Review:

Polihale State Park is a gorgeous wild beachfront along Kauai's western side, serving as the westernmost publicly-accessible area within the state. The park, which is located several miles from the city of Kekaha, is only accessible via four-wheel drive vehicle, as the park's access road is rough and poorly marked. It has strong ties to native Hawai'ian mythology, said to be a site where spirits travel to the mythical afterlife and be populated by a strain of sea lettuce that was blessed by the Hawai'ian goddess Na-maka-o-Kaha'i.

Is this Kauai beach safe? Safe swimming along the beachfront is offered at the region known as Queen's Pond, which is flanked by 100-foot-high sand dunes along its shoreline.

What is there to see? Visitors can catch glimpses of the Napali Coast mountains in the distance or spot the Pacific Missile Range Facility located adjacent to the beach park.

Must know: Though the beach offers restrooms and showers, visitors should bring additional food and medical supplies if needed, as the park is not staffed.

Hwy 50, Waimea, HI 96766

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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