Barking Sands Beach


Between Kekaha Beach Park and Polihale State Park, the Westside's biggest beach stretches for around 15 miles. Much of it is taken up by the US Navy’s Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility, which is closed to the public.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Polihale State Park

5.06 MILES

The endless expanse of Polihale Beach is as mystical as it is enchanting. The long slow drive here, along a rutted 5-mile dirt road, brings you to the…

2. Kekaha Beach Park

5.33 MILES

The Westside is renowned for its unrelenting sun and vast beaches. At the west end of Kekaha town, this long stretch of sand is best for beachcombing and…

3. Waimea Canyon Drive Lookout 1

7.3 MILES

The first lookout as you climb Waimea Canyon Dr offers a good introductory view to the canyon, stretching to the east. Cross the road (carefully) to check…

5. Waimea Canyon Drive

8.34 MILES

This magnificent scenic drive traces the entire length of Waimea Canyon’s western rim and continues into Kokeʻe State Park, climbing 19 miles from the…

6. Waimea Canyon Lookout

8.57 MILES

This breathtaking vista, at an elevation of 3400ft, stands at the intersection of several almighty raw red cracks in the earth. The views here are very…

7. Pu‘u Ka Pele Lookout

8.69 MILES

This canyon-edge lookout, across from a picnic area equipped with restrooms and drinking water, is a superb vantage point from which to admire the 800ft…

8. Waimea Canyon State Park

8.79 MILES

Of all Kaua‘i’s wonders, none can touch Waimea Canyon for grandeur. Few would expect the island to hold such a gargantuan abyss of lava rock; popularly…