Poli'Hale Beach
Waimea, Hawaii
Swim
Polihale Beach is by far the longest stretch of beach in the state of Hawaii. Polihale Beach and State Park is located at the end of Highway 50 and is accessed down a unpaved old cane haul road. The seventeen mile stretch of white sand beach and sand dunes offer endless beach-combing and shelling fun.
Directions
- Get directions on Google Maps
Polihale State Park is located on the northern end of Polihale Beach and is reached by following Hwy. 50 from Waimea toward the west until you reach the end of the paved road and the beginning of the dirt road (Old Mana Road). A 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended though not required for the rough 5-mile dirt road to Polihale. When you reach the sand dune area near the beach you can either turn right to get to the main park area, or turn left to get to Queen’s Pond.
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Kauai Area
Kalaheo, Hawaii
7.5 miles ESwim near Kalaheo, Hawaii
Swim
Kekaha Beach
Kekaha, Hawaii
8.7 miles SA long, surf-friendly beach on Kauai's southwest shore starting 15 miles of uninterrupted sand — popular with local surfers, bodyboarders, and fishers.
Swim
Hanakapiai
Kapaa, Hawaii
13.8 miles NEA stunning beach on Kauai's Napali Coast reached via about 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail — not for novice hikers, but the reward includes a waterfall trail and access to the famous Kalalau route.
Hike, Swim
Ke'e Beach
Kapaa, Hawaii
15.2 miles NEAt the end of the road on Kauai's North Shore, a famous lagoon teeming with fish for snorkeling — though the Puka Ulua opening to the sea has strong currents to watch.
Swim
Swinging Bridges
Hanapepe, Hawaii
16.3 miles SEA scenic valley hike past two plank-and-cable swinging bridges over the Waihe'e River — the first bridge is short and low, the second more dramatic.
Swim
Allerton's Beach
Koloa, Hawaii
21.4 miles SEA narrow surfing beach on Kauai favored by locals — snorkeling can be excellent in calm winter conditions, though the small shore sometimes disappears under water seasonally.
Swim
Spouting Horn
Koloa, Hawaii
22.1 miles SEA lava shelf blowhole that erupts up to 50 feet into the air with every wave — spectacular at sunset when sea spray catches the rainbow's colors, with a second hole that groans with air.
Swim
Kilauea Bay
Kilauea, Hawaii
24.8 miles NEA calm bay where the Kilauea Stream meets the ocean — popular for surfing at Kahili Beach, fishing, and kayaking along a slow-moving stream.
Swim
Makawehi Point
Koloa, Hawaii
25.5 miles SELocated next to Shipwreck Beach in South Kauai, these ancient limestone sea cliffs have been virtually sandblasted by a combination of wind, salt and water over millions of years.
Swim
Maha'ulepu
Koloa, Hawaii
26.4 miles SEThe last undeveloped coastline on Kauai's south shore — a pristine, secluded spot for relaxing, hiking, fishing, diving, surfing, and windsurfing away from resort crowds.
Swim
Lydgate Beach Park
Lihue, Hawaii
27.6 miles EThe most popular beach park on Kauai's east shore features a double-sectioned pool protected from ocean swells by a man-made rock barrier — ideal for safe, calm swimming.
Camp, Swim
Nawiliwili
Lihue, Hawaii
28.3 miles EA beach park and port on Kauai's south-east coast at Nawiliwili Bay, about 1.9 miles south of Lihue — a convenient coastal stop near Rice Street.
SwimNearby Campsites
Wainiha Beach Park
Kapaa, Hawaii
17.1 miles NEWainiha Beach's name means 'unfriendly water' in Hawaiian — no reef protects it from large ocean swells, making rip currents, powerful backwash, and strong shorebreak a constant danger. A scenic spot to visit from shore, not from the water.
Camp
Poipu Beach Park
Koloa, Hawaii
24.5 miles SEA one-mile stretch of Kauai's southern coastline with swimming, boogie boarding, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving — considered among the safest beaches in Hawaii, with a lifeguard on duty daily.
Camp
Lydgate Beach Park
Lihue, Hawaii
27.6 miles EThe most popular beach park on Kauai's east shore features a double-sectioned pool protected from ocean swells by a man-made rock barrier — ideal for safe, calm swimming.
Camp, Swim