Fronting Princeville’s elegant St. Regis hotel on the north shore, Puu Poa Beach has nice white sand and shallow offshore waters that are protected by a coral reef. Swimming and snorkeling are good in these shallow waters where you can find some nice sandy spots, but avoid the water during winter swells and times of high surf due to dangerous waves and strong currents.
Trees line the shore providing plenty of shady areas for relaxing. The width of the beach varies through the seasons and is quite narrow in some spots. This can make for an adventurous walk along the shore beneath the trees. Puu Poa Beach is also quite scenic with views of Hanalei Bay and the surrounding mountains. The public can reach the beach by walking down about 200 steps beginning on the left side of the St. Regis parking lot. If you are staying at the hotel you merely have to take the elevator down to the bottom level and you will emerge beachside.
Great For
Beach walks, sunbathing. Swimming and snorkeling when water is calm. Surfing for those who are experienced.
Highlights
This sparkling white sand beach provides an exotic Hawaiian beach experience with the tree-lined shore protected by a large fringing reef that often creates a lagoon-like setting. A channel in the reef allows experienced surfers to paddle out to the famous Hanalei Bay surf break from the “back door.” You can also walk with your surfboard along the beach toward Hanalei Bay then cross the river and paddle out there.
Need to Know
Puu Poa Beach is relatively well protected from the open sea by a coral reef and is typically very calm and safe but the beach is still subject to high waves, strong surges and powerful ocean currents, particularly during the big winter swells that pummel these shores each winter. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas, and always stay near shore.
Lifeguard
No
Facilities
None, though the St. Regis hotel is nearby.
Access
Puu Poa Beach is reached by following Hwy. 56 to Ka Haku Road which leads down into Princeville. At the end of the road is the gatehouse for the St. Regis hotel. Just outside the gate are very few public parking spots. A paved path begins on the left side of the hotel near the gatehouse and leads down the steps to the beach.