Poipu

Known as Kauai’s “sunny South Side,” Poipu is renowned for its triple-crescent beach. Named by the Travel Channel as one of the best beaches in the United States, Poipu’s iconic sandy shoreline is technically two separate beaches. The narrow spit dividing the two is a popular sleeping spot for endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

The real estate mix includes lavish oceanfront resorts, charming bungalows, coastal cottages, and enchanting single-family homes. The elegant and distinctive architecture blends in with the beautiful local scenery.

Stunning resorts including Grand Hyatt Kauai, Koa Kea, Koloa Landing, Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, and Sheraton Kauai are in high demand from tourists from around the world. Locals live a lifestyle few get to experience for more than a week at a time, waking each day to glorious sunshine and temperatures that rarely dip below 21°C/71°F or exceed 26°C/79°F. The populace is spread equally among age groups, with as many young families as there are retirees.

Poipu’s culinary scene is as outstanding as its scenery, with fantastic options that run the gamut from elegant fine dining to ultra-casual eats. Living Foods Market & Café offers fresh, organic local produce, a deli counter, and salad bar, and a wide-ranging lunch menu ranging from ahi wraps to pizza. Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi infuses contemporary haute cuisine with centuries-old Hawaiian flavors at Eating House 1849. Delectable farm-to-table and ocean-to-plate dishes are served surrounded by lush tropical vegetation at Keoki’s Paradise and in the refined setting of Merriman’s. Named for its open-roofed veranda, The Lanai is a laid-back spot to enjoy great food and cocktails. The Beach House is a repeat winner of Kauai’s best restaurant award, as it combines captivating ocean and sunset views with excellent Pacific Rim meals. Puka Dog is the pick of Poipu’s many great casual eateries, selling delicious Hawaiian- style hot dogs made with Polish or vegan sausage. food.

Poipu Beach Park is a Kauai gem, its gentle waves making it a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. Shipwreck’s Beach experiences a much stronger surfer break and is consequently popular among surfers and body boarders. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail meanders along the unspoiled shoreline from the southeast corner of Shipwreck’s Beach, taking in sand dune cliffs and rocky inlets. This is a great place to spot marine life, including sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals.

Each Wednesday afternoon, Kauai Culinary Market brings live island music, fresh farmed foods, and stylish cooking to The Shops at Kukui’ula. The Poipu Food & Wine Festival provides three days of cooking classes, contests, and entertainment from some of Kauai’s best performers every November. For golfers, Poipu Bay’s exceptional course hosted twelve straight PGA Grand Slams and was the site Tiger Woods made an iconic 16th hole sand shot--widely recognized as one of the best of his career and Phil Mickelson's rare round of 59. The 18-hole Robert Jones Jr.-designed course at Kiahuna Golf Club is also outstanding, with ancient Polynesian archaeology dotting the green.