Discover the secluded paradise of Puu Poa Beach on Kauai’s North Shore – a serene haven of golden sand, turquoise waters and majestic views.
- Region: North Shore (Princeville)
- Best for sunbathing, snorkeling and hanging out.
- One of the most spectacular spots on Kauai.
- Guests of Hanalei Bay Resort and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay have direct access.
- Public access is via a steep pathway adjacent to the hotel.
- Not easy for the public to visit due to limited parking and steep pathway.
- No lifeguards or restrooms.
- Map: Google Maps
Secluded Pu’u Poa Beach, in the community of Princeville on the North Shore of Kauai, is a true hidden gem. Here, turquoise water meets golden sand, tropical trees and green mountains. Adding to the beach’s allure is the picturesque backdrop of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai. One of the most spectacular beaches on Kauai (and one of the most stunning spots on Earth), Puu Poa Beach is one of the best places on the island to spend a couple of hours, or an entire day, in tropical paradise.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Overlooking Puu Poa Beach is the eco-luxury hotel 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (formerly St. Regis Princeville Resort), an iconic destination renowned for its sustainable luxuries and world-class service. Together with the spectacular setting of Puu Poa Beach and views of Hanalei Bay, the hotel offers an idyllic getaway for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Beach Access
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay guests appreciate the exquisite, semi-private beach just steps from their accommodations.
Hanalei Bay Resort (HBR) condo guests also have direct access to the beach via a paved path. The beach is about a ten-minute walk from the condos, less if using the resort’s golf cart shuttle service. (A call box near the beach can be used to request a cart ride back up to the condos.)
PHOTO: The path to Hanalei Bay Resort from Puu Poa Beach. A covered waiting area comes in handy when it’s raining and a call box can be used to summon the resort’s golf cart shuttle.
Public Access
Public access to Puu Poa Beach is provided by a steep walkway adjacent to the hotel. With only a few parking spaces for the public at the top of the walkway, the beach is only sparsely visited by the general public, leaving the uncrowded beach mostly to HBR condo and hotel guests.
Above and below photos: The steep public access path for Puu Poa Beach starts near the front entry gate at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. There are limited parking spaces available near the gate. If your accommodations are in Princeville, walking or biking to the path is the best option.
Beach Activities
Central to the beach is a large, open area just beyond the hotel’s pool that is perfect for sunbathing and hanging out. Adjoining the area is a shaded, grassy lawn that is the ideal venue for beach weddings and other special events.
Though the beach has an extensive reef, there are gaps in the reef for activities such as swimming, snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding. (The reef is visible at low tide and guests are reminded to stay off the reef to protect the coral from damage.)
PHOTO: Snorkelers and swimmers at Puu Poa Beach.
Beyond the open area is a wonderful shaded section that is the ultimate relaxation spot. Trees near the shoreline provide a marvelous combination of shade, sun and ocean activities. It is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing sojourn in a beach chair.
A walk down the beach and under the trees finds a small stream spilling into the ocean and more views of Hanalei Bay.
Club Med Ruins and Hanalei Bay
At the end of the beach is a short trail up to the Club Med Ruins, and a shoreline path that leads to the Hanalei River with a unique view of Hanalei Beach and the Hanalei Pier.
At the end of Puu Poa Beach is a path up to the Club Med Ruins.
Stay on the path along the shore at the end of Puu Poa Beach and it will lead you to the mouth of the Hanalei River and a view of the Hanalei Pier.
Ancient Fishpond at Puu Poa Beach
Behind the trees at Puu Poa Beach is a marshy area that was once a fishpond (known as Kamo’omaika’i) used by ancient Hawaiians. A rock wall, built by the Hawaiians to trap fish in the pond, can still be seen near the edge of the marsh.
Above and below: Ancient Hawaiians built a rock wall from ridge to ridge behind Puu Poa Beach to trap fish. Small gaps in the top of the wall allowed fish to enter the pond. As they grew, they were too big to get out.
Sunsets
As days draw to a close at Puu Poa Beach, visitors gather at the shore, and on decks at the hotel, to witness mesmerizing sunsets over the bay. Sunsets at the beach are often kaleidoscopes of vibrant colors where the sky is transformed into a canvas of pastel pinks, radiant oranges, and velvety purples.
Beach Safety
There are no lifeguards at Puu Poa Beach. The reef-protected beach is usually calm, especially in the summer months when gentle waves lap quietly on the sand. Winter months can bring stronger waves, and a recommendation to stay out of the water if potentially dangerous conditions are present.
Final Thoughts
With limited crowds and a stunning setting, Puu Poa Beach offers a sanctuary of peace and serenity.
Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or simply a connection with nature, this hidden gem will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Visit Puu Poa Beach and experience a slice of paradise that will forever reside in your heart.
