Hulopoe Bay Lanai | Go Hawaii

Hulopoʻe Bay

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Hulopoʻe Bay

What: Fronting the Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi, named one of America's best beaches
Where: Follow Mānele Road south to the coast
More Info: Restroom and picnic facilities available, NO lifeguards are present at this beach
 
The pristine beauty of Hulopoʻe Bay earned Hulopoʻe Beach the title of America's best beach in 1997 from Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach). Located on Lānaʻi's southern coast, Hulopoʻe Bay greets you with a stunning expanse of pearl-white sand and crystal blue waters.
 
Most of the year, this protected bay fronting the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi is the best spot on the island for snorkeling and swimming. Summer conditions are especially prime for swimming. Surf and current tend to pick up during the winter months, though, so swimmers should avoid rough conditions during that season. Open to the public, Hulopoʻe Beach Park also has a great beach park complete with picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms and showers.
 
One of the highlights of Hulopoʻe Bay is its large tide pools located at the eastern side of the bay. Carved out of volcanic rock, these tide pools are well protected, keeping the waters calm for exploring. Tide pools are created when rocky shores are covered and then exposed by the fluctuating tide. Small organisms adapt to this changing landscape, and many hermit crabs, sea stars, ʻopihi (limpet) and small fish dwell here.
 
As a protected site, rich with marine life, visitors are asked to leave every stone and shell in its place. This helps preserve the bay for Hawaiʻi's colorful, native fish and sea life. Acrobatic spinner dolphins can often be seen in Hulopoʻe Bay (it is highly discouraged to chase any dolphins that come into the bay, please let them be and just enjoy the view), while the winter months bring visits from humpback whales.
 
Be sure to take a 15- to 20-minute hike along the cliffs just southeast of the tide pools to view the Lānaʻi landmark Puʻu Pehe. Legend says a heartbroken warrior jumped from this 80-foot summit, rising from the sea, overcome with grief after his wife’s passing.