Polihale Beach

NOTICE Posted 12-18-08: Polihale beach is currently CLOSED due to access problems from heavy rains.


For more information, media may contact: Deborah Ward DLNR Public Information Specialist Phone: (808) 587-0320


Polihale, meaning “Home of the Spirits” is indeed a spiritual experience. At the western most point of the Na Pali coast, after a bumpy drive you will find this incredible stretch of golden sand, majestic cliffs framing the blue expanse of ocean. Favored by artists, once you have been to this place you WILL return, if only to find your soul.


Sunset picnics, star gazing, the isolation and its beauty that words simply can’t do justice to, make up for the fact that it’s not the best place to swim. For many visitors this is the most beautiful beach in Hawaii and they come here just for the sunset. Polihale is hot and sunny, even winter can be great. There are actually four sections:

Kekaha Beach offers a fifteen mile stretch of sandy beach, walk and enjoy but only go into the ocean if it is as calm as a lake, there are incredible strong rip currents.

Barking Sands, so named after the squeaky sound made by the clean white when you walk there.

Polihale State Park has full facilities and camping can be arranged by permit.

Queen’s Pond is the place to swim, as it is semi-protected by a reef. Even so, only swim when conditions are calm.

There are no lifeguards on duty. From Lihue Airport it is a 38 mile drive, 1 hour 15 minutes.


More of Kauai's great beaches like Polihale Beach can be found here