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.

Great day for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 77°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 80 in the afternoon. North wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 3 to 7 mph.

Weather

  • 85°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 26% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

  • 77°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
  • 5.2ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

  • UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
  • NWS alert active — marine weather statement issued june 2 at 3:39pm hst by nws honolulu hi
67 /100
good
35 Swim
69 Sunbathe
77 Walk
74 Photo

Best for walking today

Marine Alert Marine Weather Statement

Marine Weather Statement issued June 2 at 3:39PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

NWS · In effect through Jun 4, 1:45 AM

Full NWS statement

A long-period south-southwest swell will produce surges in south facing harbors through early Thursday. The swell will also produce breaking waves near harbor entrances. Mariners using these harbors should exercise caution when entering or leaving and when mooring or launching vessels. Boaters should expect recreational surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas.

Air Temp
85°F
Cloudy
Wind
3 mph
N
Rain
26%
Today
UV Peak
11 Extreme
High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~18m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
84°F
Partly Sunny
Water Temp
77°F
Swimming weather
Wave Height
5.2 ft
6s · ENE 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

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Jun 3, 7:05 PM

Sunrise
11:55 AM
Sunset
1:19 AM
Moon · 87%
Waning Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
7-day chart →
Time Type Height
1:23 AM Low 0.4 ft
4:29 AM High 0.5 ft
10:11 AM Low -0.1 ft
6:19 PM High 1.9 ft
Today Jun 3
85°

Scattered Rain Showers

26%
76
Thu Jun 4
84°

Partly Sunny

14%
86
Fri Jun 5
84°

Mostly Sunny

14%
85
Sat Jun 6
84°

Mostly Sunny

14%
85
Sun Jun 7
84°

Mostly Sunny

1%
85
Mon Jun 8
84°

Mostly Sunny

2%
85
Tue Jun 9
85°

Mostly Sunny

3%
85
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 77°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

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

restroomsoutdoor showerstent camping (permit)
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.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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