Poʻipu Beach

Poʻipu


This long swath of prime sand west of Po‘ipu Beach Park is open to all, even if it does stretch right in front of the hotel and condo complexes from which it gets its alternative nicknames, Sheraton Beach and Kiahuna Beach.

The water is often too rough for kids, although an offshore reef tames the waves enough for strong ocean swimmers and snorkelers. To get here, drive to the end of Ho‘onani Rd.

Experienced surfers and bodyboarders can attempt the breaks near the Sheraton, but those waters are famous for sneaker sets (rogue waves that appear from nowhere), and the rocky coast makes it difficult to get offshore and back.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Poʻipu attractions

1. Moir Paʻu a Laka

0.11 MILES

On the grounds of Outrigger’s Kiahuna Plantation complex, this diverting, if modest, cactus and exotic flower garden established in the 1930s boasts…

2. Poʻipu Beach Park

0.37 MILES

There are no monster waves or idyllic solitude at the South Shore's most popular beach, but it's a go-to spot with something for everyone. Patrolled by…

3. Kanei‘olouma

0.43 MILES

The site of a pre-contact Hawaiian village just inland from Po‘ipu Beach was set aside by the county in 2010. You can’t enter the complex, which is being…

4. Brennecke's Beach

0.51 MILES

With a sandbar bottom and a notch of sand and sea wedged between two lava rock outcrops, this little beach flanks the eastern edge of Po‘ipu Beach Park…

5. Baby Beach

0.8 MILES

Introduce tots to the ocean at this beach, where the water is barely thigh high. The sandy shore runs behind the beach homes on Ho‘ona Rd west of Koloa…

6. Prince Kuhio Park

0.94 MILES

Dedicated to the memory of Prince Jonah Kuhio (1871-1922), the Territory of Hawaii’s first delegate to the US Congress, this landscaped park holds little…

7. Lawaʻi (Beach House) Beach

1.1 MILES

For such a tiny beach, this snorkeling and surfing spot gets lots of attention. Just west of the landmark Beach House, it’s not particularly scenic or…

8. Makahuena Point

1.15 MILES

West of Shipwreck Beach, condo-covered Makahuena Point is the southernmost tip of Kauaʻi.