📸 Shipwreck Beach | Kauai, Hawaii
📝 My Story
Shipwreck Beach (also known as Keoneloa Bay) was one of our favorite beaches during our stay on Kauai.
Located along the south shore near Poipu, this beach has a rugged beauty that makes it stand out — strong waves, surfers riding the breaks, and a gorgeous rocky cliff to one side.
We spent multiple afternoons here relaxing on the sand, snapping photos of local surfers, and even catching some brave souls cliff-jumping from the rocky point.
(We were content to simply watch — no cliff jumping for us!)
The atmosphere felt more local and laid-back, and the beach never felt overwhelmingly crowded.
Plus, we couldn’t resist all the photogenic chickens wandering through the sand — a true Kauai experience!
Whether you’re looking to surf, snap some photos, or just lay out and relax, Shipwreck Beach is definitely a must-stop if you’re exploring the south side of Kauai.
🌎 Location
📌 Quick Info
🏙️ City: Poipu, Kauai
🅿️ Parking: Free parking lot near Grand Hyatt Resort
🚻 Bathrooms: Nearby at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
🚲 Bike Rentals: Not available at the beach (rent in Poipu)
🧭 Travel Tip: Visit late afternoon — great light, fewer crowds
📸 Photographer’s Note: Try sunset shots with surfers and the cliff in the background
🛐 Etiquette: Respect local cliff jumpers and keep distance for safety
🕰️ Best Time to Explore: Late afternoon to sunset
♿ Accessibility: Limited — sandy paths to beach
💡 Pro Tip
If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike a short trail from the beach up to the cliff for incredible panoramic views!
Just be cautious — the rocks can be slippery and sharp.
📸 Photography Tip
Golden hour at Shipwreck Beach is spectacular.
Use a polarizing filter to cut glare from the ocean and make those deep blue waves pop against the warm cliff backdrop.
🎉 Fun Fact
Shipwreck Beach got its name from an old wooden boat that once sat stranded on the shore here — although today no visible shipwreck remains, the name stuck!
And yes, wild chickens strut across the beach here like they own the place.
It’s just another reason why Kauai is known as "The Chicken Island!"
🗺️ Planning Your Own Hawaii Adventure?
If you’re planning your own trip to Kauai (or anywhere across Hawaii), you can find this hidden gem — and many more — on my public travel map:
👉 View My Hawaii Travel Map Here ➔
🌺 Return to Main Hawaii Travel Story
Want to read the full story of our unforgettable adventure across Kauai and Maui?
👉 Click here to explore our complete Hawaii Travel Journal ➔
