Brennecke Beach, one of the top body surfing and boogie boarding beaches on Kauai is known around the world. The waves consistently break throughout the year with the summer months providing the best and larger waves. The surf can get big, so be cautious when going out for the first time, however like most Kauai beaches, it is generally safe when care is taken. Most days, the surf and waves are perfect for those new to body surfing and boogie boarding, but watch before jumping in as intervals between sets can be upwards of 15-20 minutes or more. Have younger children play in the protected cove at adjacent Poipu Beach Park, just a short stroll away.
Perfect for…swimming, boogie-boarding, body surfing, beach walks, family picnics and BBQs.
Hazards…although there is a lifeguard on duty at nearby Poipu Beach Park, this cove is not monitored so be careful. Larger surf can break and strong currents can carry swimmers and surfers onto the sharp coral and slippery rocks.
Adjacent to Brennecke Beach is Poipu Beach Park, Kauai’s most popular beach destination.
Driving directions to Brennecke Beach…from Koloa town, head south on Poipu Road. Continue along on Poipu Road (HI-520) until you merge into the “Welcome to Poipu Beach” round-about. Continue around the round-about and follow the sign “Poipu Beach” (third exit) and continue for approximately two miles. Turn right on Hoowili Road and go approximately 0.2 miles and you will dead end at Poipu Beach Park. Turn left and drive another .25 miles and Brennecke Beach will be on your right. Some parking is along the road or you can park at the free all day parking lots at Poipu Beach Park and walk.
Nearby Parrish Kauai vacation rentals are Nihi Kai Villas, Poipu Kai by TPC, Nanea Kai at Poipu Beach, and Villa Kailani. Cherished Seacoast is directly across the street.
Don’t forget your sunscreen!!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi - I’m traveling to Kauai next April 3 and staying for a week. What beaches offer the best body surfing at that time of year. I’ve heard good things about Brennecke Beach but not sure if it would be good at that time of year. Any advice/input would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
Aloha Dave,
You are coming in between the seasonal shift in waves in Hawaii. May is the beginning of the South Shore surfing season. Normally the winter months are calmer on the South Shore (Poipu Resort area) and as we head into summer the waves get bigger with the arrival of the south swells…therefore Brennecke Beach can be very fun. Typically the biggest waves hit the north shore (Hanalei area) between November and March…so you may be able to catch the tail end of the waves in Hanalei Bay.
If you stay in the Poipu Resort area you can take advantage of waves wherever they hit, depending on storms, swells, etc. Poipu is centrally located so you can go to either the North Shore or Westside as needed. Check out the Kauai Explorer site (http://www.kauaiexplorer.com) to follow the current conditions.
I recommend the beaches you want to focus on for good body surfing are Kiahuna Beach and Brennecke Beach on the South Shore, Hanalei Bay on the North Shore, and Kalapaki Beach in Lihue. Hope that helps.
Hi - I am traveling to Kauai the April 16th and like Dave I like to body surf (experienced) and my teenagers want to learn to surf and body surf, and my husband wants to snorkel. I can’t decide where to go. The North Shore looks so beautiful, but I think the most important thing will be close by beaches we all like. Thanks so much,
Carol
Aloha Carol,
The best places to learn to surf and/or body surf are Hanalei Bay on the North Shore, Kalapaki Beach which is more central in Lihue and Sheraton/Kiahuna Beach on the South Side. The reason I suggest these is there are good surf schools at each so someone can give your kids good pointers and guarantee they stand up after the first tries. Brennecke Beach is great for body surfing, but there are no usually instructors there. Each area also has some great snorkeling areas.
The Poipu Beach Resort area as well as Hanalei Bay have accommodations that are a short walking distances to great surfing beaches. The weather will dictate the conditions, but you would not be disappointed with either. Hanalei and Poipu can all provide great houses choices for your stay, but if you prefer a condo, then definitely look into Poipu as there are no condos in Hanalei.
I hope that helps.
Thanks for your quick response. So it sounds as if by mid April the very stormy conditions up North may have passed and the waves become more interesting south. Plus, as you said Poipu is very central. We prefer casual houses, and I don’t like big resort areas, condos, etc. which is why the North is more appealing. I got a bit turned off by all the condos in Kehei on Maui. We do want to go to the canyon, so we will have to at least spend part of our trip south I guess. We are starting to consider staying at least a couple of nights in Hanalei. I know I want to go there- it looks so pretty and the next time I get a chance to come back it will probably be in the winter, so I want to take advantage of the calmer seas in April.
Aloha Again Carol,
I would not say “very stormy” but the waves can be larger on the North at that time, it all depends. Both the North Shore and South Shore have great beaches, so you cannot go wrong with either. If you are looking for a casual home, then the Haena and Hanalei areas can provide some great options for a small town island feel. I know when I vacationed here before moving her full time, I used to take road trips all the time for each side and it is a great way to see the whole island…one of the many great things about Kauai, you really can see if all pretty easily. Please do give us a call and we can guide you to the perfect place.
Aloha!
I am planning a trip the first week in December and just cannot decide where to stay in Kauai. was wondering what the surfing/body boarding conditions are in front of the Marriott in Lihue this time of year. We want to stay someplace that at least has some waves and then we will be okay to drive more north for better conditions on occasion.
Thanks for all the great info
Aloha Lauren,
Conditions at Kalapaki should be pretty good for most people in December. During the winter months the chances are that the North Shore will be rough and mainly for the experienced. Kalapaki will be calmer and will provide for a good experience for surfing, stand-up paddling and more. Be sure to check out the South Shore as the conditions should be calmer as well.
In any event, as always, you should base any decision on the actual conditions that day.
Hi, I’m going to kauai in the end of November, I’m trying to find a few good beaches for boogie boarding. I am experienced, but i will be bringing my girlfriend and she hasn’t even tried it before. So i just wanted to know an experienced place for me and a learning spot for her.
Mahalo
Aloha Devin,
We look forward to seeing you in November. Since you are an experienced boarder, Brennecke’s Beach and Shipwreck’s on the South Shore are great. Note that the waves begin shifting to the North Shore, so Kalihiwai Bay and Kaelia Beach might be two good spots to check out as well. It all depends on the weather. For your girlfriend, as a beginner, I highly suggest checking out Kalapaki Beach in Lihue (East Side). As always, be safe and check conditions. I hope that helps.