Po’ipu Attractions

There’s no bad spot to vacation on the stunning island of Kauai. From the luscious north shore, to the city of Lihue, to the rocky Nā Pali coast, every inch of Kauai has something to boast.

But if it’s sun and sand you’re looking for, check out Po’ipu Beach and its attractions on the island’s south shore, one of the best things to do on Kauai.

Po’ipu Beach Park

You can’t go wrong with Po’ipu Beach Park, one of the more famous Kauai attractions. As the most popular beach on the south side – probably because it sees the sun year-round – it has been consistently placed in top ten lists from various individuals and organizations as one of the best beaches in America. The Travel Channel has gone as far as to name it America’s Best Beach.

A short, 30-minute drive from our Waipouli Beach resort rentals, Po’ipu Beach offers swimming, surfing, and snorkeling to beach goers who love adventure.

For those who prefer to chill, soaking up the sun and reading a book might be on the menu. For the little ones, there’s a natural ocean wading pool when the tide is low – a unique feature of Po’ipu Beach.

But what about venturing beyond the beach? When you’ve had your fill of the golden sand and sun, what else is there to do in this area? Let’s put it this way: you won’t spend a minute being bored at Po’ipu.

Koloa Heritage Trail: A Culture Walk

For those who would love to find out a little about the culture, history, and geology of the area you’re visiting, then you’re going to want to hit this Hawaiian trail.

Known locally as Ka Ala Hele Waiwai Ho’olina o Koloa, the Koloa Heritage Trail is a 10-mile trek you can take by foot, bike, or car. There are 14 stops along the way, each one a significant monument or reference to the history of this Hawaiian area.

Perhaps one of the fascinating stops is Spouting Horn Park, one of the most popular Kauai attractions. You’ll witness water spouting from holes formed when the waters eroded the soft shore rocks.

When the water crashes into the shore, it is forced up through these holes in the rocks and jetted outward like a fountain. The more water, the higher the fountain – some fountains have shot more than 60 feet into the air!

Pu’uwanawana Volcanic Cone

Pu’uwanawana Volcanic Cone is another nearby site – be sure to add this natural wonder to your “things to do in Kauai” list. You can visit old formations created by spewing volcanoes millions of years ago.

A sugar plantation and Hapa Road, a road formed in the 1800s that still offers a view of old railroad tracks that once transported cane to the plantation for milling, are among other notable attractions along this route.

Kukui’ula Village

Kukui’ula Village is a shopping mall, art gallery, and restaurant area all in one – one of the great Kauai attractions for souvenirs, cold drinks, satisfying food, and local talent.

This premier shopping destination in Po’ipu is designed like an old-style plantation – that alone is worth seeing. You’ll find shops that sell women’s resort wear, men’s apparel, unique island clothing, sunglasses, T-shirts, home decor, handcrafted jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Choose from more than ten dining establishments that serve everything from burgers to shrimp dishes. And don’t miss the contemporary art galleries, displaying and selling local art and photography collections. Special events like live music, a weekly culinary market with chef demonstrations, and a Happy Hour at the mall’s top restaurants only add to the fun at Kukui’ula Village.

CJM Country Stables

Visit the South Shore’s valleys and beaches in a unique way: on horseback.

Of the many things to do in Kauai, this is one you won’t want to miss. CJM Country Stables offers coastal and mountain trail rides that provide spectacular views of the area’s breathtaking sights.

You’ll trek through a working ranch, sand dunes, sand bars, streams and mountain vistas – one ride even provides a picnic lunch.
Guided horseback trails are offered daily, and you can choose from two rides: Picnic or Beach, each two to three hours long. Custom and private rides are also available.

Be sure to spend a day at Po’ipu while staying at our Waipouli Beach resort rentals. With all its fun-filled activities and “best beach” designations, it’s no wonder that 92 percent of reviews on TripAdvisor name Po’ipu Beach as Excellent or Very Good.