Poipu Beach

The Travel Channel calls Poipu Beach "America's best beach" because of its golden sand, ideal conditions for swimming, exciting snorkeling spots and perfect boogie boarding waves. You can often escape Kauai's typical rainfall at Poipu Beach thanks to the nearby Haupu Mountain Range. The peaks block most of the prevailing showers and provide ideal beach weather all year round. Poipu is neighbor to several other beaches that offer variety and fun including Brenneke's Beach, Shipwreck Beach, Baby Beach, Mahaulepu and Lawai Beach.

Poipu Beach is mostly protected from large wave action by a rock formation a few hundred feet offshore from the middle of the beach. A sandspit running out to these rocks forms two perfect back-to-back crescents of sandy beach. The opposite end of one of these crescents terminates in a shallow, semi-enclosed pool that is ideal for children. A manned lifeguard tower helps parents keep an eye on the little ones.

A large grassy park behind this lifeguard tower provides room for Frisbee throwing, more sunbathing, picnic tables, barbeques, restrooms, and fresh water showers. The park also includes playground equipment providing even more entertainment for children. The beach and park are collectively known as Poipu Beach Park.

A popular Kauai restaurant, Brenneke's Beach Broiler, is across the street along with a couple of shops and a convenience store with sunscreen, water, soft drinks and sandwich deli. Parking is available along the street and in a couple of parking lots next to the restaurants and shops.

Poipu Beach is of course one of Kauai's most popular tourist destinations and several hotels and vacation rentals abound. Condos nearby include Poipu Shores, Sunset Kahili, and Nihi Kai Villas to the east and Whaler's Cove, Kuhio Shores, and Prince Kuhio to the west.