Polihale State Park
Lower Saki Mana Road, Waimea, Big Island of Hawaii, HI
Located at the end of a long and rugged dirt road, Polihale State Park is a remote beach on Kauai’s westernmost edge with excellent snorkeling, camping, and stargazing. Adventuresome visitors are drawn to the park’s wild and secluded nature and it’s one of the best spots in Kauai to watch the sunset. Ancient Hawaiians believed that Polihale was the departure point for the afterlife.
Polihale State Park is a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of white sandy beach backed by dunes with views of the towering cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Camping is permitted on the beach with a permit, and showers, restrooms, and water is available at the park. The beach is known for its strong currents and no lifeguards are on duty. To safely explore Polihale, opt for a sightseeing or snorkeling tour of Kauai’s western coast.
- The park is remote; no cell service is available in the park.
- Strong currents can make swimming dangerous; keep to the swimming area known as “Queen’s Pond”
- Polihale State Park has very little shade; bring beach umbrellas or shade canopies.
- Camping permits can be obtained ahead of time online.
Polihale State Park is located at the end of Highway 50 on the western coast of Kauai. The park can only be reached via a 5 mile (8 kilometer) unimproved dirt road, which can be impassable when wet. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended and many rental car companies prohibit use of their vehicles on this road.
Polihale State Park’s remoteness makes it a good option on weekends and during the busy holiday season. The rugged dirt road leading to the park deters tourists, but the beach is popular with the locals, yet rarely crowded. With unobstructed views to the west, Polihale State Park is especially beautiful at sunset and the park’s remoteness makes it a great spot for stargazing.
The secluded Polihale State Park offers beach camping and is a great option for budget travelers and camping permits can be obtained in advance online. Campers can pitch their tents among the sand dunes and spend the day wandering the beach, fishing, or sunbathing. Some picnic tables and shade structures are available at the park and bathrooms and drinking water are also available.
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