proclaimed Poipu Beach the number one beach in the United States. Other rating organizations often name it one of the top 10 beaches in the world, the country, and in the Hawaiian Islands. With accolades like that, you can see why we recommend it.

There is a ton of parking and bathroom facilities that makes this beach park incredibly convenient. There is also a restaurant across the street that locals love just as much as the island visitors. We recommend getting the famous poke for lunch!

“Two Beaches in One”

Poipu Beach is actually two bays divided by a sand bar that extends into the Pacific. This sandbar, or “tombola” in local parlance, is a favorite spot for giant turtles, monk seals, and tropical birds to kick back and enjoy the tropical sun. This makes Poipu Beach perfect for observing a wonderful variety of exotic wildlife.

On one side of the tombola is a shallow area protected by lava rock that’s perfect for children and novice swimmers. Other parts of Poipu Beach are best suited to seasoned swimmers. The opportunities for snorkeling are among the best in all of Kauai. Swarms of brightly colored tropical fish are abundant in the warm waters.

Adjoining Poipu Beach is Poipu Beach Park, an ideal venue for all sorts of family-friendly pastimes. Picnic tables, grassy fields, and covered shelters offer the perfect settings for fun, healthy activities. The park is also a great place to meet local people and get a feel for authentic Hawaiian culture.

Wildlife

One of the great things about this beach is how easy it is to see what most visitors consider to be exotic wildlife including the monk seals and green sea turtles.

Seals have their own protected area of the beach. You can’t miss the roped-off section in front of the lifeguard station. This section of the sand is only for them, so please respect the regulations and enjoy watching them bask in the sunlight from a distance.

Green turtles are pretty common around the Hawaiian Islands, and you will most likely see their heads bobbing up and down in the waves offshore. But Poipu Beach is one of the beaches where these turtles will nest. It is an incredible experience watching them emerge from the waves, but please be respectful of these peaceful animals.

Lifeguards keep a close eye out for any flippered friends that crawl onto the beach and will ask any visitors to give them plenty of space.

Swimming and Snorkeling

This beach is one of the top places for families with young children to enjoy a safe and relaxing day in the sun. The South Shore on Kaui is the most protected from ocean swells and offers calm waters year-round. The shallow swimming areas are ideal for getting up close with several species of fish and make it easy for parents to keep an eye on kiddos.

However, as with any beach, we always caution travelers to use good judgment and spend a little time teaching their children safety instructions.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid swimming or snorkeling during high surf.
• Use the buddy system! It is good to keep an eye out for your buddy and it is more fun pointing out fish together.
• Only swim in areas where a lifeguard is present.
• Check the daily surf report before venturing into the water.
• Be careful on the lava rocks both outside the water and swimming around. They can be sharp.
• Never venture close to a wild animal. Even if it is a docile looking seal, animals can be unpredictable and territorial.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you to get the most out of your trip to Kauai.

Directions to Poipu Beach

From Lihue airport, turn onto HI-56 S and continue onto HI-50 W. After about three miles turn left onto State Highway 520. Stay on the route as it becomes Maluhia Road. Turn left onto Ala Kinoiki, left again on Poipu Road, then left once more onto Hoowii Road to arrive at the beach.