Po'ipu Beach, Kauai

The north of Kauai may have some of the most spectacular beaches on the island, (see Hideways Beach or Kee Beach) but it does rain often there. For a beach with consistently good weather, head for the south shore to find Po’ipu beach.

The beach fronts the popular Po’ipu resort area – if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, you’ve the pick of lots of hotels and condos. The beach is easy to get to, and has several amenities like restrooms, showers, lifeguards and picnic tables. Parking isn’t a problem, as there’s a big lot on Hoone Road about 50 yards behind the coastline.

Po’ipu beach is divided into two crescents by a sandbank pointing out to sea. The sandbank, properly called a tombolo, is formed by currents running along the shoreline from opposite directions meeting then flowing outwards. (Goat Rock beach is another good example). The beach to the left of the sandbank (as you look out to sea) is Po’ipu beach, the one to the right Waiohai beach.

Kids will have a great time. The golden sand is just right for making sandcastles and ditches. On the left of Po’ipu beach there’s a shallow paddling pool, protected by a line of rocks – kids’ heaven!

At the end of Waiohai beach, there’s a small grassy park in front of the swish Marriott Waiohai Beach Club. Here you’ll find picnic tables, pavilions and a fun playground with lots of activities.

Continue past the playground for about 200 yards, to reach Brennecke’s beach. This is the place for boogie-boarders and surfers – the waves are normally way better than on Po’ipu beach.