The infamous white sand beaches of Po’ipu are encompassed in Po’ipu Beach County Park, which grants access to just about every type of ocean-related activity there is to do. The surf here is gentle enough for novice surfers just starting out, while a short paddle outside of the sheltered, crescent pool of the beach will give more advanced athletes a chance to catch waves with a variety of locals who frequent the spot. The eastern end of Po’ipu Beach is known as Brennecke Beach, a popular site of all avid locals who enjoy boogie boarding and bodysurfing. Snorkeling in the tidepools of Nukumoi Point is another option to utilize the beach area. In the best interest of all park users, lifeguards are stationed daily on the shore to keep watch over all marine activity. As Kauai’s most developed beach park, visitors will find amenities like restrooms, showers, picnic tables, a playground, and accessible walkways readily available for the perfect day trip. Ample parking is available along Ho’one Road and across the street from the park.
At the eastern end of the stretch of resorts, the Hyatt Regency Kauai hosts the entrance to Shipwreck Beach via an access road. Named for the boat wreck that sat on the beach until most was torn away by Hurricane Iniki in 1993, Shipwreck Beach is an ideal arena for swimming, boogie boarding, and bodysurfing. One of Kauai’s few petroglyphs can be viewed here under certain conditions. For most of the year, the hardened sandstone with the ancient carvings is engulfed by sand. However, occasionally the water pulls away the sand and reveals the petroglyphs for anyone lucky enough to check out the spot at the right moment.
For sunbathers who want a more low-key beach experience, there are two prime locations on either side of Kuhio Park. To the west, there is Lawa’I beach—a location that is also popular snorkeling venue because of its rocky bottom and shoreline areas that house a variety of marine life. Keiki Beach is located east of park, and is a secluded area ideal for spending hours soaking up the warm Kauai sun. Kuhio Park itself is the birthplace and frequented leisure area Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole. The beloved “People’s Prince” served in Congress to champion rights for the displaced Hawaiians until 1922 when he passed. The historic grounds house a monument to Prince Kuhio, remnants of an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, and a heiau (Hawaiian temple).
Spouting Horn, one of Kauai’s most popular natural wonders, is a lava tube with one end opened up into the sea and the other located on the shoreline in plain view for visitors. As the waves crash against the cliff, it causes the water to rush through the lava tube and explode in spumes up to 60 feet high on the other end. Spouting Horn gets the later part of its name from the loud noise issued from a hole behind the spout that precedes each burst of water.
