How to Visit Polihale State Park on Kauai (+ Tips) (2024)

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How to Visit Polihale State Park on Kauai (+ Tips)? ›

Getting to Polihale

Polihale Beach and State Park is located at the end of Highway 50 and is accessed down an unpaved old cane haul road. The seventeen-mile stretch of white sand beach and sand dunes offer endless beach-combing and shelling fun. Polihale Beach sits at the end of Na Pali Coast and the edge of the Mana Plains.

Polihale State Park is found toward the end of Highway 50 on Kauai's western coast. While the park is accessible by car, it's important to note that the final stretch of the road is rough and can be challenging to navigate.

The endless expanse of Polihale Beach is as mystical as it is enchanting. The long slow drive here, along a rutted 5-mile dirt road, brings you to the edge of eternity. The wide virgin beach curls into dunes that climb into bluffs, while the foothills of the Na Pali cliffs rise to the north.

Polihale's remote location and its being surrounded by massive sand dunes and towering sea cliffs make it a downright gorgeous place to visit. Especially when the sun slinks down towards the ocean.

Braving a long and rutted dirt road rewards the traveler with a stunning beach park. Picnicking and tent camping on wild coastline with large sand beach backed by dunes. Scenic setting, colorful sunsets and good views of the high sea cliffs of Nāpali Coast. Swimming in summer during calm conditions; shore fishing.

The trail is approximately 5 miles long if starting from Queen's Pool and walking to the end of the beach, though walking on the soft, loose sand can make it feel longer.

“This action is being undertaken to prevent vehicles from driving on highly sensitive cultural sites and damaging native and endangered plants. Signs will also be placed to educate park users on the cultural significance of the dunes, rules of the park, and other interpretive information.”

Hale meaning “House” in Hawaiian, Polihale roughly translates to “House of the Underworld”.

Nestled on the westernmost end of Kauai, Polihale State Park is a rugged beach area encompassing a broad white sand expanse over 15 miles long. The longest stretch of beach in Hawaii.

Can you snorkel at Polihale? ›

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.

The crowning glory of Makena State Park, this untouched beach is arguably the finest on Maui. In Hawaiian it's called Oneloa, literally 'Long Sand. ' And indeed the golden sands stretch for the better part of a mile and are as broad as they come.

The heiau (sacred site) of Polihale is one of the oldest and most sacred on the island. This heiau bears the name of Chief Polihale, who built this heiau as the first home of Kane and Kanaloa. It was built as a “thank you” to these gods for answering his prayer. Chief Polihale had a daughter, named Napihenui.

To find it, take the Kuhio Highway past Kilauea and turn right on Kalihiwai Road. Follow the road for about 50 yards and then turn right into an unmarked, unpaved road. Proceed to the end and park. Nearby is the footpath leading to the west end of the beach.

To enter Hāʻena State Park you will need one of the following: A Park Entry Reservation. A Parking Reservation (Parking Reservations grant Park Entry for driver and passengers) A valid Camping Permit for Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park.

You must make reservations if you want to drive to the park or even take the shuttle. We saw several cars being turned away at the entrance. The cost for parking and (2) half day passes was only $20. Read on the Haena State park website how to do it.