Set on South Shore Kauai, Poipu offers seemingly endless things to do – and good eats for all to enjoy. So, when it comes time to build out your perfect itinerary, you may find it difficult to choose between all the possibilities. Thankfully, we’re here to help you get ready to hit the road with this helpful guide. Just read on to find out about the top 10 things to do and the best places to eat in Poipu on Kauai.
What to Do with Your Kauai Days
Whenever you’re ready to have a wonderful time on the southern side of the island, set your sights on any of the following activities.
Play Around at Poipu Beach Park
Whether you want to take a dip in the water, sunbathe on the sand, or have a picnic, you cannot go wrong with a trip to Poipu Beach Park. The ample onsite facilities make it easy to spend the whole day here. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty more often than not.
Hike the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
Want to get your steps in for the day while seeing spectacular views in every direction? Just take a hike down the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. Nearly four miles long, this trail will take you from Keoneloa Bay to Mahaulepu Beach.
Admire the Limahuli Garden and Preserve
For a glimpse at all the native vegetation growing on the island, take a trip over to the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. True biodiversity abounds in this garden, which was recreated in the footprint of an ancestral village. On the self-guided tour, you’ll get to see native fan palms, rare ginseng plants, sweet sugar cane, and so much more.
Walk Around Poipu Shopping Village
Whenever you want to spend the day shopping your heart out in paradise, let the Poipu Shopping Village serve as your destination of choice. Wonderful local shops sell souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and pretty much anything else you could want on your travels. For even more fun, come by on Monday and Thursday at 5 pm to see a stunning hula show to remember.
Visit Old Koloa Town
Even more shopping fun awaits at Old Koloa Town. During your visit, you can get geared up for the oceanside at Billabong Kauai or grab wonderful keepsakes at Giorgio’s Gallery. The Koloa Trading Post is a must-visit, too, especially if you want to get souvenirs for your friends and family.
Photograph Spouting Horn
A trip to the Spouting Horn lets you get a glimpse at the sheer power and magnificence of the oceanside. Just be sure to bring your camera, so you can get a few great shots of all the action as the blowhole sends water flying high in the sky.
Sip on Tasty Kauai Coffee
Poipu is world-renowned for its coffee plantations, so don’t hesitate to get a taste of Kauai coffee creations while you’re in town. No matter where you get a cup of joe, the robust coffee flavors – and high caffeine content, of course – promise to kick your day into high gear in an instant.
Enjoy Weliweli Disc Golf Course
At the Weliweli Disc Golf Course, you can get into the competitive spirit while working off all your energy. With its great balance of wide-open rippers and strategic shots, you must think your way through the holes to make it to the end.
Stop by Baby Beach
If you have youngsters in tow, Baby Beach is a must. At this chill cove, the boulders create a barrier against the biggest waves, making it easy for the little ones to splash around. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them all anyway, of course, especially since there are no lifeguards on duty here.
Go Snorkeling at Lawai Beach
Lawai Beach is the perfect place to go when you want to see beautiful marine life living it up. Monk seals and sea turtles regularly make their appearance on shore. And you might see humpback whales and dolphins pass by in the distance. Even more wondrous sights await beneath the waves. You just have to don your snorkeling gear to get a glimpse.
Where to Go Eat in Between Your Adventures
In between all your adventures, you need to fuel up for more fun by enjoying the decadent food and drinks at any of these awesome eateries.
Kalapaki Joe’s Poipu
Opens for breakfast and keeps the deliciousness going long enough for a nightcap
Fresh Shave
Serves bright, flavorful shave ice you can feel good about enjoying day after day
Keoki’s Paradise
Creates Hawaiian-inspired fare for your pure enjoyment in their garden space
Kauai Poke Co.
Transforms the freshest seafood around into imaginative poke creations
Little Fish Coffee
Makes fresh-brewed coffee drinks plus acai bowls, bagel sandwiches, and more
Merriman’s Fish House
Presents fine dining cuisine in a truly upscale Old Hawaii Plantation setting
Red Salt
Offers the finest culinary creations to savor while looking at the stunning ocean views
Tidepools
Provides a memorable open-air dining experience completed with surf and turf goodness
Koloa Fish Market
Serves up delightful grab-and-go fare perfect for your island picnic adventures
Ilima Terrace
Creates lowkey café-style selections to enjoy on the open-air lanai near Keoneloa Bay
Eating House
Presents fine dining cuisine dreamed up by the one-and-only Roy Yamaguchi
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
Stays open all day to serve beach-worthy snacks, shave ice, and cold drinks
Before heading out to your preferred restaurants, call ahead to see if you should make reservations. If not, ask when to stop in for the best chance at avoiding a long wait. The local restaurants can get super busy, after all, especially at the height of the tourist season.
With all these destinations in mind, you’ll never again have to wonder how to spend your days exploring Poipu. Just pick any of the venues above at random or try each one on the list. Either way, you definitely won’t regret heading out to see all there’s to enjoy on South Shore Kauai.
