The Hawaiian Islands are one of America’s most popular tourist destinations, with more than eight million visitors in 2015 – more than five times the total population of Hawaii. With so many people visiting such small islands, one can easily grow tired of the constant crowds. While we love Waikiki as much as the next person, it certainly isn’t the best beach in the country – or even Hawaii.
With hundreds of picturesque beaches across the Hawaiian Islands, it seems silly to stick to the most popular stretches of sand. So, instead of fighting tourists for the best spot at Hanalei Bay or Poipu Beach on your next beach day on Kauai, why not head to this secluded stretch of sand?
Found at the end of a long dirt road off Kuamuali’i Highway on the island of Kauai, Polihale Beach is not only the largest stretch of sand in the state, but one of the most remote and underrated beaches as well.
Christian Arballo/Flickr
Known for its seven-mile long - and 300 feet wide - stretch of pristine sand, and hot, cloudless days, Polihale is also the most western publically accessible areas in Hawaii.
steven_n_maher/Flickr
The wild and beautiful beach is often overlooked for more accessible beaches despite the fact that it is one of the most idyllic camping spots in all of Hawaii.
Hector A Parayuelos/Flickr
Hector A Parayuelos/Flickr
You see, the beach is located miles from the closest town - Kekaha - and is only accessible via a poorly marked, dirt sugarcane road best handled with a four-wheel drive vehicle.
DarTar/Wikipedia
Sand dunes along the beach can reach 100 feet tall, and the mountains that frame the beach are so close that beach-goers will often hear goats bleating on the ridge.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Keira Morgan/Flickr
Did we mention that the sunsets viewed from Polihale Beach are truly second to none?
Pete Harmer/Flickr
While its unprotected waters and rip currents can prove dangerous for unsuspecting swimmers, Polihale is easily one of the best beaches on the island for sunbathing, barbecuing, or just hanging out with friends and family.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
This magical stretch of sand is undoubtedly difficult to reach, but we’d like to believe that it’s entirely worth it.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Love Hawaii’s amazing beaches? Be sure to add these 13 secluded beaches to your Hawaiian bucket list.
Christian Arballo/Flickr
steven_n_maher/Flickr
Hector A Parayuelos/Flickr
DarTar/Wikipedia
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Keira Morgan/Flickr
Pete Harmer/Flickr
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