The Hawaiian Islands are home to approximately 750 miles of coastline — as well as countless incredible beaches in a variety of colors and landscapes. Found across the islands, these beaches are some of the best in the country — and perhaps even the world. Though if you’re seeking out “drive up beaches near me” in Hawaii, you might not find it as easy as searching Dr. Google; these stretches of fine, gorgeous sand are also heavily protected. However, that doesn’t mean drive up beaches in Hawaii don’t exist. In fact, there is one place we can find in the Aloha State where you’re permitted to drive right up to the water. Let’s head to this off-the-beaten-path beach for the adventure of a lifetime, shall we?
Found at the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’i Highway on the island of Kauai, Polihale Beach is not only the largest stretch of sand in the state but one of the most remote and underrated beaches as well.
RCRC/Wikipedia
Known for its seven-mile-long — and 300 feet wide — stretch of pristine sand, and hot, cloudless days, Polihale is also the most western publically accessible areas in Hawaii.
lmcq11/TripAdvisor
Polihale is also one of the only beaches in the Aloha State where it’s legal to drive right up to the water.
Pete Darnell/Google
The wild and beautiful beach is often overlooked for more accessible beaches despite the fact that it is one of the most idyllic camping spots in all of Hawaii.
Hector A Parayuelos/Flickr
Sand dunes along the beach can reach 100 feet tall, and the mountains that frame the beach are so close that beach-goers will often hear goats bleating on the ridge.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
While its unprotected waters and rip currents can prove dangerous for unsuspecting swimmers, Polihale is easily one of the best beaches on the island for sunbathing, barbecuing, or just hanging out with friends and family.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Did we mention that the sunsets viewed from Polihale Beach are truly second to none?
Maggie Houtz/Flickr
Though undeniably beautiful, Polihale is located miles from the closest town — Kekaha — and is only accessible via a poorly marked, dirt sugarcane road best handled with a four-wheel drive vehicle.
DarTar/Wikipedia
A car can make its way to the parking area if it hasn’t rained recently, but obviously, only 4WD vehicles can handle the sand on the actual beach.
saho takamiya/Google
While it is technically legal for locals to drive onto Polihale Beach, anyone with a rental car will invalidate their agreement by taking their vehicle off-road, meaning you will be held liable for any and all costs of repair, towing, cleaning, or service needed. Bottom line: unless you live on Kauai, it’s probably not worth the risk.
Isabelle S/TripAdvisor
Whether you choose to take your car onto the sand of Polihale or opt or a simple sunset stroll, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to this untamed natural oasis.
.shyam./Flickr
RCRC/Wikipedia
lmcq11/TripAdvisor
Pete Darnell/Google
Hector A Parayuelos/Flickr
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Maggie Houtz/Flickr
DarTar/Wikipedia
saho takamiya/Google
Isabelle S/TripAdvisor
.shyam./Flickr
A few things to note, via the Hawaii Division of State Parks website: “A long-standing issue is the dangerous combination of driving on the beach and camping without permits. Both are illegal activities under State Parks Administrative rules. Cottrell added, “In the future this could be regulated via a permit process or rule change but, for now, park users are reminded that driving on the beach or through the dunes is illegal. To address this issue, DSP is working towards designating certain beach areas at Polihale for restricted transiting, parking, and boat launching.
That being said, what are you waiting for? Add this gem to your Hawaii beach bucket list immediately. If you’ve already been, share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
Polihale Beach is located within Polihale State Park at the end of Highway 50 near Waimea on the island of Kauai. Here are Google Directions to help plan your trip!
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Address: Polihale State Park, Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Drive Up Beaches Near Me August 07, 2022 Sarah M. What are the best beaches to visit in Hawaii? Hawaii’s beaches are beautiful and diverse, offering beach-goers a veritable “Choose Your Own Adventure” in terms of excursions. For instance, if you’re looking for what many regard as the most beautiful beach in the entire world, head to Hanauma Bay in Oahu. Dr. Beach, a professor from Florida who releases an annual list of the country’s best beaches, named Oahu’s Hanauma Bay the greatest beach in America for 2016. Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore, this marine life conservation district was formed from a tuff ring and is perhaps the island’s most popular snorkeling destination for tourists and locals alike. Looking for beaches in Hawaii where the sand steals the show? With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Kailua Beach is a photographer’s paradise – if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. The water is relatively shallow, and is perfect for enjoying a lazy day at the beach. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, you should also check out Kailua’s neighbor, Lanikai Beach. Looking for a black sand beach in Hawaii? Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is world famous for its inky shores! And in the middle of the ROYGBIV spectrum, the southernmost point in the United States is memorable not just for its location, but for the natural wonders you will find there. On the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island is Papakolea, a green sand beach so unique that you will only find one other spot with this iconic sand on the planet. The stunning beach is only accessible via four-wheel drive, or a three-mile hike, but trust us, the experience is entirely worth it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Drive Up Beaches Near Me
August 07, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the best beaches to visit in Hawaii? Hawaii’s beaches are beautiful and diverse, offering beach-goers a veritable “Choose Your Own Adventure” in terms of excursions. For instance, if you’re looking for what many regard as the most beautiful beach in the entire world, head to Hanauma Bay in Oahu. Dr. Beach, a professor from Florida who releases an annual list of the country’s best beaches, named Oahu’s Hanauma Bay the greatest beach in America for 2016. Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore, this marine life conservation district was formed from a tuff ring and is perhaps the island’s most popular snorkeling destination for tourists and locals alike. Looking for beaches in Hawaii where the sand steals the show? With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Kailua Beach is a photographer’s paradise – if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. The water is relatively shallow, and is perfect for enjoying a lazy day at the beach. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, you should also check out Kailua’s neighbor, Lanikai Beach. Looking for a black sand beach in Hawaii? Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is world famous for its inky shores! And in the middle of the ROYGBIV spectrum, the southernmost point in the United States is memorable not just for its location, but for the natural wonders you will find there. On the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island is Papakolea, a green sand beach so unique that you will only find one other spot with this iconic sand on the planet. The stunning beach is only accessible via four-wheel drive, or a three-mile hike, but trust us, the experience is entirely worth it.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hawaii’s beaches are beautiful and diverse, offering beach-goers a veritable “Choose Your Own Adventure” in terms of excursions. For instance, if you’re looking for what many regard as the most beautiful beach in the entire world, head to Hanauma Bay in Oahu. Dr. Beach, a professor from Florida who releases an annual list of the country’s best beaches, named Oahu’s Hanauma Bay the greatest beach in America for 2016. Located on Oahu’s southeastern shore, this marine life conservation district was formed from a tuff ring and is perhaps the island’s most popular snorkeling destination for tourists and locals alike.
Looking for beaches in Hawaii where the sand steals the show? With powder-soft, white sand, magnificent turquoise, clear water, and swaying palm trees, Kailua Beach is a photographer’s paradise – if you can catch the beach during a low-traffic period, that is. The water is relatively shallow, and is perfect for enjoying a lazy day at the beach. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, you should also check out Kailua’s neighbor, Lanikai Beach. Looking for a black sand beach in Hawaii? Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is world famous for its inky shores! And in the middle of the ROYGBIV spectrum, the southernmost point in the United States is memorable not just for its location, but for the natural wonders you will find there. On the southernmost tip of Hawaii Island is Papakolea, a green sand beach so unique that you will only find one other spot with this iconic sand on the planet. The stunning beach is only accessible via four-wheel drive, or a three-mile hike, but trust us, the experience is entirely worth it.
