Our beautiful South Shore Kauai beaches include Shipwreck Beach on the eastern end of Poipu Resort. It is only a short distance from our Kauai vacation rentals and close to many Kauai resorts including Poipu Sands and Makahuena. Also known as Keoniloa for “the long sands,” it was given its popular name from an old wooden shipwreck now long gone. This half mile stretch of golden sand beach offers opportunities for long walks, watching the dramatic Kauai sunset and Kauai hiking on the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail.
One of the most photographed Kauai Beaches at Poipu Resort – and now featured in our Kauai video.
Picture yourself at Shipwreck Beach in our new Kauai video tour. One highlight you will see is the famous Makawehi Point at the eastern end of the beach. This lithified sand dune is popular with long pole fisherman and experienced cliff jumpers. Continuing along from the base of the cliff is a spectacular shoreline trail that goes east for several miles along the rocky coast. Meandering along the Poipu Bay Golf Course, the Mahaulephu Heritage Trail affords wonderful views of the Poipu Beach coastline.
One of my favorite times to visit this Kauai beach is early in the morning when parking is easy to find. I can sit for hours on the beautiful sand watching the ocean and appreciating its magnificence. Later in the day there will be advanced surfers and boarders tackling the waves. Due to the strong current, undertow and hidden rocks, it is best to leave this for experienced ocean athletes. You can still luxuriate in its beauty and stay in the shallow water.
Perfect for many Kauai activities: Sun bathing, shallow wading, Kauai sunsets, Kauai hiking and beach walks. You will also find restrooms and showers.
Hazards to watch for: Not recommended for novice swimmers due to strong currents, hidden rocks and a short shore-break. This is for expert surfers, boogie-boarders, body surfers and experienced swimmers. There is no lifeguard on duty so check to see if any warning flags have been posted by the nearby Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.
Driving directions to Shipwreck 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 along Poipu Road for approximately three miles, past the Grand Hyatt Resort. Turn right on Ainalo Road and take it to the dead end where there is a small free all day parking lot.
Don’t forget your sunscreen!!
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.
6 Responses
Hi,
We’re trying to book our family vacation near Poipu Beach. We need a condo or house with a kitchen for 2 adults and 4 kids (age 1-12). Ideally, we’d like to be able to walk to a calm beach that our young kids can enjoy. We’d like to stay the first week or two of June 2021. Do you have anything available?
Aloha Cheree,
We are pleased to hear you wish to spend your family vacation here with us. We have a few wonderful options available for the first week or two of June that fit your preferences perfectly. I have included a few links and descriptions below for you to review and see if they will work for your family.
Available June 1st- June 8th, 2021
Baby Beach Hale is the perfect Kauai vacation rental for a large group or family get together. This spacious two-story Kauai vacation home and guest cottage is 50 feet from the white sands of Baby Beach (located across a quiet neighborhood road). The ocean views from the main great room and expansive deck are the perfect setting for that family reunion or multi-family get-together. This three bedroom main home along with the two bedroom guest cottage are perfect for larger groups and families.
Available June 1st- June 15th, 2021
Poipu Kapili Resort is an oceanfront Kauai resort in Poipu featuring spacious Kauai condos and spectacular sunset views. With its classic Hawaii plantation style architecture and design, complemented by a wonderful pool and guest amenities, this is a sought after Poipu resort destination on Kauai. Located within walking distance to Kiahuna Beach as well as Koloa Landing, Poipu Kapili is close to the Shops at Kukui`ula for fine dining and shopping.
Let me know if this home or this condo resort will work for you or if you have any further questions I can assist you with. We look forward to hosting you.
Mahalo,
Diana
Hello, hoping to arrange accommodations for two adults and for children ages 9-13. A week during last three weeks of Feb 2020. We have Some flexibility.
Thank you
Aloha Kim, Thank you for interest in booking with the Parrish Collection. Below are the two properties I recommend for your time frame in February:
If you are looking for a condo, Poipu Sands 428 has gorgeous ocean view from the lanai where you will enjoy watching the beautiful sunset with your family. It is available from February 24, 2020- March 1, 2020 @ $275/night. This property is centrally located in Poipu and adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Resort and just a few minutes away from the Shipwreck’s beach and Poipu Beach. It has private heated swimming pool also.
Or if you prefer a home, the beautiful Home of the Cherished Seacoast @$550/night is available from February 24, 2020 for a week. This beautiful home is located just right across from the world famous Brennecke beach and just a few steps from the sunny Poipu beach. You will have a fantastic ocean view right from your lanai while enjoying your afternoon mai tai or early morning coffee.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have further questions or if you are ready to book I’ll be very happy to assist you. I look forward to hearing back from you!
Mahalo and Happy Holidays,
Mary Jane
We are looking for a house on the beach in Poipu to accommodate 10 of us–6 adults and 4 children, for the last week of March 2015.
Thank you,
Louise G
Aloha Louise,
Thank you for your message. I do have the Hale Luana home which is great a 5-bedroom beach front home that sits on baby beach and as well has its own private pool. It is a perfect family home and is currently available from 3/22/15 – 4/1/15. Which dates would work best for you? I’ll email you this as well as some other options and will be happy to discuss further details with you. We also can be reached toll free at 1-800-325-5701.
Mahalo, Amber