Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park
4.5
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
Monday
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
Tuesday
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
Wednesday
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
Friday
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
Sunday
5:30 AM - 6:45 PM
About
A historical state beach park with breathtaking views and landscape.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
973 reviews
Excellent
763
Very good
158
Average
35
Poor
6
Terrible
11
Rachel S
15 contributions
Jun 2022
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!
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oscar Tegni
Stockholm, Sweden34 contributions
Dec 2021
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.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HBMeesh
Huntington Beach, CA85 contributions
Oct 2022
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.
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
busconi
Wenatchee, WA5,400 contributions
Aug 2021
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.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John A
Ann Arbor, MI515 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
While the road is bumpy it’s worth seeing this beach, having a bit of a picnic and swim and taking in the views. This beach was the least crowded and most scenic by far of any of the beaches we saw near Poipu area. Sunset is amazing time to go.
Written January 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JDSoui
Tampa, FL7,013 contributions
Dec 2022
Whether driving in on the unimproved "road", looking at the impressive ocean swells, miles of beach or the beginning of the Napali coast the park the park is simply fascinating.
The roars of the waves could be heard walking to the beach. The swells were roughly 15' - 20' feet, and the views of the start of the Napali coast were simply breathtaking.
A 4x4 is needed for convenient access - would strongly recommend.
The roars of the waves could be heard walking to the beach. The swells were roughly 15' - 20' feet, and the views of the start of the Napali coast were simply breathtaking.
A 4x4 is needed for convenient access - would strongly recommend.
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BarbGag
Invermere, Canada275 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
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.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Briant T
Traverse City, MI13 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Amazing. By far the best beach on the island. Can you drive on the beach? Yes do you need to? No. I suggest an SUV since the access road is rutted and not maintained like the farm roads next to it. I am not a crowd person so I felt particularly fond of this experience at Polihale. I was glad there was an area yo wash off and a pavilion to eat under. We stopped for sandwiches in Waimea.
Caution the long drive on a rutted dirt road will deter most from going out here and it is a long drive on this road so be aware of that.
I did not expect sand dune on Hawaii. It would be fun to camp out here.
Caution the long drive on a rutted dirt road will deter most from going out here and it is a long drive on this road so be aware of that.
I did not expect sand dune on Hawaii. It would be fun to camp out here.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulsS3608LM
Denver, CO27 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is one of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen. A little challenging to get to on the dirt road, but well worth the effort. We had a FWD sedan and got stuck in the sand where we parked. Thank you so much to the 2 local men who were kind enough to get us out!! And to the honeymooning couple from Seattle who stopped to help us push the car. While we are happy we took the time to see this spectacular beach, we will be forever grateful to those kind souls who rescued us from the sand. As a caution to others, park a bit aways and walk the rest of the way to the beach!
Written October 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G_2_the_Dub
Seattle, WA9 contributions
Oct 2020
This park is closed until further notice, and that fact is shall we say not we’ll publicized. I looked online for an hour for information about its status, and found none. So I drove out there only to find a sign past the naval base saying it was closed. Of note, the beach at Barking Sands is also closed to visitors via the base, unless they’ve been on Kauai for at least 14 days. Also not publicized online anywhere. Hoping these restrictions go away soon, but you’ll want to call ahead first. Whom to call will not be easy to answer.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What government website and what do I look for to see if it’s open now? Going for family weekend this February.
Also is there only one trail or any specific signs I’d have to look for ?
Thank you
Written February 10, 2020
The website is: dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/polihale-state-park/
It is open 5:30am-6:45pm unless you have a camping permit. It is patrolled - particularly around sunset.
Written April 30, 2024
With all the difficulties of driving to Polihale beach, is there somewhere I can park at the start of the dirt road and walk in?
Written April 15, 2019
Yes. But Walking in is not a good idea. It is quite far and the dirt from the cars coming in and out will make you sick. Just carefully drive in.
Written April 24, 2019
Would this be a good place to go after seeing the Canyon in the morning? I imagine you would want to leave before sunset due to the rough drive in and out?
Written March 20, 2019
That is exactly what we did... Canyon first then onto Polihale for our picnic dinner (which we had to do in our car because the winds were so strong they were blowing the sand around). We left right as the sun was setting but met many cars coming in to see the sunset from the beach. The road was definitely slowing the drive down! The 3 mile drive took about 15-20 minutes each way. But the views were worth it!
Written March 30, 2019
Hi, thanks for the intel. Do you recall the date you tried to visit Polihale when it was closed? I head there every visit to Kauai, and trying to gauge if it might still be closed next week. Thank you very much!
Written May 10, 2018
February but check the website and rainfall. If you e had a big long rainy spell it can still flood. Usually may is fine if your going now but a storm can change that
Written May 10, 2018
Anybody know if the road's open yet (April 9th, 2018) ?
Written April 9, 2018
It is closed still today. May 12, 2028. Just read the government website. The road should open on May 15th. Apparently it was closed due to all the flooding. ehawaii.gov.
Written May 12, 2018
Is this a crowded Beach? If I wanted to camp would I be right next to someone else?
Written May 26, 2016
On a Friday afternoon, I could count perhaps 10 vehicles along a lengthy stretch of perhaps half a mile of beach. It is limited in the number of visitors due to the long, rough ride to reach this beach. Be aware, there are no services and little cell connectivity. Bring everything you think you will need. It is literally 10 miles to anything.
Written November 15, 2017
Are there any private companies offering a drive to Polihale State Park?
Written January 25, 2016
As linh88 said, there is a small dirt parking area under trees (2-3 cars size). We were able to park there. We didn't drive or park on the sand.
Written January 27, 2016
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