Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park is a protected coastal area on Kauai's western shore featuring a 17-mile stretch of sandy beach and large dunes behind the golden sand bordering the Pacific Ocean. The land serves as a habitat management area and nature reserve for the island's ecosystem.

The land originally belonged to Native Hawaiian families who maintained natural resources and traditions through generations until state management began in 1967. This shift marked the transition from family stewardship to public protection of the area.

For Native Hawaiians, this remote location holds spiritual meaning as a place where spirits depart to meet their ancestors. The site remains important to the local community as a connection to their traditional beliefs.

The unpaved access road requires four-wheel drive vehicles and becomes impassable after rain, with rental companies often restricting travel on this route. Check local conditions and vehicle requirements before planning your trip to ensure safe access.

The sand dunes reach heights over 100 feet (30 meters) and form a natural barrier between ocean and inland during rough surf conditions. This large dune ecosystem is among the most extensive of its kind in Hawaii.