Known for its pristine sands spread across three golden crescent beaches with lava rock formations along a one-mile stretch of the sunny south shore in Kauai, Poipu Beach has been named one of the best in Hawaii. Visitors can enjoy doing everything from soaking up some rays while relaxing on a beach blanket to swimming, snorkeling, and surfing.
When the rest of the island is cloudy, you’ll often find that the sun is shining here.
From Poipu Beach Park, if you head to the eastern section, there’s a barrier reef that helps keep the turquoise water calm for swimming while providing fantastic snorkeling with an abundance of colorful fish. A natural wading pool can be found here too, ideal for the little ones to splash around in and a lifeguard keeps a watchful eye here seven days a week.
The slightly rugged western end experiences some powerful waves, ideal for those who want to surf.
No matter where you are, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the monk seals that enjoy soaking up the sun while lounging on the sand. Hawaiian monk seals are one of the only two surviving species of monk seals that remain on the planet today. In ancient Hawaii, the seals were called Ilio holo I ka uaua, which translates to “dog that runs in rough water.”
Hawaiian sea turtles and dolphins can be spotted here year-round, and In the winter, watch for humpback whales. For a closer look, tours are available in Zodiac boats via Kauai Z-Tourz right from Poipu that provide a show of a lifetime, witnessing all sorts of behaviors, including breaches, pectoral slaps, and tail slaps.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular at this top-rated Hawaii attraction too. If you want to take a tour, not only will you get to enjoy the scenery from the perspective of the water, including sea caves, but spot all sorts of sea life and visit other beaches, including those that are rarely visited as they’re difficult to access by land.
After all that fun, hunger pangs are sure to hit but you won’t have to tear yourself away from the view. Brennecke’s Beach Broiler is located right here and has an open-air dining room with spectacular beach and ocean views. Sip delicious cocktails and dine on everything from pupu platters and fresh seafood to organic salads.
You can enjoy the island’s only oceanfront luau right here too. Aulil Luau is hosted at Poipu Beach, providing an ideal way to delve into the rich Hawaiian culture and traditions. Enjoy music, dance, incredible traditional cuisine like kalua pig, poi, fresh fruit, lomi lomi salmon, and most importantly, the Aloha spirit.
The hula performers and fire dancers make for what many refer to as the best luau throughout all of the islands – with Kauai’s unsurpassed sunsets as the backdrop.
If you’d like to experience one of Kauai’s most popular destinations, more information on Poipu Beach can be found here.
