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Exploring Po‘ipū — the Sunny Southside of Kauaʻi

Stephanie Namahoe Launiu — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:47:19 +0000

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, its northern neighbor is Kōloa.

Renowned for Poipu Beach Park, its 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.

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 Credit: Hui Mālama O Kāneiolouma)

Learn more 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 at one of the many world-class resorts on Kauai’s South Shore, Poipu Beach Park is 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.” Found in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, this beach offers more challenging surf conditions suitable for experienced riders. It’s also the starting point for the Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail, a scenic coastal hike.

Shipwreck Beach got its name from a small wooden boat that lay flat at the water’s edge for many years. Hit by countless storms over the years, people stripped it for firewood. Hurricane ‘Iwa in 1982 completely destroyed what little was left.

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. Guided tours are available.
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 a 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, go photograph it. It’s a fragrant 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.

Moir Gardens: 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, a natural feature 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. It’s on Lawai Road just south of the traffic circle. There is a restroom and a collection of little stands that sell souvenirs and trinkets. Admire it from afar, the lava shelf is dangerous.

Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden: Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden network, the gardens showcase a diverse array of tropical plants, including rare and endangered species. Guided tours offer insights into the 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 are lots of opportunities 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 premier 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 offer 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 jewelry.

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 places around town and are the best places to find locally crafted goods 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 options 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 into this intimate local cafe for an early lunch of American favorites including vegetarian entrees. They don’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?

The post Exploring Po‘ipū — the Sunny Southside of Kauaʻi appeared first on Hawaii.com.

The Best Kauai Hotels: Where to Stay on the Garden Isle

EJ Leonard — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 04:42:46 +0000

The Westin Resort Princeville (Shutterstock)

There’s something about Kauaʻi that stays with you long after you leave. Maybe it’s the misty cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, where waterfalls tumble into the sea. Or the way roosters strut through beach parks like they own the place. Perhaps it’s the deep green of the taro fields in Hanalei or the hush of a rainforest trail after the rain.

Kauaʻi is quieter than its sister islands, slower too. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak in that aloha magic on Kaua’i again, where you stay can shape your whole experience. The best hotels in Kauaʻi each offer a different window into the island’s heart.

And that’s exactly the point. Here are our recommendations for a memorable island retreat.

Hanalei Bay Resort in Kauai (Shutterstock)

Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa (Poʻipū)

If you’re dreaming of a classic resort experience, the Grand Hyatt in Poʻipū delivers in every way. Set along the sun-kissed southern coast, this sprawling resort blends luxury with a deep sense of place. You’ll find lush gardens, waterfalls, and koi-filled ponds winding through the property. The scent of plumeria lingers in the air. Inside, rooms feel spacious and serene, with private lanais, and breezy minimalist, island-style decor. But you won’t want to stay inside for long.

There are multiple pools (including a lazy river), waterslides, and a saltwater lagoon. It also gives direct beach access to Shipwreck Beach, also known as Keoneloa. Traditionally used for fishing and gathering, this locale got its contemporary name from a wooden boat that ran aground on its rocky shore but has since disappeared with the elements. While not the best for swimming, the beach is stunning, often less crowded, and the perfect spot to catch the sunrise.

Looking for relaxation? Don’t miss the Anara Spa — it’s one of the largest in the islands. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to high-end amenities and services, enhancing their overall experience. The resort also offers several cultural experiences including lei-making, net-fishing, hula, and Hawaiian language classes.

For a real treat, you can also book the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Lūʻau for captivating evening performances and a feast of fresh island delicacies. It’s a soulful introduction to hula, music, and local food under the moonlight.

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1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (Princeville)

Perched above the legendary surf of Hanalei Bay, this newly reimagined hotel blends eco-conscious sustainability with relaxed luxury. Once known as the Princeville Resort, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has been transformed into a modern marvel. Consistently rated one of the best Kauai hotels, it honors the land through reclaimed materials, rainwater harvesting, and native plants. Every detail reflects a deep respect for the natural landscapes.

From your room, you can see mist dance along the emerald cliffs. The sound of waves and birdsong fills the air. There is a vast array of holistic wellness experiences, including group classes that promote health and social interaction, an open-air fitness center with ocean views, as well as seven restaurants and bars offering fresh, local, sustainability-sourced farm-to-table ingredients. It feels calm, grounded, and restorative.

Princeville is a great base for exploring Kauaʻi’s North Shore. You’re just minutes from Hanalei town, where you can grab a fresh acai bowl, browse local art, or paddle down the river. Whether you’re out adventuring or just soaking it all in, this resort makes it easy to feel connected — to yourself and to the island.

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Koa Kea Hotel & Resort (Poʻipū)

If you’re looking for romance, Koa Kea is a gem. It’s smaller and more intimate than the big resorts, with only 121 rooms. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in soul.

Right on Poʻipū Beach, surrounded by tropical gardens, Koa Kea is perfect for sunrise strolls and snorkeling with sea turtles. The water is warm, clear, and full of life. Just remember: admire the turtles from a respectful distance — they like their space.

The rooms are elegant and modern, with soft linens, rainfall showers, soaking tubs, ocean-view balconies that are perfect for slow mornings or sunset glasses of wine, and access to a luxurious infinity pool.

Red Salt, the on-site restaurant, is worth booking in advance. Expect fresh seafood, island-grown produce, and craft cocktails that taste like a vacation in a glass. For couples, there’s a boutique spa, private cabanas, and plenty of quiet corners to enjoy each other’s company.

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The Lodge at Kukuiʻula (Kōloa)

For a more private, residential experience, The Lodge at Kukuiʻula is an upscale enclave of bungalows, cottages, and villas that offer the comforts of home with the amenities of a five-star resort.

Each unit has a gourmet kitchen, indoor-outdoor living spaces, and exclusive access to the private club at Kukuiʻula — complete with golf, a spa, farm-to-table dining, and an organic community farm.

It’s ideal for families or longer stays. The lodge is set amidst stunning natural landscapes, seamlessly blending with the surrounding beauty to create a serene and immersive experience. You’re close to Poʻipū, but tucked away from the crowds. And if you want to explore, the South Shore is rich with hiking trails, places that speak to the deep history of Kauaʻi, and the famous Spouting Horn, where the surf fills a natural lava tube shooting water into the sky.

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Waimea Plantation Cottages (Waimea)

On Kauaʻi’s West Side, where red dirt roads wind toward Waimea Canyon and time seems to stand still, you’ll find Waimea Plantation Cottages. This is old Hawaiʻi — unhurried, storied, and full of charm.

Each cottage is a lovingly restored sugar plantation home, painted in soft pastels and shaded by tall coconut palms. Inside, you’ll find full kitchens, screened-in porches, and a vintage rhythm that invites you to slow down. There are no elevators or glossy lobbies — just the sound of waves, roosters in the morning, and the scent of salt and plumeria in the breeze. Unlike many other accommodations, Waimea Plantation Cottages do not charge a resort fee, making it an even more attractive option for travelers.

It’s a beautiful base for exploring Kōkeʻe State Park or watching the sun dip behind the sea at Polihale Beach. And though you’re far from the resort crowds, what you’ll find here is something richer — a quiet kind of magic you carry with you.

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Kīlauea Lodge & Restaurant (Kīlauea)

Not to be confused with the Big Island’s volcano, Kīlauea town on Kauaʻi’s North Shore is small, sweet, and full of aloha. The Kīlauea Lodge offers a cozy alternative to coastal resorts which makes it one of the best Kauai hotels. This charming inn feels like a cross between a country bed-and-breakfast and a rainforest retreat. The rooms are simple yet warm with lush tropical gardens that enhance the ambiance, and the on-site restaurant serves fresh, hearty meals.

You’re near the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a favorite spot for seabird watching. And the beaches and trails of the North Shore are just a short drive away.

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Resort Hotel on Shipwreck Beach, Kauai (Shutterstock)

Tips for Choosing the Best Kauai Hotels

Kauaʻi has a few distinct regions, each with its own vibe. The South Shore (Poʻipū, Kōloa) tends to be sunnier and drier, with more resort options and family-friendly beaches. The North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei, Kīlauea) is lush, dramatic, and a bit rainier — perfect for adventure and nature lovers. Anini Beach is a popular destination too, with beautiful beaches and family-friendly amenities. The West Side is remote, rustic, and ideal for exploring Waimea Canyon. The East Shore (Līhuʻe, Kapaʻa) is centrally located and good for budget travelers.

When booking, consider what matters to you.

And finally, remember that Kauaʻi asks you to slow down. To listen. To watch the clouds roll over the mountains. The right hotel isn’t just where you sleep. It’s part of the journey.

So wherever you stay, let it deepen your connection to this incredible island. The spirit of aloha lives in the land, the people, and yes — even the places we hang our hats at night.

The post The Best Kauai Hotels: Where to Stay on the Garden Isle appeared first on Hawaii.com.

Kauai Best Value Hotels

Hawaii.com Team — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 00:57:49 +0000

Photo courtesy: Hanalei Colony Resort.

Known as Hawaii’s Garden Isle, Kauai is definitely in full-bloom when it comes to gorgeous and budget friendly accommodation options. Listed below are our top picks for Kauai best value hotels, each with 3-5 star ratings, and offering affordable rooms, with amenities included, at less than $200/night.

Hanalei Colony Resort

Heaven on earth takes on a new meaning at Hanalei Colony Resort, located just minutes from the charming small town it’s named after and situated in Haʻena on Kauai’s lush north shore. Unlike the posh and more centralized resorts, Hanalei Colony Resort offers a true escape away from it all, featuring suites with sweeping ocean views or mountain views, private patios, wi-fi, and large picture windows. Suites here also encourage guests to unplug, and do not have televisions, stereos or phones.

Kauai Beach Resort

Step into tranquility at Kauai Beach Resort, a 25-acre oasis located on a stunning, white sand beach. Minutes from Lihue Airport, getting here is convenient, and staying here is sheer bliss. Enjoy sweeping views from your private balcony, frolic in the resort’s four swimming pools, and feast among its four onsite dining options.

Courtyard by Marriott at Coconut Beach

Courtyard by Marriott at Coconut Beach brings the best of Kauai to greet each guest, featuring a beautiful beach locale, and offering the highest level of customer service and amenities, including high-speed internet, refrigerators, and private lanais in each of its suites. An onsite spa is also close at hand to soothe and heal you.

Kauai Coast Resort at Beachboy

Picture yourself beneath swaying palm trees and among endless plumeria blossoms on Kauai’s famed Coconut Coast, for that is what you will find at Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy. Priding itself on helping its guests get back to nature, and really unplug, the resort rooms do not have televisions or phones (wi-fi is included however), and instead offer guests lovely private lanais, full-service spa, an onsite Hukilau Lanai restaurant, and oceanfront surroundings sure to wipe away every worry.

Aston Islander on the Beach

Aston Islander on the Beach offers visitors a cozy and intimate Kauai experience, featuring charming plantation-style decor that harkens back to Hawaii’s earlier days. Enjoy your stay in any of its lovely guest rooms, take a swim in the sparkling pool, and make some magical island memories at this beautiful beachfront resort.

Castle Mokihana

Cure whatever ails you at Castle Mokihana, an oceanfront resort property located on Kauai’s eastern shore, and showcasing lovely studios with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean (again, don’t expect TVs here either, but rather take in the tropical beauty of this retreat). Just a few minutes from charming Kapaa town, with its various shopping and dining options, Castle Mokihana offers its guests the best of both worlds with top value and ultimate convenience.

Banyan Harbor

Budget-friendly and boasting all the necessary amenities one would want, Banyan Harbor Resort is perched upon Lihue harbor, and offers its guests units featuring 2 bedrooms. The resort has a sparkling onsite pool, and is also just a short stroll from Kalapaki Beach, as well as nearby Anchor Cove Mall.

Makai Club Resort

Makai Club Resort whisks its guests away to paradise, offering a heavenly hillside locale and world-class golfing at its Makai Golf Course. Nestled on Kauai’s famed north shore, this resort offers the golf enthusiast a true dream come true.

Whichever of these eight hotels you choose, take comfort in knowing that you have found the absolute best value for your money as you make your magical Kauai memories.

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