How to Visit Polihale State Park on Kauai (+ Tips)

This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kauai is home to nine gorgeous state parks and if you’re looking to visit one of them, be sure to add Polihale State Park to your itinerary!

This is a guide about Polihale State Park, what to do there, how to visit, and more!

Are you planning your trip to Kauai last minute?

If you’re traveling to Kauai and are looking for some of the best tours and lodging for your trip, you can see our top picks below!

Most Popular Tours in Kauai:

  1. Na Pali Coast sunset boat trip (likely to sell out – book ahead!)
  2. Kayak and waterfall hike on the Wailua River (I did this!)
  3. Doors off helicopter flight in Kauai (absolute must – I did this)
  4. Kauai Waterfall Safari (great for nature lovers)
  5. Morning snorkeling tour catamaran trip of Nā Pali Coast

Best Places to Stay in Kauai:

  1. The Kauai Inn (budget option near Lihue)
  2. Marriottʻs Kauai Beach Club (mid-range with pool and beach near Lihue)
  3. Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort (luxury on the water near Kapaa)
  4. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort (luxury living near Poipu)
  5. The Cliffs at Princeville (oceanfront with pool + tennis courts)

Curious about how to get around Kauai? Click here to check Kauai rental car rates!

Have you been to Polihale State Park? Let us know your thoughts and tips in the comments! Thanks!

Aerial view of Polihale State Park
Aerial view of Polihale State Park

About Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park is on the westernmost side of Kauai island situated in a remote and beautiful 57 hectares of golden sandy beach area. The area is not privately owned and is a place for all of the public to enjoy.

While Kauai State Park may be a challenge to reach, it is a great place for those who love to get off the beaten path and enjoy nature with far fewer people around.

There are also some crystal clear beaches surrounded by 100-foot high sand dunes.

Beaches in Polihale State Park
Beaches in Polihale State Park

The park has a lot to offer and will truly make you feel as though you landed on another planet! We suggest heading there if you have more than 4 days in Kauai as it can require a little bit of extra effort!

How to Get to Polihale State Park

Visitors of Kauai island who want to visit Polihale State Park will need to venture down a 5-mile long road that is a rather rough ride in order to get there. You will need to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle or take an organized tour.

Do note that most rental companies will NOT let you take a vehicle to Polihale so please check beforehand to see if this is permitted!

To get there without a tour, you will drive until the very end of Highway 50 where you will come upon an old sugar cane factory and plantation nestled right along the ocean.

From there, you will experience around 5 miles of rough road into the park!

Entrance to the park
Entrance to the park

The address of Polihale State Park is Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796.

If you’re interested in taking a tour to Polihale, get in touch with your hotel to organize one, or contact Makana Charters who will organize one for you! They are a family-owned company with incredible reviews.

Popular Hikes in Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park has one official trail that is an out-and-back, moderately trafficked one that is close to Kekaha surrounded by wildflowers, and with beaches available for everyone.

It is about 12 miles long in length. See more here.

Polihale State Park
Polihale State Park

Things to do in Polihale State Park

The main activity in Polihale State Park is to go swimming in the gorgeous ocean. Please do note that currents are strong here, as well as rip currents, so you can only swim in Queens Pond.

Polihale State Park water from above
Polihale State Park water from above

You can also enjoy camping on the beach as well as fishing in the state park.

Polihale State Park Visitor Information

Polihale State Park is open daily from 5:30am until 6:45pm. The cost to enter is free for all guests. Camping is currently permitted and you can make reservations on their website.

Camping at Polihale State Park
Camping at Polihale State Park

Have you visited Polihale State Park? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Thanks!

More Kauai State Parks

Pin this Polihale State Park Travel Guide

Is Polihale State Park on Kauai on your itinerary for your trip? This guide tells you about Polihale, why you should visit, and what to do when there. Learn more! | Places to visit on Kauai | Kauai state parks | State parks in Kauai | Hawaii state parks | Beaches on Kauai | Kauai things to do | Things to do in Kauai | Kauai itinerary

 

4 thoughts on “How to Visit Polihale State Park on Kauai (+ Tips)

  1. Gail MacLanders says:

    I camped in Polihale state Park in 1978. I was on Kauai for a month and stayed twice in Polihale. To this day it remains the most magical place I’ve ever been. I still remember sitting around a campfire on the beach with other campers and listening to the crash of the waves. I really hope to get back one day.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *