Shipwrecks (Keoneloa Bay)
A.K.A. Keoneloa Bay • Photo by Wasabi
A great boogie boarding beach due to its steep shore break (be careful if you are a novice). Rocky points offer some fun exploration. Public parking. Facilities.
Things To Do
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Bodyboarding
- Fishing
- Beach walks
- Shell searching
- Family days
Cool Because
It’s usually sunny and less crowded than other Po’ipu beaches. Also famed for the Harrison Ford and Anne Heche plunge from the cliff in "6 Days and 7 Nights".
Hazards
Dangerous waves breaking on rocks, ledges and reefs. Sharp coral and slippery rocks.
Topography
Mostly sandy shoreline with sandstone points. Mixed reef and sand underwater.
Not Good For
Swimming with small children can be fun on calm days, but the steep beach can create a tricky undertow and waves that break right on the sand. Swim with caution.
User Rating
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2.3 / 5 (982 votes)
not lifeguarded
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Nov 04, 2006 10:05AM
This beach fronts the Hyatt. Public access between Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course & the Hyatt.
Usually, the Hyatt flag's the ocean conditions.
This beach is useful for boogie boarding and body surfing. Not really a great swimming beach.
On that note, I think this beach is always difficult to swim unless you are a strong swimmer. High surf makes the surf particularly tricky. This would NOT be my choice for swimming with my small kids..... EVER, as the waves crash right on the steep shoreline! However, they do enjoy playing in the sand and seeing (not touching!!) the occasional monk seal.
You can also pick up a easy shoreline hike that is over half a mile long with beautiful scenery.
All in all, a nice beach with beautiful scenery (Hyatt) and hikes, but you need to know how to swim well to go into the water (no small kids).
Nov 04, 2006 10:51AM
I have lived on the sunny South Side for 3.5 years and I love Shipwrecks Beach!
There is great hinking from Shippy's to Maha'ulepu, sand dunes and caved are fun for exploring with the keiki.
However, it is also the place where I learned my respect for the ocean when a girl friend and I got too far out while playing in the waves when a large set came out of nowhere and held us under, wave after wave, during the whole set. So be careful and cautious, NOT a good place for children to swim. The locals surfing know what they are doing, so no go if you aren't familiar with the break!
Nov 27, 2006 8:28PM
I'm going to second (or third) the "rough surf, not good for kids" comments. A few months ago I thought I'd just run in waist deep and get wet before hiking to Maha'ulepu and kind of got crunched in the shorebreak and actually flipped over by the waves (couldn't dive through the waves b/c I had my glasses on since I was just running in for a quick splash). Another guy came out after I'd been thrashed saying he had also gotten beaten up by the waves. Plenty of kids (the teenaged crazy kind doing flips with boogie boards) were having fun, though.
May 03, 2007 6:12AM
Our family, (2 college boys, 2 parents) will be visiting Kauai for the first time early June. We hail from CT. and have visited Maui for 10 years straight and last year included the Big Island.
Question: Is this the body boarding beach we should visit? Our guys are not surfers but love to body board. We will be staying at the Hyatt but have no problem jumping in the car to enjoy good beaches. That's what gets us through the miserable flight. Can't reach heaven without a bit of effort. Your site is outstanding and I look forward to any advice. Thank you!!!
Justin Britt
May 14, 2007 12:34PM
@ BD: During summer, this will be a great beach for body boarding. However, the waves here can get large and powerful, so if your boys are not used to thumping waves, there may be other areas nearby with more suitable surf conditions for their comfort level in the water.
Jun 12, 2007 10:54AM
We are planning a trip in late October and want to longboard and boogie board. What is the best spot for mellow plus waves to ride?
lithiumtom
Jul 13, 2007 8:15AM
shipwrecks is NOT the place for beginners. I was there in July 06. I would not attempt to longboard here. The waves were very big and there were very many locals. I was respectful of the locals and surfed there for 3 days. on the 3rd day on one wave I lost control of my board and a couple of the locals paddled over to me and asked me to leave...so I did. They said "you cant surf here no more, beat it"
I surfed at hanalei in some nice clean knee to waist longboard surf the rest of my stay in Kauai.
respect the locals, they know what they are talking about.
peace!
Oct 07, 2007 11:51AM
shippys is off da hook brada. plenty of tubular action and some gnarly peaks to tail on. if you are not a loc though, do not hit it up. shoots bradas
Dec 19, 2007 12:37PM
Were coming for 2 weeks in December.
Is there a good place to surf where the locals aren't bad but still some decent waves. I have not surfed in 15 years because I moved to the midwest. But grew up surfing Ca.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 20, 2007 7:45AM
David - truth is that any good break around Kauai is going to be crowded. If you paddle out and get aggressive in the lineup then you will probably get some feedback. If you just want mellow waves try Hanalei on a small day. Surfing has become a very popular sport - but the amount of waves have stayed the same. W
Dec 21, 2007 5:23AM
Thanks W! At my age I've lost all aggressiveness for fighting for waves. Thats why I was hoping to find a smaller break somewhere where the locals are not to bad.
>>Surfing has become a very popular sport - but the amount of waves have stayed the same. Well put.
I'm staying at Wailua bay condos. Is the beach break ok their? I've seen pictures of people surfing their. I know it's a beach break and probably gets inconsistent but it looked kinda fun.
Thanks for all the help.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 21, 2007 7:47AM
David - Wailua and other East shore beaches can have fun surf, but the wind is generally onshore (making it choppy). When the wind turns West, East shore surf goes off! W
Jan 18, 2008 5:47PM
What are the best surf beaches for a mixed level group of surfers in winter(June/July) - in terms of safety and good swells?
Jan 27, 2008 8:20PM
I count Shippies as one of my home breaks. Been bodyboarding it a couple decades. Pulled off my only clean backflip here on the lefts. :) Some pros/ex-pros ride here when it's good.
This place will kick your butt when it's big. I see broken surfboards often. I also see ambulances every year for spinal injuries usually involving tourists.
If you want someplace mellower to surf/bodyboard try Kalapaki in Nawilliwili Harbor. You can rent surfboards, bodyboards & surf lessons right by Duke's restaurant if you want. On the North shore, the spots by Hanalei pier is good for beginners & longboarders. Rentals & lessons can be found here too.
Mar 09, 2008 3:34AM
What beach was the movie 6 Days 7 Nights filmed on?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 10, 2008 8:31PM
Aloha Greg. Kipu Kai was the backdrop for this film, an privately owned area only accessible by boat, as it is protected by a huge mountain range near the Koloa area. J
Mar 13, 2008 3:43AM
Is it illegal to jump off of the cliff immediately to the left of the beach? I've seen many pics of people doing it and was there with my wife who said she'd divorce me if I did it... needless to say I didn't, but we're going back in May and am looking forward to talking her into letting me do it! Anyone know?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 13, 2008 7:19PM
It is not recommended to ever jump off of cliffs into the water, especially in unfamiliar territory. The tides shift the sand and water can hide dangerous rocks. I know a local who almost died jumping off here. J
Mar 30, 2008 7:14PM
It's fun to jump off the cliff but I DON'T recommend it. I've done it twice when I was younger but I have BILLS to pay that I can't pay if I'm hurt. In the 90s I worked at a south shore hotel with a lady that jumped off the Shipwrecks cliff after her son jumped in. She somehow broke her back on impact & ended up motionless at the bottom.
Her son knew something was wrong when she didn't come up & he dove down & saved her. She faced a long recovery period & as far as I know made a full recovery.
Apr 08, 2008 2:01AM
My husband and I just returned from a trip to Kauai. On April 1st we watched 4 young men jump from the cliff one at a time. I missed taking a picture of the first guy but got one each of the other three. Amazing to watch...I would be too chicken! If the "jumpers" read this, post your e-mail and I will e-mail the pictures to you! I know if I jumped...I'd love of picture.
May 29, 2008 4:19AM
Aloha! We will be visiting Kauai in mid-June and would like to renew our vows (10 years together!) on a beach on the South Shore where we are staying. Would there be a side or portion of Shipwreck Beach that would be less crowded (i.e., east side vs west side or landmark)? We've never been to Kauai, so we're sort of relying on what we can find on the internet. My husband hates crowds, but we have to keep in mind accessibility to the beach and I really like cliffs. Also, we hope to do some snorkeling that week. Any recommendations for snorkeling beaches during June (any part of the island would be fine)? Thanks so much! This is a wonderful website.
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 29, 2008 5:33PM
Aloha Aayla. Shipwrecks is a popular beach for locals and visitors. Cliffs are in the distance on the North end, which is the most crowded. For fewer crowds and more natural wonder you may want to go a bit further down the dirt road to Mahaulepu. Check out this site's pages in the Beach and Trail sections for more info. Snorkeling in June can be done at Lydgate, Anini, Haena, or Poipu. Check with lifeguards for the most current conditions. Poipu and Lydgate may be more likely to have some surf. Aloha. J
Jun 06, 2008 2:53AM
Hi,
I just got too Kauai today and I'm staying in poipu. I have been body boarding for about 8 years now and I'm looking for the biggest waves around. I went to shipwrecks today and it was really small. Is there any place you recommend or is there a bigger swell expected anytime soon? Thanks for any help
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 09, 2008 8:23PM
Hi Anthony. As far as waves in the summer go, if they're not at Shipwrecks, they're probably not happening. As of 6-9-08, there is supposed to be surf there, so check it out. Enjoy! J
Jun 16, 2008 9:44PM
My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon in Kauai. It took a couple of days to convince the local surf shops to recommend some good surfing spots for us not-so-beginner, but far-from-expert tourist surfers, but they finally did. We really enjoyed the break at Kalapaki, just South of the airport. There was everything from the tourist beginner to very good local surfers, mostly longboards and quite a few paddleboards. There was even a mom surfing with her keiki on the front of her board - so cool! It's a long break, so there was plenty of room for everyone. We also appreciated that the reef was deep underwater. We went to Shipwrecks just to check it out with no intention of going in. There was a local surfer hanging around watching for some swell. It was very small, so out of curiosity we tried to talk to him about the break, just looking for the inside scoop on how big it gets and under what conditions. He wasn't very nice, and made it quite clear that we weren't welcome. There were several families there with their kids, but I too wouldn't recommend sending the little ones into the water. It looks like great fun though if you're a very experienced body boarder. It's also a very beautiful beach and there is a nice hike. As for snorkling near the South Shore in summer, we liked Lydgate park, Poipu beach (in front of Brennecke's), and the spots near the Beach House and Kuhio Shores condos (lots of sea turtles). And our favorite shave ice was at Koloa shave ice, or the stand across the street from the Beach House. If you're going - have a great time!
Jul 08, 2008 12:22AM
Hi,
I was wondering if it is possible to camp on/near shipwreck beach. Last time I was there I saw some tents and am looking for some place to camp. I'm trying to find a spot near shipwreck or up the east side (maybe by the lighthouse) any ideas?
thanks
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 08, 2008 8:06PM
Aloha Andy. No camping near Shipwrecks or the surrounding area. Closest would be Salt Pond in Hanapepe (moving futher West). You can camp at Anahola Beach Park as you head North. The lighthouse is on the North shore and the closest camping to that spot would be Anini Beach Park. Hope this helps. J
susan perez
Jul 25, 2008 9:17PM
My husband and I moved here to Kauai after 21 years of teaching in inner city Detroit. We brought 3 of our 5 kids (2 are finishing up degrees in Detroit) and we love it! Our oldest children came to visit in March of this year (08) and loved the people, the island, the beaches etc. Our daughter became engaged in Mexico shortly thereafter (at another friends wedding in Cancun!). She and her fiance have decided to take their marriage vows in Kauai, hopefully in a Hawaiian ceremony. She is thinking of a wedding on the beach at sunset at Shipwreck's beach in October of 2009. Will the sun be setting at Poipu, Shipwreck's during October? Or should we plan a beach wedding there in Feb/March of 2009? the possibilities are endless!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 28, 2008 7:26PM
Aloha Susan. Congratulations. I'm not exactly sure if the sun will be visible from Shipwrecks this time of year. It may be worth a call to the front desk of the Hyatt, which is the resort that is located right there. Also, FYI, the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources recently released a notice about regulations for commercial weddings on the beach. Not sure what your plans are in this regard, but here is the link for more information, if you are interested.
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/chair/pio/nr/2008/N8-080.pdf
Enjoy! J
Aug 13, 2008 10:24PM
I stayed at the Hyatt July 1-4, 2008. My husband and I saw 4 15-yearold girls jump and said "hey, why don't we go do it". So we get to the top, and trust me, it's pretty high. My husband jumps first and he's fine... so I take the leap and somehow ended up landing first on my tailbone, thus impacting my entire spine. I ended up with a bent coccyx and a compression fracture on my T12 (last vertebra with ribs). To this day I?m still getting x-rays to make sure I?m healing correctly, and am on a daily dose of pain meds? so would I do it again? no way? but if someone out there reading this still wants to do it, trust me when I say land FEET FIRST!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 14, 2008 6:58PM
Wow, Meeshee. Mahalo for sharing your story about this very dangerous "jump" near Shipwrecks. We DO NOT recommend anyone jumping from this precarious cliff, feet first, or otherwise. I know one local who cracked his skull here and is lucky to be alive. We hope the readers of this post take your story as a warning. Aloha. J
Dec 20, 2008 3:24PM
this past thanksgiving, my two friends and i, and three other locals we met while staying at the hyatt decided to jump off the cliff. the locals had done this before so we decided it was okay. it turned out we were all fine, but i had the worst landing. make sure you land feet first, not on your legs, which i didn't notice i was doing until i reached the water. and it might be a good idea to keep your arms up or something because my wrist got sprained from landing. and if you're terrified of heights like i am, i can tell you it was definately worth it! just some advice for everyone who wants to jump! i know it may not be safe, at all, but what 16 year old would not want to try it?! i just want to say i was completely aware of the damage that could've been done. so i am not saying that you should jump, just make sure you know the possible results.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 20, 2008 6:44PM
Hi Gabby - climbing and jumping from the loose lava rock cliffs in Hawaii is dangerous. I know it's fun but have also had personal experience rescuing people who are either seriously hurt and even dead (used to be a Kauai fireman). It really comes down to common sense - but the problem is that people have very different levels of common sense. I have seen experienced athletes pull off some amazing stuff, and many more daredevils make very bad decisions. Bottom line: you cannot turn back time so think before you act. W
Dec 25, 2008 10:02AM
Awesome beach. Get here early and you will be only one of a hand full of people.. The waves in October were fairly intense.. It was my first time ever swimming in the ocean and it definately can be overwhelming! This beach seems to be excellent for boogy boarders or skim boarding thanks to the steep shoreline but at the same time the currents here can be pretty strong.
I wasn't comfortable jumping the cliff but exploring the coast line beyond the cliff over by the golf course is some of the most beautiful terrain I've ever seen!
Have fun and be safe...
Feb 07, 2009 8:02PM
I will be in Kauai in July 2010. Staying near the south beaches close to poipu beach. Will be renting suba diving gear. Are there any good shore diving locations close by?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 13, 2009 4:09AM
Paul - you might want to check with one of the many scuba-diving companies operating on the South Shore. W
Mar 05, 2009 6:58AM
This comment is for Susan Perez back on July 25th.. My brother got married at the Hyatt and took wedding photos on the beach at Shipwrecks. It was in October of 2006, the sun was definately out, ended up being beautiful. I would say go for it!
Jul 19, 2009 9:10PM
First of would like to say great website! Also who ever the retired firefighter is congrats on completely a tough career. I have 10 years on the job.
Ok so can you recommend some hikes and activities that would be good to take our 11 month old. We are very active and take her everywhere. At three months old she sailed the carribean with us for two weeks.
Any info would be great
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 20, 2009 8:17PM
Hi Ray - yah sometimes I miss the FD. If you have a good pack and like hiking I would check out Hanakapiai, Mahaulepu and Kokee. Get to Kee beach early and if there is no surf it will be like a swimming pool for you kid. Be sure to check the ocean report. W
Jul 23, 2009 10:51PM
can anyone compare this to black rock in Maui?
Is it safe to go jumping?
Nov 28, 2009 6:35AM
We are staying at the Hyatt in April/May 2010. Is our best bet for longboarding going to be Hanalei? Will I have a chance with some ok surf close to here at Shipwrecks? I am good at walking and finding a break. (From Huntington Bch) Also- need to rent longboard (9 ish). any suggestions?
Nov 29, 2009 10:54PM
How high is the cliff?
Jan 22, 2010 12:59PM
Am planning a trip to Hawaii in December 2010. The Hyatt on Kauai (on Shipwreck Beach) is one of my options, but I'm discouraged by the inability to walk out of my hotel room room and go for a swim in the ocean.
It sounds like casual swimming is not an option here given both the undertow and the locals full of attitude.
How far away is a beach that's more amenable to a tourista who just wants to swim in the ocean?
Perhaps the Hyatt on Maui (Kaanapali Beach) is closer to what I'm looking for? I have a pile of Hyatt point so am trying to use them in this trip.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 22, 2010 4:20PM
Hi Matt - in December the conditions on the South shore are generally very calm. Shipwrecks has a nice beach for walking and swimming as long as the conditions are calm. Also the walk to Mahaulepu is amazing. Locals with attitude are all over and it's just a matter of keeping a low profile, it's not like they are aggressive un-provoked. Also, undertows really don't exist - the water moves horizontally as it equalizes (Rip Current). Waves can pound you but its more of a tumble than a downward current.
Feb 02, 2010 5:25PM
My family will be visiting Kauai in March. Our boys, 10 and 12, really want to try surfing. What are the best areas for surf lessons or beginners this time of year?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 02, 2010 5:28PM
Carolyn - I would start out in Hanalei. Check the ocean report for daily conditions.
Feb 16, 2010 6:49PM
We just arrived home after a glorious week at the Grand Hyatt on Shipwrecks Beach. We watched many brave jumpers off that cliff and have video to show our friends. The waves crashing on the shore were huge, all the boogie boarders and surfers were very skilled and a joy to watch. Every day a monk seal would be basking in the sun and whales would entertain us off in the distance with many consecutive breaches and tail slapping. We made sure to hike the heritage trail out to Maha\'ulepu beach. While on the hike we walked around the sink hole area and saw man fishermen working their craft of the cliffs. I would come out to this place again in a heartbeat if I had another chance as it is truly beautiful.
Feb 22, 2010 8:01AM
I am visiting Shipwrecks and Poipu beach in March and am looking for a good break for bodysurfing in the area. Any suggestions for this time of year?
Mar 26, 2010 3:54PM
Hello, We are planning a wedding in Kaua'i in August 2011 and we were thinking of having the wedding...and the reception at Shipwreck beach. Do you know if the grass areas behind the beach/in front of the Hyatt are for public use? We were planning on having a local family style luau party with 100 people on the beach/grass...is this even possible? Any info would be wonderful and grateful. Mahalo Chasa
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 26, 2010 4:55PM
Hi Chasa - with a wedding of that size you should get a local coordinator. The grass area by the Hyatt is on their property.
Jan 26, 2011 3:56PM
My wife and I are planning our first trip to Kauai the third week in March. We are looking at a place North of Lihue in Moloaa Bay just North of Kapaa. Can you answer a concern I have...it seems like the south side sure has the best weather. Any idea if the North east side of the Island gets a lot of rain this time of year. Should we look for something more on the S side of the Island?
Any comments are welcome!
Bill.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 27, 2011 6:11AM
Bill - there are indeed seasonal weather patterns for sure. Then there's the fact that right now we're in the rainy, storm season and the last 10 days have been sunny, clear and beautiful. Go where you want to play. W
Jul 06, 2011 2:51PM
How is the localism at this break (surfing) im coming tommorow and i was wondering when i paddle out what should i expect (im not a kook and i give locals respect)
Jul 22, 2011 9:42AM
My wife and I are going to be staying in the Koloa towards the end of August. How is snorkeling in the Poipu area at this time (August 20-30th)usually?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 23, 2011 7:15AM
Brian - summer is the time for South swells but there are usually calm periods between swells.
Sep 06, 2011 4:04AM
Hi, Do anyone know how high that jump is at shipwreck beach? I saw people jumping (not considering it) but was just curious if anyone knew how hoigh it was!
Jan 15, 2012 4:14AM
35 feet. Jumped it twice.
Feb 29, 2012 10:59AM
Heading to Princeville in Aug 2012 and taking my kids. Will the local surfers hassle my kids who are average surfers?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 02, 2012 7:23AM
Hi Jim - if your kids are mellow they will not get hassled. If they paddle to the top of the lineup and want the best sets, they will get hassled (that's true anywhere you surf, not just Hawaii).
Margaret Flynn
May 24, 2012 2:48AM
The beach looks actually great although can be rather dangerous for an amateur. 35 feet is really high!
Jan 16, 2013 8:05AM
The height of the cliff is not a problem for me (done 65 ft into 70ft deep water), but the unknown of the depth with surf and sand/rocks beneath is enough to keep me away. Any nice hikes from Shipwrecks (or near Hyatt) for families with young kids (5-8yrs)?
Dec 03, 2013 2:14AM
We visited Shipwreck beach in the mid 80s during a family vacation. I seem to remember walking through a large field to get to the beach, certainly no large hotel/resort there. When we got on the beach it was pretty much deserted. We did a lot of bodyboarding and to this day still remember how much fun it was! Great place.
Jun 03, 2014 9:53AM
Can you make a bonfire on shipwrecks beach?
May 01, 2015 4:56PM
This place in NOT for any children or novices, I personally witnessed a drowning there not that long ago. My parents helped drag a man from the water and preform CPR. Bad memories, not going again.
Sep 09, 2015 3:11PM
hi..myself and my daughters are average surfers looking to head to poipu in january....is the surf decent? (do not need big ) and is it sunny at this time of year...
thanks tom
Nov 17, 2016 4:09PM
Hello, I am visiting shipwrecks beach in December and was wondering if it was not only good for boogie-boarding, but also for surfing. I have never been to Hawaii and was wondering if this break offers a long ride with consistent waves in the month of December. I have been surfing using a short-board for 5 years and am a well experienced surfer. Does anyone know if it is safe and fun for experienced surfers (from a short-board perspective) and safe in the way that I would not hit the reef, rocks, or snap my board? Also, are there any surf shops within a short car ride of this area that rent decent short-boards (not NSP brand) for a week?
Thanks,
Jacob
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