Be prepared to drive 4.3 miles down the worst road to access this natural wonder. The road is a collection of deep potholes with no place to drive that isn’ t a pothole. We had a Jeep Wrangler Jeep and it has a stiff suspension, it was such a jarring trip. Those people with a soft suspension and no care for their car drove much quicker than us. We talked to a local collecting firewood who suggested we drive to the end of the road to where there is a pavilion, water fountain and washrooms on the dunes above the long beach. We had originally turned at the huge Monkey Pod tree but the local man said there is a good chance you will get stuck on the sandy part of the road which lead to the beach. It is extremely hot , without any cover on this beach, bring water, food and any supplies you need to deal with the heat. The surf pounds the beach and must be respected. No one was swimming, only getting wet and retreating.

You will want to make this trek in an SUV, truck, or something that can handle 1000's of potholes and dirt terrain. Took us about 25 minutes to drive 5 miles, but so worth it! The beach was wide open, golden sands, sparsely populated, gently rolling waves. There are facilities, although among the worst I've seen on Kauai. BYO drinking water and snacks. The gates close nightly at 7:45pm, so leave ahead of time, giving yourself plenty of time to make it down the bumpy road to the exit. Well worth it!

Camped in Polihale for a few days and it was an incredible experience. Stunning views and the best beach I ever seen. Highly recommend going but have in mind that the road can very hard to drive during rain season, so 4v4 is a must during that time of the year.

We love this beach...it is at the end of the road and is usually very quiet and empty. Broad expanse of beach...look out toward Ni'ihau. The drive on the road takes a bit with all the speed bumps and potholes, but it is worth it. There are picnic tables, restroom, and showers. We just claimed a spot of sand and made it our own. Usually always sunny here.

After so many warnings that you could fit a cow in a pothole (bad road) this was actually a very easy trip to a stunning private beach that was breathtakingly gorgeous! Our rental 4x4 Jeep Cherokee handled the road beautifully and this was with my husband aiming for the water filled potholes for a thrill! Actually all of the "holes" were filled in with gravel so it really was not a rough road and any car could have managed the drive. Do not drive on the sand though because it is very soft and you will get stuck. Rough waves, so no getting in the water here, but there is a queens pond which is a shallow pool at low tide that you could dip in if you wanted to. We just came for the off road experience and the endless empty beach with the Napali Coast cliffs....very memorable and beautiful.

This is the place to go if the rest of the island is rainy. It is almost always sunny here, and typically there are not many people here as the drive in is a bit rough. Expect 20 minutes of bumpy driving once you hit the dirt road, unless you have a four wheel drive capable of handling the bumps. This is the only place to see the Napali Coast from the West side unless you go out on a boat or up un a helicopter. Great views, and sunshine with a long stretch of beach.

If the wind / weather is from the west or northwest you won't be swimming and will be sandblasted. If there has been any recent rain the road back, which is VERY rough (took 55 minutes to go 5 miles) has some huge puddles. Can you make it in a car - sure. But it will be a journey

One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, stretching for 18 miles and with view of Napali coast. Few people, fine sand and must do when in Kauai. The rough ride in takes 30 min one way on a VERY bumpy dirt road. Just drive slowly and ignore the 4WD only signs, you can go without but just drive carefully. We went to Queens Pond and turned left when you reach the sign. Spent 2 hours sunbathing before driving back.

I traveled all the way to Kauai to experience the worst road in the USA! Maybe the road to the Polihale State Park keeps the masses out? The beach and scenery are stunning. We took a picnic, watched the sunset and then had the best stargazing! This part of the world will a so dark that the stars blaze. Amazing time at Polihale!

This is a must go to beach!! The sand is so soft and the sunset was amazing!! Advise a SUV for the dirt road leading to the beach. Do not drive on the beach sand, It is very soft. People were camping at the beach. The waves were amazing!! We had the best time playing in the water but not a place for kids to play in the water, the surf/waves are sting and the currents dangerous. The sand in the water was the best I've ever felt under my feet!!