Family portrait at sunset
Words by Coco Zickos
Shipwreck Beach is unlike any other shoreline on Kaua‘i. Azure waters, rolling waves and craggy sandstone cliffs make for stunning scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset when the sky explodes in orange and purple hues.
Nicknamed after a demolished fishing boat that was discovered here during the 1970s, the South Shore beach is also commonly referred to as Shipwreck’s or Shippie’s, although its Hawaiian name is Keoneloa Bay.
Ideal for Kaua‘i Photoshoots
Shipwreck Beach is a favored spot for Kaua‘i photographers because of its scenic beauty and picture-perfect lighting. A vast stretch of soft sand, consistent waves crashing against jagged lava rocks and a sharp, sandy cliff, all offer a gorgeous, dramatic backdrop not only for wedding photos but for family portraits or any other kind of special occasion.
Pictures atop the well-known cliff, where daredevils are known to plunge, grant another option for Kaua‘i photographers to capture the dramatic blues of both the sky and lively ocean from a completely different perspective.
Easy Accessibility and Great Weather
This is a convenient location for photoshoots because of its easy accessibility and closeness to all South Shore hotels. Yet, at the same time, the beach is located on the eastern end of Po‘ipu and feels more secluded than other areas, especially during early morning or evening hours.
Shipwreck beach is easily accessible for all ages
Moreover, it’s an optimal locale because the weather is usually predictable. The South Shore is known for its predominately sunny weather even if it’s raining in other areas. That said, since this is the hotter side of the island, the best time for photos is still morning or early evening.
And if you’re looking for dramatic tides to complement your images, the summer is the best time of year for Kaua‘i photographers to capture a swirling ocean, as waves tend to taper off during the winter season.
Beach Activities
The current here is strong throughout the year so it’s not the best beach for swimming, especially since there are no lifeguards. Still, it’s a popular spot for experienced surfers to perfect their moves, particularly during summer when swells are ample.
But you don’t have to get in the water to reap all the naturally nourishing benefits this special spot has to offer. Shipwreck Beach makes for a great picnic locale and it’s a splendid site to kick back and appreciate the vistas, especially after a photoshoot session.
Shade in the morning under the trees that line Shipwreck Beach
There’s even an incredible hike that starts at the beach that takes you along the Maha‘ulepu Coast and weaves between giant, lithified sandcastles and the cliff’s edge, where native seabirds and honu (green sea turtles) can be spotted.
Historic Location
This unique landscape is not only steeped in geologic history but also has a rich anthropological background. Aside from hosting communities of native Hawaiians, Shipwreck Beach is near the site of a legendary attack. Maha‘ulepu Coast was where one of a string of winning battles occurred that gave Kaua‘i its unconquerable nickname, “the separate kingdom.”
The beach is also close to the Makauwahi Cave Reserve, a massive sinkhole where fossils dating back thousands of years, pre-human contact, have been unearthed.
Directions
To get to the stunning Shipwreck Beach, drive down Po‘ipu Road and make a right after passing the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa’s entrance, before the asphalt ends. Take this road all the way down to the parking lot.
Shipwreck Beach is a perfect location for Kaua‘i photographers to take your pictures, and it’s also one of the best places on Kaua‘i to enjoy after a photoshoot. Whether you prefer a morning hike among ancient, timeworn sandcastles, a leisurely lunchtime picnic or a casual sunset stroll in the sand, plan ahead and grab everything you need to reap the full benefits of this lovely locale.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/YAaQs