Polihale State Park
Polihale Beach is by far the longest stretch of beach in the State of Hawaii. It’s located at the end of Highway 50 on the western portion of the island. While it’s more challenging to access than many other beaches, Polihale State Park is a great location if you’re looking for a place to beach it with less people. The beach is accessed via rough, five mile dirt road through the cane fields. The road is rough enough that it is advised to be driven on with a four-wheel drive vehicle. In any event, be forewarned that rental car companies may prohibit use of their vehicles on this park access road. So you may need to find another access to the park other than a rental car.
The beach has large sand dunes – some that may reach 100 feet high. In some of the parking areas the back side of the dunes spill over into the earthen parking lots. So as you pull up into the parking area, be sure to not drive onto sand patches you see on top of the dirt. The best thing to do is not to pull your vehicle up any farther than where the sand from the beach meets the dirt ground.
Swimming is safe only at the Queens Pond because of the strong rip currents. Be advised that along other areas of this 12 mile beach, the sandbar has a steep drop off so after a few feet of entering the water it’s common to lose your footing and be sucked out to deep water by the current.
Kekaha – West Side
Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables
No Lifeguard
Fishing, Beach Walking, Watching Sunset
BEACH SAFETY TIPS
Entering the ocean anywhere along the Kauai coastline can be dangerous. Surf and ocean conditions change daily. Before entering the ocean check with a lifeguard or a current ocean safety report. To ensure safety swim only at lifeguarded beaches.