Sweetheart Rock Beach, Lanai
Dolphins and sea turtles frequent this lovely crescent of white sand bordered by boulders on both sides. Situated along Lanai’s southern coast, Hulopoe Beach is just a short walk from the Manele Bay Hotel that overlooks the beach from a nearby bluff. Relatively well-protected from the open sea, Hulopoe is nice for swimming and snorkeling with clear water and coral reef formations that are fun to explore. There is also a grassy area with plenty of shade for relaxing.
Great For
Snorkeling, swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, scuba diving, sunbathing, beach walks, tidepool exploring, picnics.
Highlights
Just east of Hulopoe Beach is an interesting tidepool area that is relatively well-protected and fun to explore, particularly at low tide when you might see a variety of sea creatures including crabs, sea stars, small fish and more. Sweetheart Rock, known in Hawaiian as Puu Pehe, is to the east of the beach. Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach) named this as America’s Best Beach in 1997.
Need to Know
Even though there is no lifeguard this is generally one of the safest swimming beaches on Lanai. However, swimmers do need to beware of rip currents and the ocean floor drops off quickly in some areas.
Lifeguard
No
Facilities
Restrooms, showers, barbecue grills, picnic tables, changing areas.
Access
Hulopoe Beach is within Hulopoe-Manele Marine Conservation Area and also just a short walk from the ferry arrival point from Maui at Manele Bay.