Want to see one of America’s Best Beaches? Poipu Beach on Kauai is often ranked as a top destination, and for good reason. But will you love visiting it? Read on to learn about this scenic locale and how to have a great beach day at Poipu.
The Best Things About Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach is a small stretch of shoreline with soft golden sand and clear blue water. It has consistently good weather, calm water, and great scenery. It’s a popular spot for Kauai residents, vacationers, and wildlife. Hawaiian Monk Seals often rest on the shoreline (make sure to stay over 100 feet away if you are lucky enough to see this endangered species at any beach).
Families with small children especially love Poipu Beach since the water is calm, shallow, and great for swimming. However, spots of the beach do have small waves, so older kids (and kids-at-heart) can boogieboard here most days.
The beach park has lots of parking, lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Where is Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach is on Kauai’s south shore, near a lot of popular hotels and vacation clubs, like the Marriott, Sheraton, and Hilton. Poipu is also the name of the community and resort area where the beach is located.
You may be staying within walking distance of this beautiful spot, but if not you can drive over. There is lots of parking, though the lot occasionally gets filled up on weekends.
What to Do at This Kauai Beach
Poipu Beach is great for families because there’s something for everyone. A lot of this is thanks to the tombolo sandbar separating the shoreline’s two sides. The tombolo is called Nukumoi Point, and it’s where the monk seals often hang out.
On the left side of Nukumoi Point is a shallow swimming area where you can soak or play in the clear water. The right-hand side is an open bay where you can snorkel or do some light bodyboarding. When conditions are right, this is also an excellent spot for surfing.
Poipu Beach Kauai is also a great place for relaxing on the sand, whale watching in the winter months or having a picnic with your family or partner.
Other Beaches near Poipu
Poipu Beach has many adjoining beaches with special characteristics of their own. Check out these great places to see where you’d like to visit:
Lawai Beach
If you like to — or want to — snorkel, here’s your spot. At the western end of the Poipu stretch, this narrow strip affords calm waters and great snorkeling, without a beach clutter of sunbathers and waders. Breaks from an offshore reef farther out attract local surfers.
Baby Beach
This protected cove nestled between Lawai Beach and Poipu Beach is perfect for very young children.
Mahaulepu Beach
This beach feels remote. It’s two miles east of Poipu Beach, and you’ll have to pass a security shack. (The beach usually closes by 6 p.m. in the winter and 7 p.m. in the summer). Mahaulepu is popular with visitors and locals, who come to windsurf, swim, snorkel, fish, or sunbathe.
Brennecke’s Beach
This beach is east of Poipu and is named after Dr. Marvin Brennecke, who had a home that looked over this shoreline. Brennecke’s Beach is a very nice protected area for swimming, snorkeling, body surfing, and boogie boarding, and offshore surf breaks attract more experienced surfers.
Shipwreck Beach
Shipwreck Beach is a long, lovely stretch of sand east of these other spots. Best suited for experienced surfers because of its short shore break, it is ideal to sunbathe and walk along … and you may want to extend your walk onto a spectacular shoreline trail that goes east for a couple of miles.
Planning Your Kauai Beach Day at Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach was named the #1 Beach in America by the Travel Channel, and it’s probably worth visiting while you’re vacationing in Kauai.
As is the case with all the islands, we can help you focus on the areas and activities that will suit your preferences, and we’ll be able to suggest things that mainland-based agents have yet to discover. Pick one of our agents on our Website, or call 1-800-843-8771
