This is where Harrison Ford crashed his biplane in the movie "Six Days, Seven Nights" – against the cliff on the south edge of the bay. In fact, a couple of surfer friends of mine were paid $100 just to stay OUT of the area while they were filming this. The beach fronts a private estate owned by Mandalay – a Hollywood film studio.

Before the recent controversy and lawsuits over beach access, this was one of my favorite camping beach – you see, camping anywhere is "technically" not allowed without a state-issued permit, but the limited accessibility of the bay made it impractical to enforce. However, now that the estate’s owner is miffed by the irrational activists trying to force the issue, officers are allowed through his property to enforce this law. Don’t get me wrong – this is still an exceptional beach: quiet, secluded, and great for fishing. We just can’t overnight it here anymore.

WHERE IT IS: Just north of Anahola, the beach fronts a large 100+ acre estate with no access from the north and difficult access along a cliff to the south. However, state law prevents anyone from deliberately blocking access to a beach, so this "private" beach is accessible to the public through a short but steep trail on the south side of the bay, followed by a trek over sometimes slippery lava boulders.

HOW TO GET THERE: Driving north from Kapa’a on Kuhio Highway and pass Anahola town. About 2 miles after Anahola Post Office, take a right on Papa’a Road, drive straight toward the ocean (the road tries to steer you to the right, but keep going onto the dirt road). Stop before the dirt road turns south along the cliff. Papa’a Bay is on your left and the unmarked trail starts on the bluff.

WHEN TO GO THERE: The east side of the island is the most unpredictable one as it doesn’t experience the drastic seasonal wave changes that the north and south shores have. However, in general, there are more "flat" days in the summer – not necessarily a good thing, if you’re looking for surf.

WHAT TO DO THERE: Now that we can’t camp here, we’re limited to fishing and diving off the reef during the day. When the waves are up, surfing is pretty good, though you have to paddle outside the bay – quite a bit offshore. There’s actually a popular surf spot (Flags Beach), with much easier access, just south of the bay.

Being on the southern coast (where the high winter waves don't occur as much as on the north shore), this beach is great all year!

The snorkeling is great here and the water is quiet and gentle because of a protective reef across the entrance to a small cove. There are actually 2 bay areas. One is more shallow and a favorite spot for families with smaller kids. That is also where the lifeguard station is set up. Close in on the other side, the fish are use to being fed, so they'll come check you out to see if you have food. Watch out that you don't accidentally get caught up in the shallow reef like I did---I ended up with one nasty cut on my hand! We came back to this beach many times, even though we were staying by Lihue. The ride was nice, and only about 25 minutes.

In the winter, daytime temperatures in Poipu range from the mid 70's to the lower 80's. Nighttime temperatures are in the low to mid 60's. In the summer, daytime temperatures go as high as the upper 80's, and during the night, down into the low 70's. But the water is a pretty constant temperature which makes it great for snorkeling in year around.

Poipu Beach was recently named America's #1 Beach by Dr. Steve Leatherman of Florida International University.

This beach is a series of golden sand crescents, strung together in front of Poipu Beach Park and the resort hotels of the south shore. The sand is very fine and soft.

Snorkeling, swimming, wading and surfing are all popular here. The surf spots are slightly off-shore where a reef establishes wave-breaks for all levels of surfers.

Closer to the shore, there is also a natural wading pool perfect for children and non-swimmers.

Poipu beach
If your staying in sunny Poipu, where it doesn’t rain as much as other parts of the island, Poipu beach is easily accessible by walking from the Grand Hyatt or the Embassy Vacations Point at Poipu. Just follow Pe’e road along the water and it will take youright to the beach. Poipu beach is a nice park with picnic tables, places to grill, and lots of wild chickens running around. It’s a nice beach to just play in the water, lie on the beach. Brenneke’s deli is right there too if you want to get something to eat but the food is mediocre. Brenneke’s activity center is located here as well where you can book your activities and get discounts for going to the Marriot Timeshare presentation. The Marriot is located right next to the beach. If you continue walking west, the Sheraton is right next door.

Great snorkeling, family friendly beach. Before spending too much time in Kauai, you will be reminded over and over again that Poipu Beach was named "America's Best Beach" in 2004 by "Dr. Beach, PhD". So, in case you haven't heard it yet, this beach is officially, certifiably, "The Best".

Here is why:
The beach is protected by a reef offshore, so it is very easy to swim in. The sand is very good. Not fine sugary white sand, but good soft sand.

There is a "kiddie pool" area or lagoon, where there is almost no wave action. The little ones can have a beach all to themselves. We saw 3 and 5 year old kids with little to no supervision on this beach.

The beach has a playground, although it puzzles me why a kid would need a playground on the beach. There are also facilities and lifeguards, as well as plenty of parking.

Nearby places to eat include Brennecke's, a casual, but somewhat expensive restaurant with unbeatable views of the beach. Downstairs from Brennecke's is a Deli, with deli staples like sandwiches, chips and drinks.

There is a surf shop just across the street, where you can rent surf boards, boogie boards, or snorkeling gear.

If you're lucky, you might spot Hawaiian Monk Seals napping on the sand, or Green Sea Turtles swimming or resting on the beach.