Poipu in Kauai

Poipu has a broad range of beaches to suit different tastes, from family-friendly swimming spots to marine life-rich snorkelling sites and gnarley surf breaks. The top times to visit Kauai’s beaches are September–November and April–June – both periods have fine weather and peaceful vibes.

Poipu Beach is the town's most popular spot as it offers a little bit of everything. The centrally located strip is sheltered enough for a swim but has sufficient waves for beginner surfers – the snorkelling is also great. On the east edge of town, Shipwreck Beach is rough enough to give experienced surfers some thrills.

Backed by low-rise resorts, the crescent-shaped Kiahuna Beach is suitable for novice surfers and snorkellers. Baby Beach, as the name implies, is ideal for the little ones. Calm, shallow waters offer a safe space for children to splash around.

Once you’ve had your fun in the sun, there are plenty of things to do with the kids in Poipu. The big-ticket attraction is Spouting Horn, a natural blowhole spurting seawater up to 50 ft in the air. Both young and old will love listening to the thundering hiss accompanying each spout – just don’t stand too close. Rock up at sunset to see an incandescent, rainbow-coloured spray.

Add some Hawaiian culture to your holiday with a dinner and show at Auliʻi Lūʻau. This open-air oceanfront venue puts on a hearty Polynesian-style buffet at sunset, accompanied by live Hawaiian music and dance. If the kids are old enough to give surfing a shot, Endless Summer Surf School offers private and group lessons for all ages (and abilities).

While Poipu is a popular family beach destination, there are lots for the grown-ups to do. The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail is a top hike on the south coast. Starting in Poipu, this 4-mile return jaunt meanders along stunning sand dunes and dramatic clifftops, passing a treasure trove of historical sites along the way. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and monk seals. You can continue onto the Makauwahi Cave Trail, which leads to a massive limestone cavern full of ancient archaeological ruins.

Kāneiʻolouma Heiau is a 13-acre cultural site housing the remnants of a centuries-old Hawaiian village. You can view archaeological sites, such as taro fields, fishponds, shrines, and ingenious early irrigation systems. West of Poipu, Allerton Garden is a gorgeous botanic parkland with pastel-coloured flowers and verdant native plants.

If you’d rather explore untouched nature, try Kōkeʻe State Park. This lush wilderness region has gushing waterfalls, tranquil campgrounds, and misty mountains. It’s about 1 hour from Poipu but well worth the drive.

Poipu’s primary thoroughfare is Poipu Road, which connects the key beach resorts and the nearby Old Koloa Town. Many of the area’s shopping and dining options sit at the intersection with Kalanikaumaka Street.

Most accommodation options line Poipu’s plethora of pretty beaches to give guests an ocean view. From east to west, developed beach resorts include Brennecke’s Beach, Poipu Beach, Kiahuna Beach, Baby Beach, Lawa’i Beach, and Kukuiʻula Harbor Beach.

Old Koloa Town is a charming plantation-era hamlet just 5 minutes north of Poipu. It's home to a slew of cute restaurants, shops, and galleries. The town was Kauai’s economic epicentre during the 19th-century sugar cane boom. 

If you happen to be there on a Thursday, head to Koloa Ball Park for the Koloa Farmer’s Market (starts at noon). The small market sees some 20 local vendors selling fresh produce at reasonable rates – grab some oversized avocados for your hotel fridge.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop by the Koloa Fish Market for tasty seafood. This friendly, family-run venue offers good-value counter meals and packed lunches to go.

Poipu has a broad range of gastronomic options, from cheap local food trucks to fancy gourmet restaurants in 5-star hotels. Rub shoulders with the local set at Savage Shrimp, a small counter-serve seafood joint specialising in – you guessed it – shrimp. You’ll find other deep-fried seafood delicacies on the menu, all of which are filling, delicious, and cheap.

Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is a Poipu institution. Overlooking the beach, this buzzing midrange restaurant is a hit for its divine pupu platters and ahi tuna burgers. If you’re happy to splurge, Tidepools is the top fine-dining venue in town. The restaurant at the Grand Hyatt serves refined Hawaiian cuisine in an elegant thatched-roof building surrounded by gardens and a lagoon.

Poipu has a few worthwhile shopping options to quash your retail cravings. Poipu Shopping Village is the town’s main open-air mall, hosting a small selection of stores selling surf gear, apparel, jewellery, and souvenirs. Frequent Tahitian hula shows keep shoppers amused, and there are a few art galleries to check out. The mall hosts a small market during the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month. 

The larger Kauai Culinary Market takes place at The Shops at Kukui‘ula on Wednesday afternoons. Regional growers hawk fresh produce to the sounds of live Hawaiian tunes. If you can’t make it on market day, the shopping complex sells an array of essentials throughout the week.

Poipu’s after-dark scene is more about laidback cocktails than booming all-night clubs. Easygoing Honu Bar serves refreshing frozen cocktails on a wooden deck overlooking Poipu Beach. Swing by at happy hour to enjoy the best deal and order some yummy bites to accompany your booze.

Stevenson’s Library serves well-crafted cocktails and food inside the sophisticated lounge of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. For exquisite imported wines with charcuterie boards (and other eats) check out The Tasting Room in Old Koloa Town.

Aside from beach bumming, there’s a whole host of fun activities to enjoy in Poipu and throughout Kauai. Surfing is a top option, with breaks for beginners and pros. Standouts include Waiohai Reef, Shipwrecks Beach, and Poipu Beach Park. Alternatively, snorkelling is superb right along the south coast – give Kiahuna Beach and Poipu Beach a go.

Tour companies run kayaking trips around Garden Island and various Kauai rivers. Check out Kauai ATV for offroad adventures if you’d rather tear through the jungle on 4 wheels. Most of the island’s best hiking trails lie around Kōkeʻe State Park in the north and Kapa’a in the east. The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail is your best bet near Poipu.