At the far eastern end of the Maha‘ulepu Heritage Trail, Ha‘ula is an isolated bay and pocket beach nestled into the shoreline. You’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe here, especially if you’re swinging in a hammock made from a washed-up fishing net. The beach is a 15-minute walk beyond Kawailoa Bay along the coast, past a rugged headland.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Labyrinth at Momilani Kai

0.39 MILES

Along the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail just before Ha'ula Beach on a gorgeous rocky headland, this memorial labyrinth connects you with a mana (spiritual…

2. Kawailoa Bay

0.63 MILES

The beach at Kawailoa Bay has sand dunes at one end and cliffs at the other. Reliable breezes mean it’s a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing as…

3. Mahaʻulepu Beach

1.04 MILES

This secluded sandy beach feels as though it’s sitting on the reef, so it’s no surprise that there’s excellent snorkeling. To get here, hike the Maha…

4. Makauwahi Cave Reserve

1.21 MILES

This amazing natural site is also a paleontological treasure house. Seen from above, it’s a deep, circular sinkhole, possibly formed by the collapse of an…

5. Makawehi Point

2.66 MILES

This gigantic lithified sand dune towers east of Shipwreck Beach, overlooking Keoneloa Bay. Resist the urge to jump off the cliffs; people have died.

6. Shipwreck Beach

2.78 MILES

Unless you’re an expert surfer, bodyboarder or bodysurfer, keep your feet dry at ‘Shipwrecks,’ the half-mile crescent of light gold sand that skirts…

7. Makahuena Point

3.35 MILES

West of Shipwreck Beach, condo-covered Makahuena Point is the southernmost tip of Kauaʻi.

8. St Raphael's Catholic Church

3.46 MILES

Kaua‘i’s first Catholic church was constructed in 1854 using lava rock and coral mortar to build walls 3ft thick. It was plastered over when enlarged in…