Hulopoe Beach

Hulopo’e Beach is a long, wide crescent of white sand bordered on either end by boulders lying against lava points. Part of the Mānele-Hulopo’e Marine Life Conservation District, Hulopo’e was once referred to as White Sand Mānele Beach. This was to distinguish it from Black Sand Mānele Beach, which disappeared when Mānele Harbor was constructed in 1965.

On tranquil days, the bay presents an ideal destination for snorkeling and swimming. However, Hulopo’e Beach is susceptible to hazardous shorebreak and powerful ocean currents during periods of south swells and intense kona (southern origin) storms. The nearshore beach exhibits a steep incline, rapidly descending to depths exceeding the waist. The shorebreak waves, which break in shallow water less than 3 feet, tend to be more turbulent on the resort side of the beach. Visitors frequently underestimate the severe dangers and risks associated with small 2 to 4 foot shorebreak wave.

Public restrooms, showers and parking at the available at the East end of the bay. Hulopo’e Beach is the primary ocean recreation area for residents of Lana’i, not just due to its stunning beauty, but that the few other beaches on the island require off-road vehicles to access.