Lanai City · Hawaii · USA
Sweetheart Rock Beach
You'll stand on rust-red volcanic cliffs above Manele Bay, watching waves explode through the natural arch locals call Puu Pehe. The air tastes of salt and ironwood. Lovers drive the rutted coast road for this overlook—not for the narrow cove below, but for the legend etched into the rock itself.
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Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Sweetheart Rock Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
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- Crowd
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll stand on rust-red volcanic cliffs above Manele Bay, watching waves explode through the natural arch locals call Puu Pehe. The air tastes of salt and ironwood. Lovers drive the rutted coast road for this overlook—not for the narrow cove below, but for the legend etched into the rock itself.
Photos
8 captures from Sweetheart Rock Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Sweetheart Rock Beach
Lanai City, Hawaii, USA
20.7358°, -156.8905°
Top things to do
At Sweetheart Rock Beach
Photograph the Arch
Golden hour frames best shots
Cliff Edge Walk
Kiawe trails hug the rim
Hulopoe Bay Dip
Calmer water quarter-mile east
Manele Harbor Reefs
Spinner dolphins frequent channel mornings
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Sweetheart Rock Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Sweetheart Rock Beach.
Is Sweetheart Rock Beach safe for swimming?
Swimming conditions at Sweetheart Rock Beach (Puu Pehe Cove) are generally not recommended for most visitors. The beach sits at the base of dramatic sea cliffs with strong currents, unpredictable waves, and rocky terrain. Access requires a steep, potentially dangerous descent. Most visitors view Sweetheart Rock from the overlook at Hulopoe Beach nearby, which offers safer swimming conditions with calmer waters and lifeguard services. If you do venture down, exercise extreme caution and never swim alone or during high surf.
When is the best time to visit Sweetheart Rock Beach?
Sweetheart Rock can be visited year-round, with early morning or late afternoon offering the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds. Summer months (May-September) typically provide calmer ocean conditions and clearer skies. Winter brings larger surf and occasional rain, though temperatures remain mild (70-80°F). Visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Golden hour provides stunning views of the iconic rock formation. The overlook area is accessible anytime, making it ideal for sunset viewing with your partner.
