A Complete Guide to Kauai’s South Shore: Things to Do & Where to Stay

Snorkel at Poipu Beach or Lawa’i Beach

Lawa’i Beach and Poipu Beach are considered two of the best places to go snorkeling in Kauai. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent locally (there are plenty of options to choose from!). It’s also smart to pack along some anti-fog spray to keep your goggles clear. 

Poipu Beach has calm waters and beautiful, diverse marine life. It’s also an amazing place to see sea turtles (more on that in a moment)! There’s a lifeguard on duty, as well. 

The left side of Poipu Beach has a sandy cove that is easy to walk in. This shallow section has a rock wall that protects from the open ocean, making it an especially ideal spot for families with young kids. It gets rockier as you move towards the right side of the beach. Be cautious and avoid stepping on the coral (for both your own safety and the preservation of the reefs) if you decide to snorkel in that area! 

What also makes this beach so popular is that there is a good amount of open sandy space for lounging. There is also Poipu Beach Park: a spacious, grassy park featuring a playground and picnic tables. You can also walk right over to Brennecke’s Beach, which is a popular body surfing and boogie boarding spot. 

Lawa’i Beach is known for its clear water and colorful array of fish and other marine life. While it’s not as much of a sea turtle haven as Poipu Beach, you may still spot some as you are snorkeling!

The waters are generally calm, but it’s still important to stay aware of the current conditions and avoid entering the water during high surf. Keep in mind that there isn’t a lifeguard on duty. 

Note that this is a fairly rocky beach, and it gets rockier as you move to the right. There aren’t a ton of open sandy areas (especially during high tide!), so it isn’t an amazing spot for lounging. 

Poipu Beach | Brennecke’s Beach | Poipu Beach

See the Turtles at Poipu Beach

Beyond the amazing snorkeling, Poipu Beach is known as one of the prime beaches on Kauai’s South Shore for seeing sea turtles. These are Hawaiian green sea turtles, also known as “honu”. There is a specific section on the left side of the beach where they come onto the sand. 

When you’re visiting the beach, you’ll see cones and signs set up creating an open space for the turtles to come onto the sand without being disrupted by humans. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many people disrespecting these signs and (rightfully) getting yelled at by lifeguards. Be respectful of the sea turtles and keep an appropriate distance by staying behind this barrier! 

Have a Beach Day

Of course, a Kauai vacation isn’t complete without some quality beach time! As mentioned above, Brennecke’s Beach (for body surfing and boogie boarding), Lawa’i Beach (for snorkeling), and Poipu Beach (for snorkeling, lounging, and seeing turtles) are all great options.

Here are a few additional beaches worth highlighting: 

• Shipwreck Beach – this picturesque beach (which is located right in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai) is a popular surf spot. It’s not the best for swimming (the surf is strong!), but you can definitely wade by the shore and relax while you take in the views. I also highly recommend stopping by Kimo’s Coconuts to enjoy fresh coconut water on the beach! You can also do an easy hike up to the top of the coastal bluff on the left hand side of the beach via the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail (more on that below!). Note that there isn’t a lifeguard. 
• Kiahuna Beach – located just west of Poipu Beach, this beautiful beach has plenty of space to lounge and soak up the sun (although beach space can get limited during high tide). You’ll see plenty of people out boogie boarding and surfing at this spot (it’s considered to be an ideal spot for beginners), and it can also be a great snorkeling destination when the water is calmer. Note that there isn’t a lifeguard. 
• Baby Beach – this small sandy beach has shallow and calm waters, making it ideal for families with young kids looking to wade in the ocean. Note that there isn’t a lifeguard. 
• Keiki Cove Beach – this tiny cove has shallow waters and generally calm waves, making it an excellent spot for families with young children wanting to wade in the water. Just note that it truly is tiny! There also isn’t a lifeguard. 

Shipwreck Beach

Do a Boat Tour of the Na Pali Coast

Seeing the Na Pali Coast is an absolute must when visiting Kauai, and one of the best ways to see the coast is via a boat tour. The clear turquoise water, towering cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and sea caves are next-level stunning. You may also see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and other marine animals! 

There are a few different boat tour providers that operate out of the South Shore, with many being based in Eleele (although some depart from other spots along the coast, as well). These providers typically have multiple types of experiences. 

To see the Na Pali Coast in the golden hour light, I highly recommend booking a sunset catamaran sailing tour out of Eleele. I’ve done two different sunset catamaran cruises – it really is such an incredible way to experience the pristine beauty of the Na Pali Coast! 

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, another option is to book a super raft adventure (snorkeling included!), which also departs out of Eleele. This high speed vessel is able to explore inside the sea caves (weather permitting). A similar excursion worth looking into is this zodiac raft tour, which departs out of Waimea. 

See the Na Pali Coast From Above

For the thrill-seekers, another way to see the Na Pali Coast is from the sky. Much like the boat tours, there are numerous providers and different types of experiences to choose from. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll likely be departing from Lihue (the town where the airport is located). 

Here are a few different tour options: 

• One-Hour Helicopter Tour – on this tour, you’ll get a chance to see the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, and more. 
• One-Hour Sightseeing Flight – board this small aircraft and get a bird’s eye view of the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, and waterfalls. 
• One-Hour Doors Off Helicopter Tour – for a little extra dose of adventure, book this doors-off tour, where you’ll see Manawaiopuna Falls, Waimea Canyon, Hanalei, Mt. Waialeale, and of course, the Na Pali Coast. 

Explore Waimea Canyon State Park & Kōkeʻe State Park

Waimea Canyon State Park and Kōkeʻe State Park are two of the most beautiful destinations on the island. These state parks are right next to each other, and can both be reached via Waimea Canyon Road (Highway 550) and Kōkeʻe Road (Highway 552). These roads merge at the start of Waimea Canyon State Park. 

There are numerous scenic vistas along these roads, which means you can enjoy the natural scenery without having to hike. Some spots worth stopping at include:

• Waimea Canyon Lookout (for incredible views of the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”!)
• Kalalau Lookout (to see the Na Pali Coast from above!)
• Pu’u O Kila Lookout (for even more dramatic views of the Na Pali Coast. If you want to hike, the Pihea Trail here is great!)

If you’re up for a bit more of an adventure, there are also numerous hikes in both Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks.

Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

In addition to the hikes in Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks, another great trail worth exploring is the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. This 3.8-mile out-and-back trail (which starts right near the Grand Hyatt Kauai) goes along the coast, taking hikers to Mahaulepu Beach. You’ll also pass by the Makauwahi Cave Reserve. 

If you aren’t up for the full hike, it’s still worth hiking up to the coastal bluff that overlooks Shipwreck Beach. The hike up is less than a quarter mile, and the views are beautiful. 

Shop & Eat in Old Kōloa Town

Koloa was one of the first sugar towns, with the first sugar mill opening in 1835. Today, the historic plantation buildings of Old Koloa Town are home to a variety of storefronts, including local shops and eateries. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat (quite a few of my favorite restaurants are in Old Koloa Town – you’ll find my recommendations below!) and do a bit of shopping. 

Tour the Kauai Coffee Company Estate

Coffee aficionados will love exploring Kauai Coffee Company. You can book a full guided tour (which can be booked online), or you can choose to do a complimentary self-guided walking tour of the property (advanced reservations not required – just show up and explore!). While you’re there, you can enjoy complimentary tastings of their many coffee roasts. 

Tip: if you’re planning on doing a boat tour out of Eleele, Kauai Coffee Company is less than a 5 minute-drive away! It’s a great stop to check out before or after your boat excursion. 

Check Out Spouting Horn

Spouting Horn is one of the most popular natural attractions in Kauai. The blowhole shoots ocean water through a natural lava tube and up into the air, sometimes reaching as high as 50 feet. 

Spouting Horn Park is completely free to visit, and the viewing path is right by the parking lot. Note that Spouting Horn is located right across the road from McBryde and Allerton Gardens, so you can easily check it out when you’re in the area!

Plumeria Flowers | Spouting Horn | A Wild Rooster

Take a Day Trip to the North Shore (Hiking, Beautiful Beaches, & More!)

Even if you plan on spending most of your vacation in the South Shore, I highly recommend taking a day to explore the beauty of the North Shore. 

If you’re a hiker, it’s absolutely worth hiking the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast down to Hanakapi’ai Beach (the round-trip is just under four miles). I’ve done this trail twice – it is a great day hike, and you get absolutely stunning views of the coast! 

If you’re up for even more of an adventure, you can continue the hike on the Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail, which continues past Hanakapi’ai Beach. Note that this is a difficult hike that is not suitable for beginners. 

I highly recommend bringing hiking poles and hiking boots. The journey is rocky and can get slippery during rainy weather (which is common in Kauai, especially on the north side of the island!). I don’t usually hike with hiking poles, but I was very grateful to have them on my last trek. 

Advanced entry and parking reservations are required to hike the trail, so be sure to read up on current requirements before you go. 

Even if you don’t plan on hiking the Na Pali Coast, it’s still worth heading up to the North Shore if you have the time. You can hang out at the picturesque Tunnels Beach, explore the town of Hanalei, and check out the famous Queen’s Bath in Princeville. 

Where to Stay on the South Shore of Kauai 

The South Shore is a popular place for travelers, so there is certainly no shortage of accommodations! To help you narrow down your search, here is a look at some of the best hotels on Kauai’s South Shore:

• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – if you’re looking for a luxe beachside getaway, it doesn’t get much better than this 5-star resort! The beautifully landscaped property includes stunning pools (including a waterslide), direct beach access, and amazing restaurants. 
• Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu – this 4-star resort includes three luxurious pools, and is just about a 15-minute walk from Kiahuna Beach. 
• Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach – this 4-star boutique resort is perfectly situated just steps from Poipu Beach. There is a pool and a restaurant on-site. 
• Hilton Vacation Club The Point at Poipu Kauai – this 3-star oceanfront hotel has a large pool on-site. It’s also a short walk from Shipwreck Beach. 

View of Shipwreck Beach and the Grand Hyatt from the Hilton Vacation Beach Club | Grand Hyatt Kauai (Center and Right)

The Best Places to Eat on the South Shore of Kauai 

As you explore the South Shore, be sure to grab a bite to eat at these eateries:  

• Little Fish Coffee – if you are craving an acai bowl, this is the place to get one! This outdoor coffee shop and cafe is popular, so expect a bit of a wait. 
• Java Kai – this Old Town Koloa cafe is a favorite of mine, and a must-visit for lunch or a great cup of coffee. I absolutely love their chickpea sandwich, and they have amazing lattes, as well. 
• Leahi Health – this vegan eatery is another one of my favorite Old Town Koloa lunch spots! They have really great smoothies (the Ulu Watu is amazing), as well as delicious bowls and tacos.  
• The Musubi Truck – one last Old Town Koloa spot worth highlighting is this popular food truck. Menu items include musubi (including a vegan option), poke bowls, tater tots, and more. 
• Kauai Poke Co – poke-lovers can’t leave Kauai without having at least one fresh poke bowl. This family-owned restaurant is one of the best poke spots on the island. 
• Puka Dog – this popular Hawaiian-style hot dog eatery is the perfect casual spot to grab a bite to eat during a day at Poipu Beach!
• Brennecke’s Beach Broiler – located right next to Poipu Dog, this casual restaurant is an excellent spot for lunch and dinner. 
• The Beach House – watch the sunset from this popular oceanside fine dining restaurant while enjoying delicious cocktails and dishes from their seafood-forward menu. 
• Koloa Fruit Stand – head to this roadside stand to pick up some fresh tropical fruit for your stay. They also make amazing smoothies! 
• Riptides Shave Ice – cool off from the island heat at this charming shave ice stand (which is right by Lawa’i Beach).

Leahi Health | Java Kai | Little Fish Coffee