4.8
(41)
4.8
(41)
Park
Public beach
About
Polihua Beach is a beautiful, secluded spot accessible via a rough road that's best navigated in a 4WD vehicle during dry conditions. The beach offers a serene and untouched atmosphere, with no crowds in sight. While the trade winds can make the sand uncomfortable at times, the stunning views and sense of isolation make it worth the visit.
Why you should go
- Experience unparalleled seclusion on an empty and untouched beach
- Marvel at stunning views of Molokai across clear blue waters
- Enjoy snorkeling or diving in crystal-clear waters with high visibility
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Highlighted reviews
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If you are on Lanai, this is a must-see. My family and I are from Maui and now live near San Diego/Coronado, so we are very familiar with beautiful beaches. This beach blew my mind with the different sand throughout the surf as well as clear blue water and visibility for snorkeling/diving. Absolutely gorgeous! Very secluded and about an hour drive with a 4x4 down a very bumpy road. There can be a strong undertow, and waves can potentially break very close to shore, so watch your keiki when swimming.
Worth the drive. Vehicles with higher road clearance would make the trip easier.
Rough road getting there. Gets significantly rough as we got down. Please only go in a 4wd vehicle and only when it’s dry out. We chickened out on the drive w/ a mile left and walked the rest of the way. That said, beautiful beach with no one around. Nice long walk along the beach and uphill hike back to the car. Stop at garden of the gods on the way to feel like we were on mars. The drive is half the fun! Don’t try to swim.
If you are on Lanai, this is a must-see. My family and I are from Maui and now live near San Diego/Coronado, so we are very familiar with beautiful beaches. This beach blew my mind with the different sand throughout the surf as well as clear blue water and visibility for snorkeling/diving. Absolutely gorgeous! Very secluded and about an hour drive with a 4x4 down a very bumpy road. There can be a strong undertow, and waves can potentially break very close to shore, so watch your keiki when swimming.
Worth the drive. Vehicles with higher road clearance would make the trip easier.
Rough road getting there. Gets significantly rough as we got down. Please only go in a 4wd vehicle and only when it’s dry out. We chickened out on the drive w/ a mile left and walked the rest of the way. That said, beautiful beach with no one around. Nice long walk along the beach and uphill hike back to the car. Stop at garden of the gods on the way to feel like we were on mars. The drive is half the fun! Don’t try to swim.
Know before you go
- Rent a Jeep or off-road vehicle with higher clearance to navigate the rough road leading to Polihua Beach
- Park safely where possible before hiking down to the beach as currents can be extreme and swimming is not recommended
- Visit when it's dry out as wet conditions can make the already challenging road even more difficult
- Be cautious of strong trade winds that whip sand around; consider wearing protective gear like sunglasses or scarves
Reviews
Polihua Beach on Lanai is a secluded and breathtaking destination that requires a rugged journey to reach. Visitors mention the need for a 4x4 vehicle due to rough roads, extreme currents making swimming unsafe, and strong trade winds whipping sand. Despite the challenges, travelers are captivated by the stunning views of Molokai, clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling/diving, and the untouched beauty of this empty beach. The seclusion and unique landscape make Polihua Beach a must-see for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Hawaii.
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If you are on Lanai, this is a must-see. My family and I are from Maui and now live near San Diego/Coronado, so we are very familiar with beautiful beaches. This beach blew my mind with the different sand throughout the surf as well as clear blue water and visibility for snorkeling/diving. Absolutely gorgeous! Very secluded and about an hour drive with a 4x4 down a very bumpy road. There can be a strong undertow, and waves can potentially break very close to shore, so watch your keiki when swimming.
Worth the drive. Vehicles with higher road clearance would make the trip easier.
Rough road getting there. Gets significantly rough as we got down. Please only go in a 4wd vehicle and only when it’s dry out. We chickened out on the drive w/ a mile left and walked the rest of the way. That said, beautiful beach with no one around. Nice long walk along the beach and uphill hike back to the car. Stop at garden of the gods on the way to feel like we were on mars. The drive is half the fun! Don’t try to swim.
Great beach. Empty, secluded, untouched.With the trade winds blowing and a small swell it didnt look inviting at all to swim, brown water and strong looking currents. But in different conditions it could be fine.Took about 45 mins to an hour to get there from town.
The trail going down is extremely rugged. It's really too much crawling at 2mph for over an hour to really get out and enjoy. Beach is course sand that whips in your face due to trade winds. Water is very dangerous and not swimable at all. Sidewalls on a tire also breached using care and caution. Save yourself time and headache on your trip by heading out to Shipwreck beach where there are monk seals and turtles.
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What's the weather like in Lanai City?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Lanai City for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
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Explore nearby places
- Lanai City
- Lahaina
- Ka'anapali
- Napili-Honokowai
- Kaunakakai
- Kapalua
- Kalaupapa
- Hoolehua
- Kahakuloa
- Maalaea
- Waikapu
- Kualapuu
- Wailuku
- Waihee
- Maunaloa
- Kahului
- Kihei
- Puunene
- Wailea
- Makena
- Paia
- Pukalani
- Kula
- Haiku
- Makawao
- Haleakala National Park
- Huelo
- Kaupo
- Kipahulu
- Hawaii Kai
- Hana
All related maps of Lanai City
- Map of Lanai City
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- Map of Haleakala National Park
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- Map of Kipahulu
- Map of Hawaii Kai
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Lanai City throughout the year
- Lanai City in January
- Lanai City in February
- Lanai City in March
- Lanai City in April
- Lanai City in May
- Lanai City in June
- Lanai City in July
- Lanai City in August
- Lanai City in September
- Lanai City in October
- Lanai City in November
- Lanai City in December
Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Lanai City?
Get inspired for your trip to Lanai City with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:
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