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!
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:
- Na Pali Coast sunset boat trip (likely to sell out – book ahead!)
- Kayak and waterfall hike on the Wailua River (I did this!)
- Doors off helicopter flight in Kauai (absolute must – I did this)
- Kauai Waterfall Safari (great for nature lovers)
- Morning snorkeling tour catamaran trip of Nā Pali Coast
Best Places to Stay in Kauai:
- The Kauai Inn (budget option near Lihue)
- Marriottʻs Kauai Beach Club (mid-range with pool and beach near Lihue)
- Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort (luxury on the water near Kapaa)
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort (luxury living near Poipu)
- 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!
Contents
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 the Kauai state park may be a challenge to reach, it is a great place for those that 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Have you visited Polihale State Park? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Thanks!
More Kauai State Parks
- Kokee State Park
- Best state parks on Kauai
- Top places to visit in Kauai
- Doors off helicopter tour of Kauai
Pin this Polihale State Park Travel Guide
Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she has been traveling frequently to Hawaii for the last 15 years and loves exploring every corner of each Hawaiian island, while trying to promote sustainable travel and small, local businesses along the way. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She has co-authored a guidebook with Fodor’s Travel and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.
Since when it’s open?
Hi! Please check the official page you will see more fresh info there.