Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [446]
To get here, go to the end of Ho′owili Rd. Parking is right across the street from the beach.
BRENNECKE’s BEACH
Any time, any day, this little beach attracts a big cadre of bodyboarders, bobbing in the water, waiting for the next set. Tourists often sit on the roadside stonewall to enjoy the action. No surfboards are allowed near shore, so bodyboarders rule. If you want to join in, note that waves break dangerously close to shore. Surf is highest in summer, but the winter action is respectable, too. The beach flanks the eastern edge of Po′ipu Beach Park.
PO′IPU BEACH
Despite its nicknames of Sheraton Beach and Kiahuna Beach, this long swath of sand is not private. It merely fronts the hotel and condo, both of which scored big-time with their location along Po′ipu Beach, which lies west of Po′ipu Beach Park. The waters here are too rough for kids, although an offshore reef tames the waves enough for strong swimmers and snorkelers.
Experienced surfers and bodyboarders can attempt the breaks near the Sheraton, but the waters are famous for sneaker sets (rogue waves that appear from nowhere) and the rocky coast makes it difficult to get offshore and back. South Shore spots tend to be fickle and highly susceptible to winds, tides and swells. Cowshead, the rocky outcropping at the west end of the beach, is an extremely challenging break unless you know how to approach the channel. Expert surfers can attempt offshore spots such as First Break in front of the Sheraton, but beginners should always remain inshore. Waiohai, at the east end of the beach in front of the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club time-share, also sees major swells.
To get to the beach, drive to the end of Ho′onani Rd.
SHIPWRECK BEACH
Unless you’re an expert surfer, bodyboarder or bodysurfer, keep your feet dry at Shipwrecks. Instead, come for an invigorating walk along the half-mile crescent of light gold sand. You’ll have company, as the Grand Hyatt Kaua′i Resort & Spa overlooks much of the beach along Keoneloa Bay. Row after row of waves crash close to shore, giving this beach a rugged, untamed vibe. Toward the left of the bay looms Makawehi Point, a gigantic lithified sand dune, which you can ascend in 10 minutes.
In the movie Six Days Seven Nights, stunt doubles for Harrison Ford and Anne Heche leap off Makawehi Point. In real life, a few daredevils similarly dive off the rocky cliff, as shown in thrilling YouTube clips, but no one mentions the severe casualties and deaths. In a word: don’t.
To get here, head toward the Grand Hyatt, turn makai (seaward) on Ainako St and park in the small lot at the end.
BABY BEACH
Introduce tots to the ocean at this baby beach (there’s another in Kapa′a; Click here), where the water is barely thigh-high. The sandy shore runs behind a row of beach homes on Ho′ona Rd (west of Koloa Landing), so access is easy but parking is tricky (don’t block driveways). Look for the beach access sign that marks a path to the beach.
LAWA′I (BEACH HOUSE) BEACH
This tiny beach gets some major action with snorkelers and surfers. Located almost adjacent to Lawa′i Rd (beside the iconic Beach House restaurant), it’s in plain view of passersby and not especially scenic or sandy. But during calm surf, the waters are rich snorkeling turf – and crowded with a contingent of tourists from nearby time-shares and condos. There are rest rooms, a shower and public parking across the street. On balance, however, choose this beach only if you’re staying nearby.
NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
If you’re interested in plants and their preservation, a visit to these gardens (NTBG; 742-2623; www.ntbg.org; 4425 Lawa′i Rd; admission $20-85; 8:30am-5pm) is a must. The gardens are not just stunningly beautiful, but they are also sanctuaries for native plants and living laboratories for staff scientists and international experts.
Of the two Po′ipu gardens, the 80-acre Allerton