The Shipwreck Beach Walk in Poipu, Koloa, Hawaii (Kauai) is a quick-access 0.3-mile out-and-back walk that leads to the beach. Shipwreck Beach features beautiful blue and turquoise waters alongside the scenic Makawehi Point to the east; however, the water's current at the beach is strong enough to create dangerous waves at times - hence, this how beach got its name.
This is not a hike, but simply an easy out-and-back walk to the beach from the public parking access road.
Swimming
If swimming at Shipwreck Beach, it's best to pay close attention to the water's currents and to be on the lookout for riptides. If caught in a riptide, you must swim away from the beach to exit the current before swimming horizontally to then reach shore. If caught in a riptide and you cannot swim back, it's best to float and wave your hands to wait for help. The waves at Shipwreck Beach can get pretty big for the average tourist swimmer. Never turn your back to the ocean as sneaker waves can sweep people away at any time without warning or concern. Always pay attention to the flags that mark strong or dangerous water currents. Do not swim if in doubt or if feeling out of your own comfort zone.
Parking
Note that there's a parking lot closer to the beach, but is usually filled. The parking marker located will bring visitors to a public road that sits alongside the Grand Hyatt (as of June 2022). This public road has turnouts for additional parking, hence where the trail "begins" in this track.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed at county parks, including at Shipwreck Beach.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
This is not a hike, but simply an easy out-and-back walk to the beach from the public parking access road.
Swimming
If swimming at Shipwreck Beach, it's best to pay close attention to the water's currents and to be on the lookout for riptides. If caught in a riptide, you must swim away from the beach to exit the current before swimming horizontally to then reach shore. If caught in a riptide and you cannot swim back, it's best to float and wave your hands to wait for help. The waves at Shipwreck Beach can get pretty big for the average tourist swimmer. Never turn your back to the ocean as sneaker waves can sweep people away at any time without warning or concern. Always pay attention to the flags that mark strong or dangerous water currents. Do not swim if in doubt or if feeling out of your own comfort zone.
Parking
Note that there's a parking lot closer to the beach, but is usually filled. The parking marker located will bring visitors to a public road that sits alongside the Grand Hyatt (as of June 2022). This public road has turnouts for additional parking, hence where the trail "begins" in this track.
Pets
Dogs are not allowed at county parks, including at Shipwreck Beach.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
