Maha`ulepu – South Shore Kauai Hidden Treasure

As the last accessible, undeveloped coastline on the south shore of Kauai, Maha`ulepu still remains a quiet and unique refuge. Kauai residents and their families come here to relax, picnic, hike, fish, dive, surf and windsurf and to observe the sea life along the coast. Visitors say that the area – pristine, inspiring and still secluded – is what they hoped to find when they came to visit Hawaii.

This spectacular section of wild coastline is a treasure-trove of geological and cultural sites (see future blogs on Maha`ulepu trails, places, plants and animal life). It is a unique heritage place, revealing 5 million years of continuous history. Maha`ulepu is sacred and legendary to Native Hawaiians, many of whom are connected to it by ancestral ties and continue to fish and gather there.

Maha`ulepu continues to be an important agricultural place, a vitally needed recreational retreat and a source of connection to family and local culture for all Kauai residents. It is enjoyed as open space and a recreational spot, thanks to landowner, Grove Farm Company, Inc. (Mr. Stephen Case), who keeps the area open during daylight hours.

Remote, rugged, historical, and spectacular, Maha`ulepu typically has strong winds. Windsurfing and kite surfing are the most common ocean activities. The beach sometimes offers snorkeling during extreme calms, which mostly happen in the winter.

Directions:

The drive to Maha`ulepu beach follows Poipu Road eastward along a very bumpy dirt road that begins just past the Grand Hyatt Resort. This road belongs to Grove Farm and the gate is closed at 6pm sharp. There is a dirt parking lot available for cars and there are no restroom facilities.

Park your car in the lot and hike from there — you are just steps away from going back in time to a truly breath-taking spot on Kauai.

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.