
Puu Poa Beach Princeville Hawaii
Puu Poa Beach offers stunning ocean views, abundant sea turtles for snorkeling, and spectacular sunsets, all adjacent to the Princeville Resort.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling

Puu Poa Beach Princeville Hawaii
Best Time
Calm waters for snorkeling

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Puu Poa Beach offers stunning ocean views, abundant sea turtles for snorkeling, and spectacular sunsets, all adjacent to the Princeville Resort.
"Beautiful beach shared with the Princeville Resort, great for snorkeling, rough for swimming. Lots of sea turtles!!"

🚗 Valet Parking Hack
Use Princeville Resort valet & validate with a beach bar purchase to secure parking. :moneybag:
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! They're frequently spotted here. :turtle:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snorkeling Paradise
Puu Poa Beach
Abundant sea turtles and vibrant marine life make this a top spot for underwater exploration.

Spectacular Sunsets
Puu Poa Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the ocean, often framed by dramatic mountain backdrops.

Tranquil Beach Vibes
Puu Poa Beach
Enjoy a clean, uncrowded beach with calm waters, perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Puu Poa Beach
Best Time for Calm Waters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Valet Parking Hack
Use Princeville Resort valet & validate with a beach bar purchase to secure parking. :moneybag:
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! They're frequently spotted here. :turtle:
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Bring your own snorkel gear or rent from the hotel for great underwater views. :mask:
☀️ Summer Calm
Summer months often mean calmer waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Valet Parking Hack
Use Princeville Resort valet & validate with a beach bar purchase to secure parking. :moneybag:
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles! They're frequently spotted here. :turtle:
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Bring your own snorkel gear or rent from the hotel for great underwater views. :mask:
☀️ Summer Calm
Summer months often mean calmer waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. :ocean:
📸 Sunset Views
The sunsets here are incredible, a must-see for any visitor. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Puu Poa Beach is lauded for its stunning beauty, excellent snorkeling opportunities with abundant sea turtles, and breathtaking sunsets. Visitors appreciate the clean, uncrowded atmosphere and the convenience of nearby resort amenities. However, parking can be a significant challenge, often requiring resort validation or incurring fees.
"Beautiful beach shared with the Princeville Resort, great for snorkeling, rough for swimming. Lots of sea turtles!!
Public parking is limited to 8 spots, located just before the Princeville Resort guard stand. Cars were waiting for a spot to open, so we followed the advice from other reviews and used the resort valet... Cost: we paid for a drink to validate our parking slip and a tip for valet.
You may get mixed information from resort guards, valet, and concierge but what I understand is they can't charge patrons to access the public beach but they can "charge" for parking at the resort which is $45-50 for 90min. However, parking can be validated at the beach bar and we were not held to an order minimum despite being told by some staff that it was $100. We felt ready to leave by the 90min mark but this didn't seem like it was strictly enforced.
There are bathrooms and beach rentals by the bar which are available to the public. However the beach chairs and cabanas are reserved for resort guests only. We felt a little funny bringing our beach stuff through the hotel but the pathway is separate from the room halls and anyone we encountered was very friendly. All in all highly recommend!"
Kayla
"Great little beach! Snorkeling was amazing, sunset… ah … see the pictures. And you can get drinks from the hotel bar."
Christine Miktarian Taylor
"What a beautiful beach! We found it to be very clean and pleasantly uncrowded. Its convenient location on the 1 Hotel property was a plus. We were also treated to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and bay."
Shahbaz Salehi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Puu Poa Beach is located in Princeville, Kauai. Access is often through the 1 Hotel Princeville. Public parking is very limited (around 8 spots), so many visitors use the resort's valet service. You can validate your parking by making a purchase at the beach bar.
Yes, there are about 8 public parking spots available just before the Princeville Resort guard stand. However, these fill up quickly, and cars often wait for a spot.
You can use the Princeville Resort valet parking. While there's a fee, it can often be validated with a purchase at the beach bar, making it a more accessible option.
From Hanalei, head east on Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56). Turn right onto Ka Haku Road in Princeville. Follow Ka Haku Road until you see signs for the 1 Hotel Princeville. The beach access is near the hotel.
It's located adjacent to the 1 Hotel Princeville. Look for signs for the hotel and then follow the path towards the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Puu Poa Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is generally free, though parking at the resort may incur fees if not validated.
As a public beach, Puu Poa Beach is accessible during daylight hours. The resort facilities, like the bar, will have their own operating hours.
The beach itself is free to access. Parking fees at the Princeville Resort can be avoided by validating your parking slip with a purchase at the beach bar.
Beach chairs and cabanas are typically reserved for resort guests. However, beach rentals might be available through the hotel bar.
Crowds can vary. While it's a beautiful spot, it's often described as pleasantly uncrowded, especially outside of peak resort times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Puu Poa Beach is excellent for snorkeling due to its abundant marine life and sea turtles. It's also a great spot for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views.
It's generally better for snorkeling than swimming, especially during winter months when the surf can be rough. Summer often brings calmer conditions.
Yes, there are bathrooms available near the hotel bar, which are accessible to the public.
Absolutely! Sea turtles are frequently spotted in the waters around Puu Poa Beach, making it a highlight for many visitors.
The sand is generally soft and clean, providing a comfortable surface for lounging and relaxing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can get drinks and some food items from the beach bar at the 1 Hotel Princeville. This is also a good way to validate your parking.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally allowed at public beaches. However, be mindful of any resort policies if you are using their facilities.
Princeville offers several dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Nourish Hanalei in Princeville is a popular spot for acai bowls and matcha.
While some staff might mention a high minimum, many visitors report that a simple purchase (like a drink) and a tip for the valet is sufficient for validation.
The beach bar typically offers drinks and light fare, suitable for a casual beach day.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunset shots, the dramatic mountain views, and of course, any sea turtles you encounter. The coastline itself offers beautiful photographic potential.
Drone usage may be restricted in resort areas and near protected wildlife. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be good for capturing the clear turquoise water.
You can take photos of the resort's exterior and public areas. Be mindful of guest privacy if photographing within the resort grounds.
The entire stretch of the beach offers picturesque views. The rocky outcrops and the meeting of the Hanalei River with the ocean are particularly scenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking can be a challenge, so consider arriving early or utilizing the resort valet with a validated purchase. Bringing beach toys and snacks is a good idea, as food options are limited to the hotel bar. Remember that beach chairs are for resort guests, so pack your own towels and blankets for comfortable lounging.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own snorkel gear to avoid rental fees and maximize your underwater exploration. The real treasure of Puu Poa is its natural beauty and wildlife, which are completely free to enjoy. Visiting during the shoulder season (like May, as mentioned in ) might also offer better prices on accommodations in the Princeville area.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon snorkeling hand-in-hand, searching for sea turtles. Afterwards, you can enjoy a cocktail at the hotel bar with ocean views, a perfect way to cap off a romantic day. The natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make Puu Poa a memorable spot for couples seeking a slice of Hawaiian paradise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Access
Once you've secured parking, the walk to the beach is straightforward. Even if using the resort valet, the pathway to the beach is separate from guest areas, and staff are generally friendly and accommodating. Beach amenities like bathrooms are available to the public, though beach chairs and cabanas are reserved for hotel guests.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling at Puu Poa
While the beach is fantastic for snorkeling, it's worth noting that swimming can be more challenging. The ocean conditions can vary significantly, with rougher surf common during the winter months. For the best snorkeling experience, aim for the summer months when the waters tend to be more serene and clear. Bringing your own snorkel gear is recommended, though rentals may be available through the hotel.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Puu Poa
For the best light, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. Midday can offer clear, bright shots of the turquoise water and sandy shores. The meeting point of the Hanalei River with the ocean also provides unique photographic perspectives. While the beach itself is a prime subject, remember that it's adjacent to a resort, so be mindful of guest privacy if you're photographing within resort areas. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage, as it may be restricted.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit