Are you craving some soft sand between your toes and the cool blue waves splashing against your legs? Enjoy this and more at Shipwrecks Beach in sunny Poipu! Merely steps away from the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Shipwrecks is filled with fun and sun for your whole family. The beach brings all sorts of enjoyable activities sure to keep everyone entertained all day long—from sunrise to sunset.
Families settle on the sand with umbrellas and beach chairs, perfect for lounging while gazing upon the shimmering canvas of blue ahead. You find a place on the beach as the sun begins to blaze down and brings with it the afternoon heat.
You’re filled with excitement that your vacation is finally here but now you’re wondering what to do—lounge on the beach all afternoon or seek out an adventure? You’re in luck! At Shipwrecks, you can enjoy both.
Always Be Safe!
The water alone offers an abundance of activities. However, you may notice that Shipwrecks Beach doesn’t have any lifeguards present so it is important to exercise extra caution, especially if you are with any children or inexperienced swimmers. Before you paddle out, be sure to watch the waves. Remember, when in doubt, don’t go out, and always bring a buddy!
The conditions at Shipwrecks Beach are more intense than most other beaches on Kauai’s south shore. During Kauai’s hurricane season—June through November—the wind and waves can change at a moment’s notice from relaxing to rough.
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Waves can quickly change from relaxing to rough.
Unseen, but equally as threatening, are the rip currents at Shipwrecks. While it’s impossible to tell exactly how strong the currents are at any given moment, some signs can help you identify areas to avoid. It may appear calm in between the breaking waves, but this is often where currents are strongest.
Discoloration or darker water can help you to identify these dangerous areas. Along the beach, there are many safer places where you can jump in and enjoy a refreshing dip. Watch your toes as you get into the water—when the waves fluctuate, so will the amount of sand and rock at the beach. Thankfully, you won’t find many sharp rocks along the ocean floor, but you may find a slippery slab of rock.
The Crowd At Shipwrecks Beach
You may also find the parking lot full of ocean enthusiasts, ready with their surfboards and bodyboards to spend their afternoon dancing with the waves. If you find yourself itching for a ride with the waves during your stay on Kauai, worry not! There are a variety of places to rent or buy boards including Hoku Water Sports, Nukumoi Surf Company, and Poipu Surf.
Sometimes your condo or hotel may even have some available for your use! Be courteous of others in the ocean while riding a board. The waves will bring you from the breaking waves right up to the shore filled with swimmers—certainly both a fun ride and an essential time to be aware of your surroundings.
Poipu Surf is a great choice for renting boards
Even if getting in the ocean isn’t your cup of tea, there’s still much more to do. Did you have your hopes set on a day of reclining and relaxing? You may hear the sand or grass calling your name. The palms closer to the parking lot provide a cool grassy shade to escape the powerful Hawaiian sun. If they haven’t already been spoken for, the trees are the perfect space to set up a hammock and sway in the breeze or to lay down a towel for an afternoon picnic with your signifcant other.
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Nearer to the ocean, the sand is a perfect foundation for beach chairs, towels, or a beach blanket. Here, you can bury your umbrella into the sand, soak in the sunshine, and get your tan on with the perfect view of the ocean.
Shipwrecks Cliff
Impossible to miss from your comfort in the sand is the most prominent and defining feature of Shipwrecks—the 35-foot cliff with a breathtaking overlook of the pristine Pacific. From the peak, you can sometimes see Hawaii’s spectacular sea life swimming along in the ocean below—manta rays, sea turtles, monk seals, and possibly even a humpback whale or two during the wintertime.
Many locals choose to jump off the cliff’s peak, sometimes even flip, as their mode of entry. While this jump does pose a significant risk, for some, the risk is worth the reward of conquering Shipwrecks Cliff. Please note we do not encourage anyone to do so. If you’re not in the mood for an adrenaline rush, the cliff still offers beautiful scenery, especially from the peak during sunset, and a casual oceanfront hike.
The view from Shipwreck Cliff
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail begins at the base of Shipwrecks cliff with a small incline before a two-mile stretch of rugged sandy cliff side, making for a total of four miles of hiking. The trail rounds the coast so you rarely lose sight of the beautiful blue ocean and the white-capped waves. Along the walk, there are a few indents in the cliff that can be accessed. These divots welcome you into small sandy caverns that overlook a few tide pools—great for cooling off your toes before continuing on.
Despite the east nature of the hike, it is important to note that there is limited shade. The cool breeze that the ocean sends your way will do its best to keep you cool. Earlier mornings, even during sunrise, will offer a less intense sunblaze during your hiking and possibly even the show of a lifetime in the sky. If you’d rather go later in the day and catch some other cool attractions, don’t forget your water and sunscreen!
An aerial view of Mahaulepu
Farther into the hike, you can find the Makauwahi Cave, a reserve of Hawaii’s largest limestone cave. This cave is open from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. daily and is completely free to visit! You’ll find it a bit inland where a small stream meets the ocean. Next to the cave, you can find a tortoise sanctuary.
There is a small fence with a set of steps that you can use to enter. The grove, called Lida’s Field of Dreams, has approximately two dozen tortoises in addition to a variety of native plant species. This is also free to check out but donations are accepted if you’re feeling generous. The sanctuary is open from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. daily.
The hike continues along the beach and onto another cliffside where you may find a hole in the rock where ocean air gushes up as waves crash against the cliff below. Before making your way back to Shipwrecks Beach after the hike, don’t forget to soak in a little sunshine and splash time at Mahaulepu Beach, the secluded section of ocean down the coast from Shipwrecks. The water here does have a few more sharp rocks so be careful as you get in the water.
After a long day in the sun, sand, and salty sea, you can rinse off at the showers and change in the restrooms before carrying on your way. Whatever you choose to do at Shipwrecks Beach, whether it be relaxing or exploring, you won’t regret it!
Other Notable Beaches On The South Shore
- Poipu Beach – This gem among Hawaii’s top beaches is a wonderland for children, where they can discover turtles in the natural wading pool. For snorkelers, the crystal-clear waters offer an incredible glimpse into the underwater world, often graced by many turtles lounging around at sunset. The usually gentle surf, shallow coral reefs, and stunning golden sands further enhance the enchantment of this beloved location.
- Brennecke’s Beach, located on the eastern end of Poipu Beach Park, is a perfect place for beach-side honu viewing. Known for its significant waves, this famous beach is also a great venue for experienced surfers and bodyboarding. Some say it’s a wonderful spot to see basking turtles late in the afternoon and they also can be seen foraging along the lava shelf.
- Lawai Beach is a picturesque spot in a quiet rural community near Poipu, which offers excellent snorkeling. It’s a great place to see these graceful swimmers in the water.
