Polihale Beach

Oct 07, 2006 8:58AM

This beach will take your breath away. The Na Pali coastline is so beautiful and majestic, it is hard to put into words. Even though its not a great swimming beach, the bumpy road is well worth the trip to see the view alone.

Oct 18, 2006 5:11AM

While in Kauai, we nicknamed this the "Most Beautiful Beach in the World" Absolutely georgeous and not crowded at all. Stay to the right and take the dirt road all the way until it ends to get close to where the beach and mountain reach each other.

Dec 05, 2006 6:56AM

Just remember that RENTAL CAR POLICIES ARE VOID IF YOU DRIVE TO THIS BEACH. If anything happens all costs for getting out is assumed by the renter. We found out the hard way. It is in the fine print of the rental car companies rental agreement folders. Our car broke down and we had to pay HUGE $$$ to get out. Hertz Car Rental said that even though it was a mechanical failure, since we went out there it was our responsibility. They said all car rentals have same policy.

Dec 13, 2006 10:19AM

@ TIM: You should have called a tow truck to pull you to the road, then called the rental car company.

Dec 21, 2006 5:53AM

I'm planning a trip to Polihale in July. This may be a stupid question cause there are always waves, but how is the surf that time of the year?

Jan 15, 2007 6:21AM

THE most gorgeous unspoiled place! It is tricky getting out there (not for the faint hearted) but well worth it. Go well before sunset - they're amazing.

James

Jan 30, 2007 3:30PM

The longest white sandy beach in Hawaii! Polihale means in Hawaiian "A leeping Off place for spirits" or "House of Death". It is full of mystery and spirit. The best star gazing on the planet. What goes on in the sky there is "unconfirmed". Drive slow getting there, don't ever drink the water from the various faucets, pack out your own trash, don't drive a two wheel drive into the sand, wear plenty sun screen, don't even think of swimming if you are not an above average swimmer when get waves, nowadays look out for speeding SUV's on the sand, try listen for the goats on the cliffs, feed the chickens and cats, wear your sandles or get 3 inch Keawe up your heel, leave if it starts to rain and you don't have four wheel drive....say hello to the County of Kauai park recreation guys...they are the best and have been doing the job there for a hundred years before you were born.....they can tell you a lot.

Feb 05, 2007 8:21AM

Don't turn around when you encounter the road, the beach and waves takes your breath away when you finally reach the destination. The sunset was worth the 40 minute drive for 4.2 miles of rough terrain!

Mar 07, 2007 4:06PM

My Family and I have visited Kauai twice already and planning our third visit in October. We really had a hard time finding a beach (believe it or not!!). One strip of beach almost sucked my aunt into the Ocean.. PERMANENTLY.. I'm looking into the comments made for all the beaches and pretty much they all warn "STRONG CURRENTS" So where do we go with small children? I did like the one at Princeville even though it was a very small patch of land.

Apr 11, 2007 10:21AM

so this beach is drivable or not? whats the best way to get there and what do you need? An SUV, jeep is a basic car fine just be careful???

Apr 12, 2007 8:13PM

Can't wait to visit this beach in two weeks!! Always nice to go back to Kauai...

JOE

Apr 14, 2007 1:43AM

Hi all:

What TIM said is true. ANY car rental company has " fine print " that tells you to say off dirt, gravel or rough roads. Personally not sure if I'd chance it. It does look very nice though.

Can you hire a taxi to take you there and come back to pick you up.? Has anyone done this before? or is it just too costly? Is it more costly to have your rental vehicle break down, and have to pay HUGE $$$$$$$$$$.?( U.S. $$ )

Apr 18, 2007 1:10PM

I am planning for my wedding in Kauai in August. In anybody's opinion, would this be a good spot? Everybody seems to really like it, but would it be worth it? I've paid good money for a high-tech photographer, and would love to have amazing pictures. Would Polihale beach be a good place with permitable weather? Thanks!

Apr 19, 2007 3:09PM

I live on Kauai and can tell you a taxi is not the way to go...I don't even think they would take you there. Your insurance is canceled on your rental if you take it down this road, but I've seen Mustangs driving to Polihale regularly. This road is probably the worst you'll ever see in your life but the sunset is worth it. Drive slow and if you get stuck call a tow company not the rental place. It'll save you money.

Apr 25, 2007 7:08PM

@ Tiffannie: It's a beautiful beach and I'm sure a wedding at sunset would be absolutely gorgeous!! However, I'm not sure a five mile, 35 minute rough terrain drive (one way)would be worth it. I would try getting there by boat if possible.

If you're planning a small wedding party, you might want to consider it. If it's a large party, you might want to reconsider. We drove a Dodge Magnum to get to Polihale and all we did was bounce around like popcorn kernels. The only vehicles we saw doing more than 5 miles per hour were lifted off-road pickup trucks and Jeeps. Aside from that, everyone was driving at the same pace we were....Good luck on whatever you decide and I wish you well on your wedding.

Sydney Yamane

May 21, 2007 11:21PM

If you want a beautiful wedding on the westside of Kauai with the alway clear weather and beautiful sunset, you will surely fine it the most romantic place to get married.

Jun 19, 2007 9:04AM

I've heard the road is bad, but is it really any problem if you have a Jeep Wrangler?

Jun 23, 2007 6:45PM

Be aware that rouge waves are common on this stretch of beach. I was well away from the water one afternoon, rarely would a wave come close enough to wet my toes. Suddenly, a huge wave came in, knocked me over and rolled me over and over in the sand-and then almost sucked me out to sea. I had to shampoo my hair 3 times finally get all of the sand out of it. It is beautiful though and well worth the drive.

Jul 06, 2007 12:20AM

Dear Amanda and Kauai Explorer staff,
I'm sorry you were dragged out by a big wave, Amanda...just wanted to let you know that it was a "ROGUE" wave, and not a "ROUGE"..which means red, in French. Rogue as in a loner, a bad guy, a pirate! Not rouge..as in Moulin Rouge, rouge for my cheeks, etc.
aloha, and safe swimming!

Jul 13, 2007 5:07PM

This destination is by far the most beautiful place I have ever been. My brother and sister in law got married on this beach. It was worth the two round trips on the rugged terrain to get there for the wedding. They had a small wedding party, but we drove a Mustang, a Jeep, and a Malibu out, and the Jeep was by far the way to go. But like I said, well worth it! Cannot wait to go back next year!

Jul 19, 2007 4:06AM

We drove our rental car (a Hertz Toyota Camry) all the way down the dirt road.
It was a bumpy ride, but the black dirt was hard and dry. The car never bottomed out or anything. This was in late August early Sept.
It also didn't take 35 or 40 minutes to get to the end after the paved road ended. Maybe 15 or 20 minutes.

If you stay on the paved road it leads up to the cliffs/mountian and the Navy has a fence that stops you. They keep all of the propellants for the rockets that they shoot off at the Naval station at the south end of that beach there.

We are going back next month!

DB

Jul 31, 2007 11:50AM

This is the most beautiful beach in the world & it is also the most powerful in many ways. This is not a beach for swimming! I highly recommend keeping your vehicles off the beach, just because you see other trucks on it doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. Every time I’m there we help pull out tourists out of the soft sand. It takes about 30 min to get in, looks like Danny was driving pretty fast. When entering drive slow, show your respect to this area by taking whatever you brought in out with you & show respect to the local's & we will respect you. Be safe, we want you to make it home using your airline seat.

Aug 02, 2007 3:52PM

Polihale is an awesome place, being there is a spiritual experience. I've been there several times over the years and am just amazed every time I go back.

My wife and I found Polihale several years ago when searching for the perfect sunset, we found it. I've been there in both the winter and summer, neither time is good for swimming but the summer you can at least walk into the water a little :)

We always go to the end of the beach, which I think is called Macau Point, where the cliffs jet out into the ocean.

Headed back to Kauai in August and planning on camping here for one night just to experience the beach sunset thru sunrise.

Absolutely awesome beach, worth every bump in the road.

Aug 06, 2007 7:58PM

Glad you guys love it so much. Keeps you away from my beloved North Shore! Keep loving it!

Aug 15, 2007 8:39AM

My wife and I visited Polihale Beach in 1988 during our honeymoon. The big difference now is that Hurricane Ikini washed out lots of the large dunes that gave the beach privacy. Be that as it may, the beach is still the most gorgeous on the planet.
Sure, the drive is a bit troublesome. Just take it slow and avoid the deeper potholes (you can't dodge them all!), and you will be rewarded with a beach to die for. The wide, white beach, the view if Niihau, the dramatic decent of the Napali cliffs right down to the beach.....it simply is the beach of a lifetime. We visited again with our kids in July 2007, and weren't disappointed. Skip the crowded beaches....they are a dime a a dozen in the states. Don't waste your precious time in Poipu. That's just the greedy developers going after your cash.
If you want a truly great and unforgettable experience, rent a car (to heck with the agreement, this is your life!) and head to Polihale. You will relive the visit forever. We have done so for the past 19 years.
Mark Artusio

P.S. While you're there, drive up to the Waiamea Canyon and take the chopper tour of Kauai. To see the inside of Mt. Waialeale is breathtaking!

P.P.S. E-Mail me with your thoughts on your visit.

T

Aug 16, 2007 10:12AM

This sounds like an absolutely beautiful beach. I see individuals continuing to say don't drive on the sand. Is there a parking area for vehicles?

Sep 03, 2007 1:57PM

The road is bumpy, by far not the worst I\'ve been on, just take it slow. Make sure you bring plenty of water. It\'s a beautiful beach, but the water could be treacherous, not a good place to to swim at all.

Poipu or Lydgate have a good areas for children.

I wouldn\'t plan a wedding there. Too hot, hard to get to, no real facilities.

Polihale is the perfect beach to just chill.

Sep 16, 2007 6:49AM

Hey guys!
I always wanted to go to Hawaii. I think the beaches are beautiful over ther! I'll get marry next may and we are thinking to spend our honeymoon there. But we are looking for a calm and beautiful place in Hawaii. Not many tourists and nice resorts. Does anyone have suggestions?
We appreciate

Sep 18, 2007 6:16AM

I am planning a trip to Hawaii with my handicapped daughter in a few months. She is in a power wheelchair. Is this a beach that she could access?

Sep 30, 2007 1:52PM

Is this road too rough for a family of 6 driving a minivan? Don't mind the kids, worried about the minivan.

Oct 16, 2007 6:05AM

I lived on Oahu for years and have been to Maui, Kauai, and the big island. This beach is by far the most beautiful beach I have been to. It is very secluded and there are very few people ever present. The Na pali coast line begins there and is quite beautiful. Don\'t even attempt the trip without a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Once there it\'s well worth the drive.

Oct 19, 2007 5:23PM

My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Kauai in November of 2001. We rented a Camaro and had no problem making the drive to Polihale several times. It was bumpy but we went slowly and never even bottomed out. We absolutely did not drive on the beach. We're going back to Kauai in April 2008 with our now 2 and 4 year olds. We can't wait to experience Polihale with them! It truly is a spiritual experience.

Nov 02, 2007 7:44AM

I haven't been to Kauai in 25-30 years, but plan to go with friends and husband December 6-13. What is the weather like during this time frame on Polihale as well as other beaches? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Mike

Dec 02, 2007 12:08PM

Hey, I'm a great surfer and im looking for the buggest waves where are those?

Dec 14, 2007 1:41AM

When my husband, daughter and I visited Kauai in May 2003, this was our last sightseeing spot before catching the plane home. My husband, an excellent amateur photographer, wanted to get an awesome western beach sunset before we left. We had bought this cute hula outfit for our 3 year old and he got some of the most awesome pix of her on the beach with the sun setting behind her...I wish I could post a picture! It ended up being quite an adventure trying to get the pix, bounce back out the dirt road and buzz up to Lihue without getting a ticket to catch our plane! ...But we made it and caught it all on video for laughs! We like a challenge!!

That said...even if you only drive out here to take some pictures and nothing else....you will be SOOO thankful when you're home remembering your awesome vacation! With all the high res digital cameras that we all have now...you will get some incredible shots to blow up and frame & brag to everyone that YOU were there and YOU are the awesome photographer!!

Dec 14, 2007 10:41AM

Please be very careful swimming at Polihale. My good friend died there six year ago. He was just swimming 30 feet out.

Don\'t go in over your knees, and even then be careful.

Walk down to Queen\'s pond to go for a swim.

Beautiful but deadly. Please be very careful!

Dec 24, 2007 6:20PM

I\'m here visiting Kauai for Christmas and one of the locals told me that my favorite beach Polihale is closed. Is there any truth to this? I certainly hope not as I\'m hoping to visit this week!

Dec 26, 2007 11:54AM

We are headed to Kauai next week with our two little ones, ages 3 and 2. We were planning to camp at Anini Beach but were recetnly told that it's really buggy (read: mosquitoes). Then we planned on Polihale, but if that's closed Im not sure where to camp. Any suggestions?

Jan 01, 2008 9:32PM

In response to Sarah and the response from Kauai Explorer Staff.

I just drove to Polhale Beach Park today(Jan.1st/08) and the park was open. The gate was open and there were people camping there. Steady traffic on the dirt road coming and going, so Sarah you should go.

Jan 21, 2008 3:49PM

Is there a place to park near the end of the highway just before the dirt road begins?? From there is hiking to Polihale an option?? How many miles is it exactly?

Jan 25, 2008 12:29AM

Thank you for your response to my previous question regarding hiking to Polihale Beach. I have been examining the area on a satellite map and have come up with the following questions that would help me a great deal with my planning.

1) Is the entrance to Polihale State Park (by that I mean the point where you would park or enter the beach area by car) where Polihale Rd. actually ends, or is the entrance to the park before that point.

2) The location you indicate (at the gate) where one would be able to park there car before embarking on the dirt road; is that where Kiko Rd. meets Lower Saki Mana Road, or where Lower Saki Mana Road meets Polihale Rd.

3) Last of all, looking at the satellite map it would appear that once Polihale Rd turns so that it is running parallel to the ocean, if you were hiking as opposed to driving you would no longer have to follow the road to the park entrance, but could just cut over through the trees to the beach. Is this correct?

Thank you once again!

Jan 27, 2008 7:46AM

Drove out toward Polihale today and was disappointed to find the gate closed. Is there a reason this beach is closed? Are there specific days it is open? What gives?

Jan 29, 2008 4:43AM

Probably the worst 5 miles of road you'll ever travel, but SO worth it. We went out there on Wednesday, Jan. 23, and were both in awe! Long, uncrowded beach, beautiful waves, sunny, and the echo of the waves off the cliffs behind the parking lot was amazing!

We're so glad the gate wasn't closed or we would have missed this!

Next time, we plan to take the video camera to hold on the dashboard of the car as we navigate the road! Will make a great vacation video!

Well worth the trip!

Matt

Jan 29, 2008 8:57PM

Visited Kauai in Mid-January. Took the plunge and made "the drive" to Polihale. I don't think you can call the road a "road." It was more like some hardened dirt, peppered with a variety of craters (some small, some huge). What you really need is some kind of lunar vehicle. Our top speed? Well, the needle stayed below 5 mph, let's put it that way. When we finally arrived, it was very windy and not real warm--certainly disappointing considering the drive. I guess the weather didn't help, but for us, it was certainly not worth it. Bummer. For the record, Ke'e beach and Poipu were fantastic, and much easier to access.

Jan 29, 2008 9:23PM

micheal,

the park is closed due to no water since sept. and the bad condition of the road

?-1. the park perimeter is vague.

there 3 places to easily got to beach.

first one to come to is the turn off for Queen's Pond.
left under the big Monkeypod tree.

second is fisherman's beach . the left about almost 2 miles from the pond turn

third is the road end up in the Day use area towards the end about another mile past Fisherman's turn off.

?-2 a gate where the the asphalt road ends.

it's a solid 5 mile hike from there to Queen's pond turn off


?-3

yep that's right.

the situation is up in the air right now.

park ranger are on patrol out there and may give you a ticket for being in the park right now

Jan 30, 2008 7:48PM

Drove out to Polihale on the 28th. The gate was locked with a notice that the beach was closed. Was very disappointed since I consider it the best beach in Hawaii

Feb 04, 2008 5:07AM

Polihale is one of the best beaches on the island and the current closure is a disgrace. This does not seem to stop the locals (or the more persistent tourist) from going out there and in the last couple of weeks there has been plenty of traffic. In spite of the seriously unsafe ocean conditions it remains one of the best surfing spots and a good place to look for the elusive sunrise shell. While there is supposed to be no camping, and all the facilities are closed and without water, this does not seem to stop the people who want to stay out overnight. I would say the most important thing is for everyone to act responsibly. Trash in, trash out and take a little of what others have left behind so the state has less reason to keep the place locked up. The money it is going to take to repair the road is not likely to be forth coming and I am sure most of the locals would prefer the road be left the way it is anyhow.

Cynthia Fowler

Feb 11, 2008 4:33PM

Is Polihale still closed? We will be on Kauai the last 2 weeks of February. If so, can you suggest an alternative? I see Kekaha Beach but am uncertain how to find it from Hwy 50, but it seems to be a comparable choice.

Cynthia Fowler

Feb 11, 2008 4:37PM

If Polihale is closed and the locals are still going to the beach, where is the access road? I see there is a gate, but it is not locked. We will have a 4 wheel drive truck and would still like to go to the beach if possible.

Feb 24, 2008 5:12PM

I'm visiting Kauai this week and am pleased to read on the DLNR website this morning that Polihale Beach has been reopened:

POLIHALE STATE PARK, KAUA’I REOPENS

2/08 - Polihale State Park is again open for day use. The water system has been repaired and the day-use area restrooms are open. Road repairs continue, and due to road conditions, 4WD vehicles are recommended to access the park. The park remains closed for camping pending completion of the road repairs.

This is my first time to the island so I'm glad I won't miss out on what should be the best beach.

Mar 10, 2008 3:25PM

Will be visiting kauai in late March. I am a little disapointed that almost everything I read seems to say that there are no safe beaches on the island. As I will certainly heed the warnings, I would like to know if there is anywhere safe to get in the water.

Mar 10, 2008 7:28PM

when beach camping in areas where there are no restrooms, is it recommended to potty like you would in the woods---dig hole and bury--or is there a locals way of removing bodily waste??

Mar 12, 2008 7:07PM

i noticed that per the dnlr notice the access road is now open. maybe less bumps now? we will be visiting in april, and as i have had recent rotator cuff surgery, i will be looking for all the photo & chill spots (and the easy/moderate hikes). and if we were to stay for the sunset, how is the drive out in the dark?

Mar 13, 2008 3:19AM

Really glad to hear that people have such a hard time getting to Polihale! Hopefully this continues to reduce mainstream tourism and preserve the natural beauty of the place. I really believe that the road there has been purposely neglected, or worse... Yet, it is no doubt the most breathtaking beach on the island. If your worthy, you'll make the trip and never regret it! But really...anyone know whats up with the Bees there? Still alive but washed up on the shore like they were out at sea or something. Kinda strange...

Mar 21, 2008 12:41PM

GOOD NEWS TO ALL!!!!
THE POLIHALE BEACH ACCESS ROAD IS NOW OPEN! CONDITIONS? IT'S LIKE A SUPER HIGHWAY! HOW DO I KNOW THAT? I'M THE GRADER OPERATOR THAT FIXED IT!!!!!!
CAUTION! HAVE SOME RESPECT, DON'T DRIVE LIKE A MANIAC THROUGH THERE! RESPECT THE AINA! DRIVE SLOW, THE OCEAN IS NOT GOING TO RUNAWAY!
MALAMA DA AINA, AND ENJOY!
ALOHAzz

Mar 23, 2008 7:09PM

Mahalo waialoha! We're making our first visit to Kauai from the 28th through April 5th staying in the Poipu area. I've been watching this thread & am happy to see your post.

Mar 24, 2008 12:25AM

We went to Polihale Beach and I felt the spiritual powers there myself...it wasn\'t until we got back from our trip that I did a little more research on it and found out why it felt so powerful. Rough ride, but worth it...just take your time, make sure you have plenty of gas, plenty of water and your sunscreen. We didn\'t stay long, but plan on going back to Kauai next year. Maybe we\'ll be brave enough to stay for the sunset. I just think it might be a little \"creepy\" driving back on that road in the dark...

OH AND MARY, I learned to swim in the summer of \'07 as an adult just so I could snorkel. I snorkeled at Anini for the first time and it was perfect. It was calm, warm and there were lots of fish. Take a look at this photo to see where I snorkeled at Anini. http://www.flickr.com/photos/la_angel322/2309566754/in/set-72157604005961592/

Kauai is a beautiful island and I treated it with a lot of respect. It was good to me, and I miss her so much.

Mar 27, 2008 12:22AM

thanks waialoha for a job well done! beautification is part of keeping our island safe and beautiful for ALL to enjoy. God meant for us to appreciate the beauty that is His. mahalo for being a part of making that happen. Seeing the vast mountain coast, the ocean, the serenity, is worth the grumbles and stares some of the locals gave us for being there. My family loved the experience!

Apr 01, 2008 4:28AM

I too wiil be a honeymooner as of May 19th and am looking to maximize our beach time in Kauai while still leaving time for other adventure. After much research via this amazing website...it seems like polihale and tunnels will be ideal beaches to visit for spiritual and snorkeling purposes while hanalei sounds perfect for relaxation! Is this true (any other reccomendations would be great) and should we rent a 4WD vehicle (instead of a fun and sexy convertible) or unnec waste of fuel/cash? thanks & love the website!!!

Apr 02, 2008 7:10AM

We made an uneventful trip out to Polihale yesterday in our 2WD rental car (Sebring conv.) & had no problems. There was an area about a mile long with some nasty washboard road but we just stayed under 10 mph & had no problems with the road. The beach was one of the most incredible we've ever experienced anywhere. Just Do It!!!

Apr 10, 2008 10:12AM

Can anyone tell me if the fishing is good at Polihale? My son and I will be visiting Kauai in July and this beach looks perfect for whipping. Any thoughts?

Apr 16, 2008 1:45PM

I grew up on the Big Island but have never spent time on Kauai. My fiance and I will be honeymooning on Kauai in May and this looks like a perfect spot to camp. How do you get a permit, and do you tell them you are camping at Polihale or not, since it is sometimes closed? Do you think it will be open in May? Thank you!!

Apr 24, 2008 12:30AM

Are the driving conditions on the road to Polihale really greatly improved? I was there last summer and the road was in terrible shape. Fortunately I was driving a Chevy Trailblazer. I will be back on Kauai in June/ July and looking forward to
camping on the beach again.