Best Beach in Kauai for Snorkeling & Sunsets: Poipu Beach
During our week in Kauai, we were able to swim and snorkel at multiple beaches, and we have come to the conclusion that the best beach in Kauai for snorkeling is Poipu Beach! Don’t get us wrong here; each beach is unique, but we thought Poipu Beach was the best!
We recommend visiting this beach after a nice morning hike on the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail or visiting during sunset to see the green sea turtles. We did both! Depending on where you are staying in Poipu, it’s possible that this beach is within walking distance of your accommodations. Keep reading for all the details on Poipu Beach.
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Things to Know
- Most importantly, you must use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine life in Hawaii. Get our favorites here.
- Poipu Beach Park is one of the most popular spots in South Kauai, so be prepared for a busy and bustling beach.
- There is a parking lot across from the beach that offers a convenient option, but it does fill up quickly.
- Lifeguards are on duty at Poipu Beach.
- Restrooms: There are restrooms and outdoor showers located at Poipu Beach.
- Food: There are a couple of food options nearby, including Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs, Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, and Honu Beach Bar located at the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club.
- You might get lucky and see turtles and Hawaiian monk seals here!
🌺 Whenever you visit Kauai, please practice mālama by showing care and respect for others, supporting local businesses, and protecting the environment by refraining from littering. Keep Kauai pristine and pick up any trash you encounter. Take the time to learn about Hawaiian culture and spread kindness by paying it forward.
Poipu Beach
As mentioned above, we visited Poipu Beach on two occasions, once after hiking the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail for some afternoon snorkeling, and once in the evening to see the green sea turtles and watch the sunset. You can’t miss this beach!
🛎️ Book your stay at Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club. Poipu Beach is just steps away from the resort!
Arrive at the parking area and head across the street to reach the beach. This is a great beach for all, including children. There are sections of shallow water in the protected cove, and this is an amazing beach to see tropical fish and other marine life. Don’t forget your snorkel gear!
One thing to note is that you also may want to bring water shoes. Most of the beach is sandy, but some areas in the water are a bit more rocky, and water shoes help with sharp rocks and objects on the ocean floor.
Remember that while you are enjoying Poipu Beach, do not touch or approach marine wildlife, including green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals. These amazing animals are federally protected, and this is their home!
In addition to the shallow snorkeling area, there is also a section of the beach and ocean where tides converge, allowing for surfing and boarding. This section of the ocean is monitored actively by lifeguards, so please heed their warnings if they announce that you should get out of the water.
Poipu Beach at Sunset
It’s likely that you will spot some turtles here while snorkeling during the day, but plan a visit at sunset, and it’s almost guaranteed! The turtles come up to rest every evening like clockwork and spend the night on the beach. Plus, can you resist a Hawaiian sunset? I don’t think so!
Other Things to Do
Take surfing lessons! If you have always wanted to learn how to surf, check out this group surfing lesson in Poipu!
Where To Stay Near Poipu Beach
For the second leg of your amazing trip to Kauai, we recommend staying near Poipu. Below are a few top-rated accommodations in south Kauai near Poipu:
- Poipu Kai Resort Condos – This was a perfect home base for us in South Kauai! Condos with private pools and within walking distance to beaches. Book this location now on VRBO. You won’t be disappointed!
- Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club – just steps away from Poipu Beach! Book it right now on Expedia. There is even a fun on-site arcade and game room here.
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – A sprawling luxury resort with a lava-rock river pool, waterslide, and saltwater lagoon. This one is pricey, but check it out on Booking.com. This one is super close to the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
- Ko’a Kea Resort On Poipu Beach – an intimate resort on a prime beachfront spot on Kauai’s south shore. Reserve your stay now on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Aston At Poipu Kai – a top-rated beach location and outdoor pool. Walk to nearby Poipu and Shipwreck Beaches to watch the sunset every night. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
🌴 Check out a nice and easy hike nearby on the Mahu’lepu Heritage Trail!
Final Thoughts
We loved spending time at Poipu Beach! Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and more. The snorkeling here is great, but the water is fairly shallow. It was a little hard to swim around, but it was still worth it. This is a perfect spot for kids and beginners.
That being said, we think it’s still the best beach in Kauai for snorkeling. Additionally, having a few restaurant and drink options right nearby was also convenient!
Some might say this beach is too crowded, and that can be true at times – it can get very crowded. However, we were always able to find a nice spot on the beach to set up our chairs and towels in paradise.
🌅 Go on an epic sunset dinner cruise with Capt. Andy’s! Learn more about our experience here.
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