Kauai County, HI · Hawaiian Islands

Polihale State Park

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.

Today's Conditions

Great day for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 6.9ft waves · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Mostly sunny. High near 85, with temperatures falling to around 80 in the afternoon. East northeast wind 6 to 9 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 70. East northeast wind around 9 mph.

Weather

85°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

Safety

6.9ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 3:24am hst until november 9 at 6:00am hst by nws honolulu hi

82 /100

great

80 Sunbathe

84 Walk

81 Photo

Best for walking today

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 3:24AM HST until November 9 at 6:00AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI

NWS · In effect through Nov 9, 6:00 AM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...Northeast winds 20 to 30 kt and seas 7 to 10 feet. * WHERE...Kauai Northwest Waters, Kauai Windward Waters, Kauai Leeward Waters, Kauai Channel, Oahu Windward Waters, Oahu Leeward Waters, Kaiwi Channel, Maui County Windward Waters, Maui County Leeward Waters, Maalaea Bay, Pailolo Channel, Alenuihaha Channel, Big Island Leeward Waters and Big Island Southeast Waters. * WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

85°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

6 to 9 mph

ENE

Rain

11%

Today

UV Peak

7 High

High 11 AM–01 PM · burn in ~29m

Tomorrow

85°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Next Low Tide

7:56 PM

-0.1 ft · in 1.4h

Wave Height

6.9 ft

12s · NW 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 Nov 7, 8:12 AM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:46 AM

Sunset

5:59 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
2:50 AM	High	2.1 ft
9:13 AM	Low	0.6 ft
1:59 PM	High	1.1 ft
7:56 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:23 AM	High	2.2 ft
10:03 AM	Low	0.6 ft
2:26 PM	High	1.0 ft
8:20 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:56 AM	High	2.3 ft
10:51 AM	Low	0.6 ft
2:52 PM	High	0.8 ft
8:45 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:30 AM	High	2.2 ft
11:38 AM	Low	0.6 ft
3:16 PM	High	0.7 ft
9:12 PM	Low	-0.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:05 AM	High	2.2 ft
12:29 PM	Low	0.6 ft
3:39 PM	High	0.7 ft
9:41 PM	Low	0.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:43 AM	High	2.1 ft
1:32 PM	Low	0.6 ft
4:00 PM	High	0.6 ft
10:09 PM	Low	0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
6:25 AM	High	2.0 ft
10:39 PM	Low	0.2 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1611400, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

85°

Mostly Sunny

11%

Sun Nov 8

85°

Sunny

Mon Nov 9

85°

Sunny

Tue Nov 10

84°

Sunny

Wed Nov 11

84°

Sunny

Thu Nov 12

84°

Sunny

Fri Nov 13

84°

Sunny

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind

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

Beach Info

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

Amenities

restroomsoutdoor showerstent camping (permit)

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Polihale State Park today?

Polihale State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

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.