88°
Partly Sunny
7%
82
Kauai County, HI · Hawaiian Islands
Polihale State Park
Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
The wild western end of Kauai — 17 miles of dune-backed beach running up to the foot of the Na Pali Coast sea cliffs. The drive in is a 5-mile rutted dirt road that floods after rain and effectively requires 4WD. No food, no water, no lifeguards, no shade, and dangerous year-round shore break — but the best sunset on the island.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
80°F water · 88°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny. High near 88, with temperatures falling to around 82 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 96. West wind around 8 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 6 mph.
Weather
- 88°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
76 /100
great
56 Swim
75 Sunbathe
84 Walk
80 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
88°F
Partly Cloudy
Wind
8 mph
W
Rain
7%
Today
UV Peak
13 Extreme
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.6 ft
8s · NE swell
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (HIZ029)
The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- HIZ003 Kauai n/a
- HIZ006 Oahu n/a
- HIZ017 Maui n/a
- HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
- HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
- HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
- HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
12:05 PM
Sunset
1:24 AM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:10 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:03 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 11:59 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 6:48 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:43 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 8:18 AM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 1:06 PM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 7:13 PM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:17 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 9:43 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 2:57 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 7:28 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:55 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 11:05 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:39 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:10 PM | High | 1.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:28 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 12:59 PM | High | 1.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:21 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 1:40 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 9:59 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 1611400, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Mostly Sunny
5%
82
86°
Mostly Sunny
2%
84
86°
Partly Sunny then Isolated Rain Showers
18%
79
86°
Mostly Sunny
12%
82
87°
Mostly Sunny
2%
82
86°
Mostly Sunny
2%
82
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 88°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free park lot at the end of Lower Saki Mana Rd; 4WD strongly recommended.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited (Hawaii state park beach).
Entry Fee
Day-use free; non-resident camping permits required via camping.ehawaii.gov.
Address
Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Polihale State Park today?
Polihale State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Polihale State Park dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited (Hawaii state park beach).
Is there an entry fee at Polihale State Park?
Day-use free; non-resident camping permits required via camping.ehawaii.gov.
Are there lifeguards at Polihale State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Polihale State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Polihale State Park?
Amenities at Polihale State Park include restrooms, outdoor showers, tent camping (permit).
When is the water warmest at Polihale State Park?
Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.
Where is Polihale State Park located?
Polihale State Park is in Kauai County, HI, at Lower Saki Mana Rd, Waimea, HI 96796.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS