The 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu: Kauai's South Shore - The Hawaii Vacation Guide (2024)

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Kauai’s resort area of Poipu is the most popular place to stay or spend the day on the Garden Isle. You’ve made a good decision to visit, now let’s show you the best things to do in Poipu.

Situated on the sun-kissed shores of Kauai’s South Shore, Poipu is the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beachgoers. While many people come for the rugged landscape of the north coast (Jurassic Park was filmed here, after all!), the south is also incredibly popular thanks to the beautiful beaches and abundance of large resorts. As this is Kauai, a large resort still can’t be taller than a coconut tree.

Visitors mainly stay around Poipu, as it’s centrally located next to all the main attractions in the south. So, if you are planning your getaway here, make sure to add these awesome things to do in Poipu to your Kauai bucket list!

Kauai has so much to see and do, check out these resources for your trip planning!
– FREE Kauai Travel Guide
– Stop searching and check out our 9 Best Beaches for Swimming on Kauai
– Our vetted and favorite will make for an unforgettable trip

Things to Do in Poipu: FAQs

Before we jump into things to do in Poipu, let us go over some details on visiting Poipu to help you with your planning. Start with your Kauai packing list and off you go!

Is Poipu Worth a Visit?

Poipu is absolutely worth visiting during your trip to Kauai! With stunning beaches, tranquil snorkel spots, and some of the best sunsets on the island, Poipu caters to every type of traveler. While we recommend staying a few days to get a real feel for the area (this is how many days to stay on Kauai), Poipu can also be visited on a day trip. Because Kauai is a small island, you can go from one end to the other in just over an hour!

What’s Better, Princeville or Poipu?

Where you choose to spend your Kauai vacation ultimately depends on what you want to see and do.

Princeville is located in the northern part of the island and is famous for its lush green cliffs and panoramic ocean views. While there are beaches within driving distance, most people come here for the dramatic natural landscapes. It’s also less developed than Poipu, which gives it more of a laid-back and somewhat exclusive vibe.

On the other hand, Poipu (which sits on the southern shore) has a livelier resort scene with stunning beaches, great restaurants, and fun activities. It also tends to have more sun and less rain than Princeville (especially in the winter), which is better for beachgoers. Hence, our 7 Best Beaches on Kauai in the Winter are mostly on the South Shore.

If you need more discussion points on this debate, see our Princeville vs Poipu: Finding the Best Place to Stay on Kauai. If you’re staying for more than seven days on Kauai, consider staying in both locations (or check out all four popular places to stay on Kauai) to get a full taste of the island. Then you will have ample time to do these 20 things to do in Poipu.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Poipu?

Kauai is beautiful every month of the year, and Poipu is no exception! Average temperatures are in the mid-70s, with the hottest month being September (80°F) and the coldest being March (73°F).

If you’re making your decision purely based on the weather, summer is the best time to visit. There is minimal rainfall and a higher chance for clear, sunny days. However, ocean swells can be a bit rough, which can make waves more dangerous. For data on crowds, clouds, and cost see our Is There a Best Time to Visit Kauai?

Winter is also a great time to come, as Poipu is the sunniest and least rainy area on the island during this time. The waves are also calmer, so you’ll have plenty of time for swimming and beach-going.

The 20 Best Things to Do in Poipu

Make time on your Kauai vacation for these things to do in Poipu. If you’re tired of planning out your trip to Kauai, let us do it for you. Our Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary includes a South Shore Kauai day with the best of these things to do in Poipu planned out efficiently. Learn more below.

1. Take a Ride on the Kauai Plantation Railway

Hop onboard an authentic diesel-powered locomotive while you tour the historic Kilohana Plantation. Your conductor will guide you through the tropical fruit groves and past the exotic forests and orchards as he tells you about the workings of this real-life farm. At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to walk the grounds and even be able to feed the resident pigs, goats, and sheep.

You can also choose to book an accompanying lunch tour, where you’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch with fresh fruit you pick yourself! This tour also includes a 60-minute guided walk through the plantation to learn more about the produce.

2. Attend a Luau

A Hawaiian and Polynesian luau is a fun experience that everyone should do at least once during their trip to Hawaii. And there are a couple of excellent options right here in Poipu.

However, we can wholeheartedly recommend the ‘Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton Kauai. It’s the only luau on Kauai with an oceanfront location, so be prepared for jaw-dropping views during sunset.We also enjoyed their Hawaiian activities before the start of the dinner show.

In addition to the amazing location, the show is also pretty spectacular. With live music, Polynesian dancing, and even fire dancers, it’s truly one of the more authentic luaus we’ve seen. And the open bar and buffet dinner is delicious too!

See our reviews on Kauai’s Best Luaus.

3. Shop in Historic Koloa Town

Located less than a 5-minute drive from Poipu, Historic Koloa Town is one of the best places to go shopping on Kauai’s southern coast. Almost all the shops are located inside plantation-style buildings (Koloa is home to Hawaii’s first sugar plantation), which adds to the charm and uniqueness of the place.

The town was severely damaged during Hurricane Iniki but they have been lovingly restored. You can get a glimpse of what life was like in Hawaii in the 19th century.

There’s a lot of history to explore here. But it’s also a good place to buy handicrafts, clothing, and fine art or to grab a slice of pizza or a cup of Hawaiian shave ice.Shave Well is one of my 5 favorite shave ice spots on Kauai.

4. Sunbathe at Shipwreck Beach

For a fun day in the sun, head to Shipwreck Beach. Located right in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, this rugged coastline is a popular destination for beachgoers. There’s a long stretch of golden sand where you can soak up the rays and listen to the sound of crashing waves.

Park at the public parking lot at Shipwreck Beach for two things to do in Poipu (see #5)

And speaking of crashing waves – the swells here are absolutely massive! While the waters may be too rough for young or inexperienced swimmers, you will see boogie boarders and cliff jumpers from time to time.

The beach also marks the start of the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, a 3.8-mile out-and-back trek across the ocean-facing cliffs.

5. Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

While some people do the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail while visiting Shipwreck Beach, we decided it should be its own experience on this list! If you’re up for the adventure, this 3.8-mile out-and-back trail boasts some of the best views of the southern Kauai coastline.

The trail starts at Shipwreck Beach and winds its way up to Maha’ulepu Beach near Kawailoa Bay. You can make different stops on the trek to see more of the scenery. There are the Makawehi & Pa’a Dunes, the Waiolpili Heiau site, and the Poipu Bay Golf Course.

Making this journey during the day can be difficult as there is little shade along the way. The earlier you go, the better (or wake up early and go for the sunrise views!).

6. See Monk Seals at Poipu Beach

If you plan to spend the day at Poipu Beach, you just might be able to see the beautiful Hawaiian monk seal. It’s one of the only two mammals endemic to the Hawaiian islands (it’s also the state animal!). But, it’s also an endangered species, which means you’ll need to take extra precautions if you’re lucky enough to see one sunbathing on the shores.

Most importantly, keep a distance of at least 150 feet from any seals. The beach has a roped-off area where they often sleep, so it’s crucial to respect their space while they’re here.

While monk seals are the highlight of Poipu Beach, you can also see sea turtles here too. They can be found resting on the shores or swimming in the shallow parts of the waters.

Visiting Poipu Beach at sunset to see the resting sea turtles is a popular time to visit but expect to find a lot of people on the beach. Due to the crowds at sunset, we decided not to add that experience to our 20 things to do in Poipu.

Related read: The Best Beaches in Poipu

7. See Spouting Horn

As one of the more unique things to do in Poipu, Sprouting Horn is not to be missed. This blowhole is located in Spouting Horn Beach Park and can shoot water over 50 feet in the air!

Spouting Horn is across the street from Allerton Botanical Garden, #12 on our things to do in Poipu list.

This occurs when the waves of the ocean are forced through the openings of the lava rocks, forcefully pushing out water through the lava tube opening.

But legend has it that the blowhole is created by a mythical lizard name Kaikapu, who once guarded the coastline of southern Kauai. After a young boy tried to escape Kaikapu while swimming, the lizard got stuck in the lava tube and now hisses and sprays out water from the depths of the Earth.

8. Grab breakfast at Little Fish

Head down the coast on Poipu Road, and you’ll come across a cozy coffee shop called Little Fish. This is one of our favorite breakfast joints on the island, especially if you love whole foods and strong coffee!

Their menu features acai bowls, bagel sandwiches, and mouthwatering paninis. And you can’t come here without trying the coffee (which is made from organic fair-trade beans). For those who are craving something besides caffeine, we can recommend one of their fresh fruit smoothies.

Grab your food and drinks and snag a spot on the outdoor porch. It’s such a charming little cafe and a great way to start your morning in Poipu. It can get very busy here in the morning. If you see a long line, head over to The Shops at Kukui’ula for more quick breakfast spots.

9. Enjoy the Sunset at the Beach House

The Beach House Restaurant is a favorite spot amongst locals and visitors – and for a good reason! With a prime location right on the ocean, it gives diners front-row seats to some of the most awe-inspiring Kauai sunsets.

Dinner is served from 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm, although we recommend coming for Happy Hour (pau hana) for savings on co*cktails and appetizers. There’s also live music every day of the week, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere of the place.

Although its more of a fine dining restaurant (things aren’t cheap!), it’s worth every penny for the amazing food and beautiful setting.

10. Drive Koloa’s Tree Tunnel

If you’re coming from the northern part of Kauai, you’ll likely drive through the Koloa Tree Tunnel (it’s right at the start of Maluhia Road or Hwy. 520). This one-mile stretch of road is covered in a shady canopy of over 500 eucalyptus trees.

The trees were originally donated in 1911 as leftovers from a landscaping project by a wealthy plantation owner. Since then, they’ve grown to be over 100 feet tall and have even survived the damage from two different hurricanes.

When driving, make sure someone in your car has their camera ready! There aren’t any places to stop on the side of the road, so you’ll want to snap this fairy-tale-like setting while you can.

11. Cool Off with a Shave Ice

There’s no better way to beat the hot, sunny days than with Hawaiian shave ice. This delectable treat can be found all over the islands, which means if you’re in Poipu, you won’t have to go far to enjoy this Hawaiian classic.

There are a handful of shave ice places in town, but we particularly love Waikomo Shave Ice. Their flavors are made with natural fruit syrups derived from cane sugar and local honey. You can also add fresh fruit toppings as well as a drizzle of honey or coconut cream.

It’s a tiny little food cart, so it might be hard to miss if you aren’t looking for it. But you can just keep an eye out for the line of hungry guests because this place is always buzzing with shave ice fanatics!

12. Stroll through Allerton Botanical Gardens

The lush landscapes and tranquil atmosphere of the Allerton Botanical Gardens are one of the prettiest places in Poipu. There is so much to see here, from the swaying palms and towering bamboo to the flowering orchards and exotic fruits. There are also beautiful fountains and art installations scattered through the garden, which adds to the charming ambiance.

To make the most of your visit here, we suggest booking one of their guided tours. Most people opt for the basic 2.5-hour guided tour, although you can also reserve a sunset tour (with meal), a twilight tour, or a luau tour (with meal and entertainment).

Kauai has the best botanical gardens in Hawaii. Visiting these gardens is a wonderful way to learn about ancient Hawaii. Hence, such an experience made our 9 Ways to Have an Authentic Trip to Hawaii.

13. Go on a Whale Watching Tour

From December to March, majestic humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of Kauai during their annual migration from the north. If you want to see these gentle giants up close, then your best bet is to book a whale-watching tour from Poipu.

We did a whale-watching tour with Kauai Zodiac, which was amazing! The boat departs from the Poipu Small Boat Harbor, so it’s very convenient if you’re staying in the area. You’ll jet out into the ocean on a power raft, so expect the ride to be fast and even a bit wet at times!

But if you do get to see the whales, having this type of boat allows you to get very close to them, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

14. Take a Tube Ride Down an Irrigation Canal

If you’re an adventure seeker, then you won’t want to miss the opportunity to go tubing in Kauai. You’ll strap on a helmet and float through the Lihue Plantation ditch, a hand-dug irrigation system that was once used to water the surrounding sugar cane crops.

The canals wind through the backcountry of the jungle, so it feels like you’re somewhere off-the-beaten path. And while there are some thrilling bits, it’s perfectly suitable for children over the age of 5.

This mountain tubing adventure makes our can’t miss things to do on Kauai list, it is one of our favorite tours. Learn more and book here: Mountain Tubing Adventure.

After the tour, you’ll be given lunch and free time to swim in a watering hole in the jungle. Keep in mind this is a very popular excursion (especially in the summer), so you’ll want to reserve your spot in advance.

15. Snorkeling at Lawai

Lawai Beach may not be as large or as popular as the nearby Poipu Beach. But despite that, it is still one of the best places on the island for snorkeling!

The waters are teeming with more tropical fish than you could imagine. There are butterfly fish, damselfish, groupers, Moorish idols, parrotfish, yellow tangs, and so much more. And if you’re lucky, you might also get to see some green sea turtles swimming in the waves too.

The beach itself isn’t the main selling point of Lawai, as the high tide can cover it almost completely. Therefore, plan to come during low tide (or leave your towel and personal items on the nearby rocks).

16. Hang With Little Ones at Baby Beach

If Poipu Beach is too crowded (which it often is), then you can seek refuge at Baby Beach. As its name implies, Baby Beach is a great option for families or those with young kids, as the waves are much calmer compared to other parts of Poipu. The reef offshore prevents the swells from getting too high, although they can still be rough if you come during winter.

The only downside is that there is very little shade, so you’ll need to bring a sun umbrella and other sun protection if you want to stay for the day. We also recommend bringing extra water and snacks. Because Baby Beach is located in a residential area, there aren’t any restaurants or shops within walking distance.

17. Sailing on the Napali Coast

With its rugged cliffs and sun-soaked beaches, the Napali Coast is the crown gem of Kauai. And while it’s not on the southern coast near Poipu, it’s still a must-see destination for those who want to experience the natural beauty of the island.

As the Napali Coast isn’t accessible by car, the best way to see it is with a catamaran sailing trip. This 5-hour tour leaves Port Allen, which is just a 25-minute drive away from Poipu. From here, you’ll sail up the coast past sea caves, rock formations, secluded beaches, and cascading waterfalls while you bask in the sun on board.

There are a lot of Napali Coast boat tours to choose from so we whittled down the list to our favorites here, including a Hawaiian-owned company: 5 Best Napali Coast Boat Tours.

This tour also includes a continental breakfast and deli-style lunch, as well as wine and beer for adults. And as an added bonus, the boat makes a 50-minute pit stop for snorkeling, so you actually go swimming in the ocean.

18. Go Ziplining

If you love the thrill of whizzing through the air on a zipline, then you’ll be excited to know that Kauai’s longest zipline course is just 5 minutes away from Poipu! Koloa Zipline has 8 different lines on-site, the longest of which clocks in at half a mile long!

On this 3.5-hour ziplining adventure, you’ll soar high above the jungle, enjoying views of the Hoary Head Mountain Range, the Waita Reservoir, and the Koloa Sugar Mill.

And with so many different lines, you can fly hands-free, backward, upside down, or even superhero-style! It’s really a great experience for the whole family (as long as your kids are over the age of 7).

19. Hike with a Local Guide

Explore Kauai’s scenic landscape on foot with a guided hike. Kauai Hiking Adventures has four different lengths of tours to choose from, from 1 to 3-hour tours all the way up to 10 hours tours. But because the tours are booked privately, you can customize the trek to your group’s needs and interests.

Maybe you want to explore the rim of the Waimea Canyon. Or perhaps you’d rather explore the lush landscape of the Kuilau Ridge Trail. Whichever area you choose to hike, you’ll have a fun a safe experience knowing you’re in the hands of a professional guide.

19. Get Out Surfing

Hawaii is one of the best places in the world for surfing. And with the massive waves on the south coast, Poipu is also a prime destination for those seeking an exhilarating ride.

But if you’ve never been on a board before, then it’s crucial to take a few lessons before hitting the waves. Kauai Surf School operates out of Poipu Beach and offers surf lessons for beginning to intermediate surfers ages 4 and older. You can choose from group lessons, private lessons, or semi-private lessons.

20. Sample the Food Truck Scene

Of course, no things to do in Poipu list would be complete without sampling some of the local delicacies. And when you’re in Poipu, that means food trucks!

Poipu has some excellent food trucks, like Kauai Poke Co. Food Truck (poke), Kauai Coconuts (Vietnamese), and Waikomo Shave Ice. Not only are the prices more affordable compared to traditional restaurants, but you’ll also get to try some delicious local foods made with high-quality ingredients! Just up the road in Koloa Town is two food truck parks.

Related article: The ULTIMATE Kauai Food Truck Guide

And if you’re planning to explore other parts of the island, then we recommend stopping at different food truck parks for lunch along the way. There are food truck parks in Kapa’a, Hanalei, and Koloa, although you’ll often find individual parks scattered around the island too.

How to Plan All These Things to Do in Poipu

These Hawaii things to do lists can make planning your perfect trip to Kauai overwhelming. Let us finish your planning with our Kauai Wayfinder Itinerary. The self-guided excursion days will take you across the island. It is a fan favorite.

My husband and I purchased your itineraries for our recent trip to Kauai and Oahu. We found them super helpful, and your recommendations were spot-on. We had a wonderful time, and we didn’t regret a minute of how we spent our time there thanks to your guidance.

Claudine