10 Things to Love About Poipu

At only 2.8 square miles, the town of Poipu on Kauai is filled with things to do and see.  Whether you are looking for action packed adventure or a restful getaway, Poipu offers a little bit everything to make your trip memorable.

1. The Perpetual Sunshine – Although Kauai is known for having one of the wettest spots on earth, Poipu remains sunny throughout most of the year.  The sun, beaches, cool trade winds and fun tropical cocktails are a combination for perfect days year round.

2. The Restaurants – Poipu has become known for having some of the best restaurants on Kauai.  Chefs Peter Merriman and Roy Yamaguchi, two original members of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement, have opened signature restaurants in Poipu.  From the flavors of Hawaii to Italy and Mexico, a variety of cuisine is within your reach.

3.    Variety of Beaches – Whether you want to tackle the surf, explore underwater sea caverns and coral reefs, or simply find a stretch of sand to dive into your new book, Poipu has got you covered.  Poipu Beach has been rated by Travel + Leisure and Dr. Beach as one of the best beaches in the world for its variety of activities, sheltered keiki (children) ponds, and lifeguard services. Aside from Poipu Beach, there are many other nearby beaches.  Find your inner peace with a stroll on the secluded shoreline of Mahaulepu Beach or watch body surfers brave the shore break at Shipwreck’s Beach.  Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!

4. Wild Adventure – The beaches aren’t the only attraction in Poipu.  Local outfitter adventure companies have found ways to showcase Poipu’s natural beauty through heart pumping adventures.  Zipline through tropical forests, get deliciously dirty on a mudbug or zoom through old sugar cane roads on an All Terrain Vehicle.

5.  Dreamy Sunsets – There isn’t anything quite like a Poipu sunset, especially during summer when the sun goes down later than usual.  Hues of pink and orange light up the sky with rose-colored dusty clouds.  Van Gogh couldn’t paint a better sunset himself.  We recommend grabbing a refreshing cocktail at a beachside restaurant or bar while you wait for the sky to put on the best show you’ve ever seen.

6.  World Class Golf – Three world-class golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Tom Weiskopf can all be accessed within a five-minute drive of one other, making it the best spot on the island for hitting the links.  Golf like the greats at Poipu Bay Golf Course, the former home of the PGA Grand Slam, improve your game at Kiahuna Golf Course or spend a day at Kukuiula Golf Course, the newest and most exclusive course on Kauai.

7.  Endless Shopping – Grocery stores, local souvenirs and small boutiques are quickly accessible throughout Poipu.  Trying to find that perfect memory of your vacation to Kauai is as easy as stopping by one of Poipu’s shopping centers for items that are eclectic and unique.  High end boutiques feature luxury products and artwork by the islands most creative spirits.  Poipu’s grocery stores provide all the conveniences of home and the latest in local produce and meats.

8.  Staggering Natural beauty – Between the white sandy beaches, lava rock formations line Poipu’s coastline with dramatic fashion.  Sometimes the best adventure can be discovered with your flip-flops on your feet.  The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail takes you along limestone cliffs, through deep sand dunes and overlooking the ancient Makauwehi Cave.  On the opposite end of Poipu is Spouting Horn Beach Park, where an underwater lava tube formed a natural geyser that sprays up to forty feet of water into the air.

9.   Abundance of fresh fruit and veggies – Every Wednesday, Kukuiula Shopping Center holds its culinary market.  Farmers from all over Kauai showcase their inspiring produce while local musicians serenade you with their smooth island sounds.  As you meander through the shopping center, restaurants tempt you with samples of their savory menu items.  Nearby Koloa Town also holds the Sunshine Market at the Koloa Ball Park on Tuesday afternoons.  Sip coconut water straight from the coconut as you visit the individual vendors showcasing their Kauai made products, include island made spices, baked goods, jams, jellies, and more.

10.  Convenience – The town of Poipu is conveniently located only a half hour from Lihue, which is Kauai’s central area and the location of Lihue Airport.  Head west and visit Salt Pond Beach Park, where salt is made in mud beds using underground ocean water, or take a day trip to Kokee State Park, where the Waimea Canyon and Kalalau Valley lookouts will leave you awestruck.

It’s hard not to fall in love with Poipu, a little beach town with plenty to do.  You can easily spend your entire vacation in this little piece of paradise. Your days will be so full, another trip to Kauai might be required to explore the rest of the island.