Maui Ocean Adventures | Trilogy Excursions | Maui, Molokini, Lanai
Google+
[ Help Maui - Blue'aina Reef Cleanup: $25 + Assist with cleanup ]

Hulopoe Beach

Voted as America's best beach by Dr. Beach, Hulopoe is one of the nicest and most popular beaches on Lanai. With excellent snorkeling and scuba diving conditions, the beach is a must-visit for your Lanai or Maui vacation. For those less adventurous, Hulopoe Beach is also a great swimming beach as well as a great place to just relax on the sand.

Note: Trilogy is the only company with permission to escort guests to Lanai's Hulopoe Beach Park and Marine Preserve.

Departing from Maui: Trilogy's Hulopoe Beach snorkel trip →

Hulopoe Beach Park & Marine Preserve

Hulopoe Beach is located in southern Lanai along crescent-shaped Hulopoe Bay, which is protected as a Marine Life Conservation Area. The bay is bordered on each side by boulders, and on the eastern end is a lava terrace lined with tide pools that provide habitat for a variety of marine life.

Hulopoe Beach is also one of the island's safest swimming beaches for children although there is no lifeguard. The shallow offshore reef at Hulopoe and the large tidepools make this a great snorkeling area.

The coral reef at Hulopoe provides habitat for many colorful tropical fish as well as other interesting marine life. There is great visibility in the crystal clear blue water of Hulopoe which makes for excellent snorkeling.

Surrounded by lava rock in a protected pool snorkeling in Lanai

Snorkeling Hulopoe's tidepools

Beach umbrellas, mats, beach chairs and more

Just relax...

Volleyball bouncing away from players

Lots of activities

At the head of Hulopoe Bay is Hulopoe Beach Park with picnic tables and barbecue grills as well as plenty of grassy, shady areas that provide some protection from the sun. Restrooms and showers are also available.

Nearby to the beach are some tidepools that are fun for exploring, and also a trail that leads to the left of Hulopoe Beach nearer to the prominent offshore Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock. There is also a site at Hulopoe for beach camping.

The adjacent Manele Bay also has coral reef along its sides and near the cliffs. Offshore on the west side of Manele Bay near Puu Pehe is the popular scuba diving spot called First Cathedrals.

This whole area was protected in 1976 when it was designated as the Manele-Hulopoe Marine Life Conservation District. The marine preserve is 309 acres in all, including Manele and Hulopoe.

Between the two bays is a volcanic cone that has now eroded and creates two coves, one of which is called Puu Pehe Cove. Offshore is the small islet of Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock.

Between Hulopoe Beach Park and the Manele Small Boat Harbor are the ruins of an ancient fishing village called Kaunolu. The Four Seasons Manele Bay hotel is located on the bluff overlooking Hulopoe Beach. The resort features a spa, restaurants, and the world-glass golf course called Challenge at Manele.

In addition to the array of interesting Hawaiian fish seen at Hulopoe, also seen are green sea turtles and spinner dolphins. During the winter months humpback whales are often seen breaching offshore or sending up spouts of misty air. Snorkelers on the reef are greeted by such interesting marine life as sea stars, hermit crabs, opihi (limpets).

The idyllic golden sands of the picturesque Hulopoe beach as well as the tide pools and the rocky landmark of Puu Pehe all make this a very special place to visit.

Capt. Etrata of Trilogy Excursions finds an octopus for us to play with off of Lana'i on my husband's birthday — dwestlake (09/14/2009)

Wanna see an octopus or other Hawaii marine life? Read about Trilogy's picks for best snorkeling in Maui →

Featured On: