Just below Hanalei Bay Resort and a short walk from our Kauai vacation rentals there, are the two beaches of Puu Poa. These Kauai beaches also front the neighboring St. Regis Princeville pictured above. In a confusing bit of irony, the Puu Poa Resort nearby is above Hideaways Beach and not this one.
As with all Princeville Resort beaches, you’ll need to hike about 200 feet down from the bluff to reach the shore. This is one of the easiest to reach, however, with a choice of a paved path or stairs. While not a swimming beach, it is popular for sun bathing and with Kauai snorkeling enthusiasts. The best snorkeling is to your right where access is easiest in summer months. If snorkeling is not your favorite Kauai activity, try renting ocean equipment by the St. Regis pool for stand up paddling.
The view is exceptional looking across Hanalei Bay to legendary Bali Hai. You can also walk to the left and scramble over rocks to reach the second beach which is often deserted. During summer months a low sandbar appears that connects this to Black Pot Beach and Hanalei Bay. Both the walk and beach was popularized in the movie, The Descendents.
Puu Poa Beach Tips.
An offshore reef protects the beach, making it generally safe for swimming and snorkeling in summer. During winter this has some of the best surf rides on Kauai. When the surf is up in winter, snorkeling is not advised.
Directions to Puu Poa Beach.
From Highway 56, take the main Princeville Resort entrance which is Ka Haku Road. You will find the public access lot just before you reach the St. Regis Hotel. Guests staying at Hanalei Bay Resort can walk or be shuttled down the paved path to the shore.
Bookmark our Kauai Beach Explorer to stay current on Kauai beaches and facilities. Watch our Kauai video with important ocean safety information. It’s six minutes of your time that can save your life or that of a loved one.