Fodor's Expert Review Polihale State Park
The longest stretch of beach in Hawaii starts in Kekaha and ends west about 15 miles away at the start of Napali Coast. On the far west end is the 5-mile-long, 140-acre Polihale State Park, a remote beach accessed via a rough, rutted, potholed, 5-mile road at the end of Route 50 in Mana. (Four-wheel drive is recommended, and rental car companies may prohibit use of their vehicles here.) In addition to being long, this beach is 300 feet wide in places and backed by sand dunes 50 to 100 feet tall. Cultural sites, including burials, are located within the sensitive dune system. It is frequently very hot, with almost no shade and scorching sand. Start the day with a full tank of gas and a cooler filled with food and drink. Though it's a popular beach, the ocean here has dangerous currents and is not recommended for recreation. No driving is allowed on the beach. The U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility is adjacent, so access to the coastline... READ MORE
The longest stretch of beach in Hawaii starts in Kekaha and ends west about 15 miles away at the start of Napali Coast. On the far west end is the 5-mile-long, 140-acre Polihale State Park, a remote beach accessed via a rough, rutted, potholed, 5-mile road at the end of Route 50 in Mana. (Four-wheel drive is recommended, and rental car companies may prohibit use of their vehicles here.) In addition to being long, this beach is 300 feet wide in places and backed by sand dunes 50 to 100 feet tall. Cultural sites, including burials, are located within the sensitive dune system. It is frequently very hot, with almost no shade and scorching sand. Start the day with a full tank of gas and a cooler filled with food and drink. Though it's a popular beach, the ocean here has dangerous currents and is not recommended for recreation. No driving is allowed on the beach. The U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility is adjacent, so access to the coastline in front of the base is monitored and restricted. Note that the park is open for day use only; camping permits are required when overnight use is allowed. Amenities: parking (free); showers; toilets. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.
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