By Stephanie Namahoe Launiu
2 April, 2025
Kauai
Kauai Accommodations
Kauai Beaches
Kauai Nature & Parks
Kauai Restaurants
Things to Do on Kauai
Visiting Hawaii
Poʻipū Beach. Photo by Ben Ono, courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
This article was originally published on April 2, 2025, and was updated Feb. 25, 2026.
Po'ipū, meaning "crashing waves" in Hawaiian, has earned the nickname "The Sunny Southside" for its warm temperatures year-round and ideal conditions for ocean activities.
Located south of Kōloa, Po'ipū Beach Park is known for its golden beaches, relaxation and adventure.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, this area played a pivotal role in Hawai'i's sugarcane industry. The nearby Kōloa Plantation was among the first successful sugarcane plantations in the Hawaiian Islands. It attracted a diverse immigrant workforce, and Kaua'i remains a multicultural community today. Every July, a 10-day festival celebrates the plantation heritage of Kaua'i's South Shore. If you're planning a visit, consider timing your trip to coincide with Kōloa Plantation Days.
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Poʻipū Beach Park. Photo by Ben Ono, courtesy of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
Often hailed as one of America's best beaches, Po'ipū Beach Park features a series of golden sand crescents ideal for swimming, snorkeling and picnicking. There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers and pavilions. It's common to spot endangered Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles basking on the shore. Remember to watch these animals from at least 10 feet away per state law. For those staying at one of the many world-class resorts on Kaua'i's South Shore, Po'ipū Beach Park is steps from your door, making trips back to your room for snacks, lunch or a restroom break convenient.
Next to Po'ipū Beach Park, Brennecke's is famed for its consistent waves, making it a hotspot for bodyboarding and bodysurfing.
Keoneloa is Hawaiian for "the long sands." The beach was nicknamed Shipwreck Beach after a small wooden boat that lay at the water's edge for many years. Hit by countless storms, people stripped it for firewood until Hurricane 'Iwa completely destroyed what little was left in 1982. Located in front of the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort, this beach offers more challenging surf conditions suitable for experienced surfers. It's also the starting point for the Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail, a scenic coastal hike.
A favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers, Lawaʻi Beach boasts vibrant marine life and coral formations just offshore. It's also one of the best spots on the island for watching the sunset.
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Spouting Horn, Poʻipū. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Poʻipū offers a bounty of outdoor activities.
The clear, warm waters are teeming with diverse marine species, providing excellent conditions for underwater exploration.
With spots for various skill levels, Po'ipū's beaches cater to both novice and seasoned wave riders.
Trails like the Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail offer breathtaking coastal views, leading hikers past sand dunes, sea cliffs and secluded beaches.
The area is home to championship golf courses that provide challenging play amid stunning tropical landscapes.
This blowhole near Po'ipū Beach Park shoots water up to 50 feet into the air as waves forcefully enter a lava tube, a natural feature ancient Hawaiians called Puhi. According to legend, a huge mo'o, or lizard, was caught in the blowhole — and you can still hear its moaning today. It's on Lawaʻi Road just south of the traffic circle. There is a restroom and a collection of souvenir stands nearby. Admire it from a distance, as the lava shelf is dangerous.
Tree Tunnel Road. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
You'll drive through this on your way to Poʻipū from Lihu‘e Airport. Roll down your windows to take in the fragrance of this one-mile stretch of eucalyptus trees just off Highway 50 above Kōloa on Maluhia Road. Locals say the trees are well over a century old.
Within the Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER, these 35-acre botanical gardens were established in the 1930s by Alexandra Moir. They are renowned for their extensive collection of cacti, succulents, orchids and water lily ponds. The nearby plantation home is now home to a popular restaurant, Plantation Gardens Restaurant and Bar. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network, these gardens showcase a diverse array of tropical plants, including rare and endangered species. Guided tours offer insights into the botanical collections and landscape architecture.
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Kāneiolouma. Photo by Hui Mālama O Kāneiolouma.
Kāhua O Kāneiolouma, at the corner of Po'ipū Road and Ho'owili Road, is a sacred cultural site containing remnants of an ancient Hawaiian village. The 13-acre area contains archaeological evidence of living structures, fishponds, kalo, or taro, fields, irrigation systems and spaces where makahiki games were once played during the annual time of peace and harvest.
Community members have been working for more than a decade to restore this historical treasure. When restoration efforts are finished, Kāneiolouma will be the first ancient Hawaiian village in the state of Hawai'i to be completely restored.
Photo courtesy of The Shops at Kukuiʻula.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Po'ipū, from the latest Hawai'i fashion trends and home décor to gift shops and jewelry.
The Shops at Kukui'ula is the premier place to find Hawaiian keepsakes in Po'ipū. At art galleries like Red Koi, you'll find original paintings created by local artists. Martin & MacArthur offers products crafted with Hawaiian koa wood. If you're exchanging wedding vows during your stay, the store is well-known for its koa wood rings. Check out SoHa Living for budget-friendly items with a beachy flair. Mahina carries casual sundresses and inexpensive jewelry. Tori Richard specializes in high-end aloha wear.
Another shopping center worth visiting on the South Shore is Po'ipū Shopping Village. Fish Eye Kaua'i is an example of a local gallery you'll find here, featuring photos of marine life by "Scuba Tom," as well as handmade jewelry and original paintings. You'll also find a treasure trove of stores with Hawaii-inspired T-shirts and gifts that make great souvenirs.
Nearly every resort along Po'ipū Road offers some kind of retail outlet. Grand Hyatt Kaua'i has a small boutique at its famed Anara Spa. You might not think to stop here, but the curated selection features pieces by local designers. This is also one of the few spots where you'll find brand-name nail polish, as well as contemporary and fragrant facial and body products.
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The Lodge at Kukuiʻula. Photo by David Livingston.
Poʻipū offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are a few of our favorites.
This resort epitomizes opulence with its expansive pools, lush gardens and world-class amenities including Anara Spa.
Located in the center of all the Poiʻpū action, this resort is great for families, couples and anyone up for a lively, yet still relaxing, place to stay.
Numerous condominiums, villas and private homes are available for rent, offering flexibility and a home-like atmosphere for families and groups. Here are a couple of our favorites.
Here, you can stay in cottage-style condos right on Poiʻpū Beach. The property also has a lovely restaurant called Plantation Gardens.
Experience full exclusivity with your own private plantation-style cottage, bungalow or villa located in the prestigious Kukuiʻula community.
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The Beach House. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Poʻipū offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Here are some notable dining options in the area:.
Breakfast and brunch only, pop into this intimate local cafe for an early lunch of American favorites including vegetarian entrees. They don’t accept reservations.
A charming, family-friendly restaurant for thoughtfully sourced, island-inspired dishes, Asian fusion plus a great happy hour with live music at night.
Located inside a plantation-style house, this open-air restaurant with views of tropical gardens and tiki torches with the warm breeze on your shoulders will make you never want to leave Kauaʻi.
Dine on the farm-to-table cuisine of chef Peter Merriman, one of the founders of Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine, while you soak up the best sunset view in Poiʻpū.
A Grand Hyatt destination restaurant with upscale Hawaiian cuisine and craft cocktails in open-air thatch huts along the lagoon. Reservations are required. Be sure to ask for a table outside.
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