Renowned for Poipu Beach Park, its other golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, Poʻipū has become a premier destination for travelers seeking sun, relaxation and adventure. In fact, it’s a high-end vacation spot for sophisticated travelers.
Poʻipū, meaning “crashing waves” in the Hawaiian language, has earned the nickname “The Sunny Southside” because of its warm temperature year-round and ideal weather conditions for ocean activities. Located on the southern side of Kauaʻi, it’s northern neighbor is Kōloa.
History of Poʻipū
Poʻipū’s rich history is deeply rooted in Native Hawaiian culture. Kāhua O Kāneiolouma, at the corner of Poʻipū Road and Ho‘owili Road, is a sacred cultural site containing remnants of an ancient Hawaiian village. The 13-acre area contains archeological evidence of living structures, fishponds, taro fields, irrigation systems, and a makahiki gaming arena.
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 Hawaii to be completely restored.
Kaneiolouma is being restored. Photo by Hui Mālama O Kāneiolouma.
Learn more on their website about the ongoing restoration process of Kāneiolouma.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the 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 Kauai is still a multicultural community today.
Every July, a 10-day festival celebrates the plantation heritage of Kauai’s south shore. If you’re planning a visit, look into coming to Kaua‘i for Kōloa Plantation Days.
Poipu, blow hole, kauai island (Shutterstock)
The Beauty of Poipu Beaches
Poipu Beach Park: Often hailed as one of America’s best beaches, Poipu Beach Park features a series of golden sand crescents ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking. Poipu Beach has lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and pavilions. It’s common to spot endangered Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles basking on the shore and killer sunsets. For those staying in one of the many world-class resorts on Kauai’s south shore, Poipu Beach Park will be steps from your door, making trips back to your room for snacks, lunch or bathroom breaks super convenient.
Brennecke’s Beach: Next to Poipu Beach Park, Brennecke’s is famed for its consistent waves, making it a hotspot for bodyboarding and bodysurfing fans.
Shipwreck Beach: The Hawaiian name of this beach is Keoneloa, meaning “the long sands.”Located in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai 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.
Shipwreck Beach got its name from the small wooden boat that lay at the water’s edge for many years. Hit by many storms over the years, people stripped it for firewood. When hurricane ‘Iwa hit Kaua‘i in November 1982, it completely destroyed what little was left of the small boat.
Lawai Beach: A favorite among snorkelers and scuba divers. Lawai Beach boasts vibrant marine life and coral formations just offshore.
Outdoor Activities
Beyond the beaches, Poʻipū offers a bounty of outdoor activities:
- Snorkeling and Diving: The clear, warm waters are teeming with diverse marine species, providing excellent conditions for underwater exploration.
- Surfing and Boogie Boarding: With spots for various skill levels, Poipu beaches cater to both novice and seasoned wave riders.
- Hiking: Trails like the Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail offer breathtaking coastal views, leading hikers past sand dunes, sea cliffs, and secluded beaches.
- Golfing: The area is home to championship golf courses that provide challenging play amid stunning tropical landscapes. Reserve your tee time at Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course.
Kuaui Tree Tunnel Road (Shutterstock)
Other Attractions Near Po‘ipū
Tree Tunnel: If you didn’t drive through this on your way to Poʻipū from Lihu‘e Airport, take time to go see it. It’s a fragrant one-mile stretch of Eucalyptus trees just off Highway 50 above Kōloa on Maluhia Road. Locals say that the trees are well over a century old. Be sure to get out of your car and take photos. It’s an inspiring sight.
Moir Gardens: Situated within the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation, 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 a popular restaurant, Plantation Gardens Restaurant and Bar. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Spouting Horn: This blowhole near Poipu Beach Park shoots water up to 50 feet into the air as waves forcefully enter a lava tube. This natural feature was known as Puhi by ancient Hawaiians. According to legend, a huge mo‘o (lizard) was caught in this blowhole and you can still hear the moaning sounds today.
Spouting Horn is on Lawai Road just south of the traffic circle. There is a restroom here and a collection of little stands that sell souvenirs and trinkets.
Don’t go onto the lava shelf to get close to the blowhole. Fatalities and injuries have resulted from unsuspecting visitors.
Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden: Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network, these adjacent gardens showcase a diverse array of tropical plants, including rare and endangered species. Guided tours offer insights into the gardens’ botanical collections and landscape architecture.
Kāneiolouma Complex: This ancient village provides a window into ancient Hawaiian life and is undergoing restoration to preserve its cultural significance.
Shopping in Po‘ipū
There’s lots of opportunity to whip out your credit or debit card in Po‘ipū. Options for the latest trends in Hawaiian fashion and home décor are plentiful.
The Shops at Kukui‘ula
The Shops at Kukui‘ula is the premiere place to find Hawaiian keepsakes in Po‘ipū. At art galleries like Red Koi you’ll love original paintings created by local artists. Martin and MacArthur offers products crafted with koa, Hawaii’s esteemed native tree. If you’re exchanging wedding vows during your stay, the store is well-known for its koa wood rings.
You’ll also find aloha wear and casual surf apparel at this plantation-style shopping center. Check out SoHa Living for budget items with a beachy flair. Mahina has casual sundresses and inexpensive jewels.
Po‘ipū Shopping Village
Another mall you’ll want to check out on the south shore is Po‘ipū Shopping Village. Fish Eye Kauai 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 delight in a treasure trove of stores with Hawaii inspired t-shirts and gifts that make great souvenirs.
Resort Shopping in Po‘ipū
Nearly every resort along Po‘ipū Road also offers some kind of retail outlet. Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i has a tiny boutique at its famed Anara Spa. You might not think to stop here but the clothes on just a few racks are trendy with some made by local designers. This is also one of the few spots you’ll find brand name nail polish, as well as contemporary and fragrant facial and body products.
Spouting Horn
Another unexpected location to discover keepsakes is Spouting Horn. While most of the products aren’t from Hawai‘i, you might still encounter a tropical treasure. If you walk across the street to the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s South Shore Visitors Center, there are even more treasures. By purchasing something here, you’re supporting a good cause.
Pop Up Markets
Check out any markets happening while you’re in town, especially during the holidays. They pop up at various venues and are the best places to find locally crafted goods with the same quality you’ll find in stores, but at a fraction of the price.
Po‘ipū Hotels and Accommodations
Poʻipū offers a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets:
Luxury Resorts: The Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa epitomizes opulence with its expansive pools, lush gardens, and world-class amenities.
Boutique Hotels: Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach provides an intimate, upscale experience with oceanfront views and personalized service.
Vacation Rentals: Numerous condominiums, villas, and private homes are available for rent, offering flexibility and a home-like atmosphere for families and groups.
Po‘ipū Restaurants
Poʻipū offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Here are some notable dining establishments in the area:
Keoki’s Paradise: A charming, family-friendly restaurant for thoughtfully sourced, island-inspired dishes, Asian fusion plus a great happy hour with live music at night.
Anuenue Café: Breakfast and brunch only, pop in to this intimate local cafe for an early lunch of American favorites including vegetarian entrees. They doesn’t accept reservations.
Tidepools: A Grand Hyatt destination restaurant with upscale Hawaiian cuisine in open-air thatch huts along the lagoon. Reservations are required. Pro Tip: Ask to dine outside · their bar serves great cocktails.
Closing Thoughts
Po‘ipū and neighboring Kōloa are a perfect backdrop for a memorable Hawaiian vacation full of sunshine, beaches, good food, natural wonders, and ancient Hawaiian culture. What more could you want?
