Poipu Beach
Koloa, HI
A sheltered, sunny south-shore beach on Kauai split into a calm swimming lagoon and a livelier surf side, with a good chance of spotting Hawaiian monk seals resting on the sand.
A calm lagoon side and a livelier surf side in one spot, plus a good chance at spotting monk seals, just keep a respectful distance if you do.
How we score beachesKeep a healthy distance from any monk seals resting on the sand. They are protected, and locals take this seriously.
Dogs are not allowed at Poipu Beach Park.
Kauai's south shore is the driest part of the island, which is exactly why Poipu stays popular even in the winter wet season that soaks the north shore. Water holds in the high 70s nearly year round, with summer bringing the calmest, clearest conditions.
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