Things to do in Poipu in October

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Overview

October is a great time to visit Poipu. The weather is usually very warm and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 78—81°F (25—27°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Poipu during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Allerton Garden, take a surf lesson at Poipu Beach, hike the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, and more!

Poipu has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Poipu. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Poipu in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Poipu in October

Top experiences in October
Explore the Allerton Garden
The Allerton Garden is a stunning botanical garden located in Poipu, and October is a great time to visit as the weather is still warm and the gardens are in full bloom. Visitors can take a guided tour of the garden, which is home to a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world. The garden also features beautiful sculptures, fountains, and water features, making it a peaceful and picturesque place to spend a day.
Take a surf lesson at Poipu Beach
October is a great time to take a surf lesson at Poipu Beach, as the water is warm and the waves are perfect for beginners. Visitors can take a lesson with a local surf instructor, learning the basics of paddling, standing up, and riding the waves. It's a fun and exhilarating way to experience the iconic Hawaiian pastime of surfing, and the beautiful setting of Poipu Beach makes it an unforgettable experience.
Hike the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
The Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail is a scenic coastal hike that offers stunning views of the ocean and rugged coastline. October is a great time to hike the trail, as the weather is still warm and the landscape is lush and green. The trail takes visitors past ancient Hawaiian ruins, pristine beaches, and unique rock formations, providing a glimpse into the island's rich history and natural beauty.
Go whale watching
October is the start of the humpback whale season in Hawaii, and Poipu is a great place to go whale watching. Visitors can take a boat tour or simply head to the coast to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they migrate to the warm waters of Hawaii to breed and give birth. It's a truly unforgettable experience to see these massive animals breaching and playing in the ocean.
Take a helicopter tour of the island
October is a great time to take a helicopter tour of Kauai, as the weather is typically clear and the island is in full bloom. Visitors can soar above the lush valleys, towering waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs, getting a bird's eye view of the island's stunning landscapes. It's a thrilling and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Kauai.
Go snorkeling at Lawai Beach
Lawai Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling in Poipu, and October is a great time to explore the underwater world. The water is clear and calm, making it ideal for snorkeling, and visitors can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life. It's a fun and adventurous way to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii.
Take a sunset cruise
October is a great time to take a sunset cruise in Poipu, as the weather is still warm and the ocean is calm. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the coast, taking in the breathtaking views of the sunset over the water. Many sunset cruises also offer dinner and drinks, making it a romantic and memorable experience.
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Holidays in Poipu in October
October
  • Columbus Day (October 12)
Other notable holidays

Weather in Poipu in October

Temperatures on an average day in Poipu in October

The average temperature in Poipu in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 81°F (27°C) to a low of 78°F (25°C). Some would describe the temperature to be very warm. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Poipu, September, has days with highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 78°F (26°C). The coldest month, March has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Poipu in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
81°F
highs
78°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm, breezy
Feels like
5%
Chance of rain
0.054 in
Amount
13.7 mph
Wind speed
74%
Humidity
11.7 hrs
Daylight length
6:33 AM
Sunrise
6:12 PM
Sunset
56%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 81°F (27°C) and a low of 78°F (25°C), it generally feels very warm and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Poipu in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Poipu has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Poipu that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Poipu for October.
Spouting Horn
1. Spouting Horn
4.5
(424)
Natural feature
Nature & Parks
Blowhole frequently spouting seawater up to 50 feet in the air, accompanied by a hissing noise.
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A visit to the Spouting Horn is not to be missed it's beautiful and picturesque here with lovely views of the ocean and the geyser like blowhole in Kauai. It's not the biggest I've seen but it's still nice to see nature at it's finest....I guess it does depend on time of day and see conditions to get the greatest impact of the pounding of waves. Ample parking spaces at parking lot along with clean restrooms, you may also see lots of roosters and chickens here roaming free.
Fabulous attraction in Kauai, a magnificent view of water spouting from lava rocks with a horn sound! Joy to watch nature’s wonderful scene.
Very cool little spot with great views of the spouting horn blow hole. Really fun to watch and a free activity.
Great view of the ocean and a solid spot for whale watching so bring your binoculars. Also fun seeing/hearing the oceans crash into the horn and creating a rainbow. Plenty of space to sight see and watch the sunset as well. Public restrooms available, and plenty of parking available.
The park is very nice and well maintained. There are picnic areas, bathrooms, clean grass, and a beautiful view of the sprouting horn and surrounding areas. Great place to visit while in Kauai. Also, it makes a unique blowing sound when the water splashes out of the hole. Note you can only see the blowhole at a distance! But it's still very neat.
This is a must see if you've got a car you're driving around the islands to see the famous spots waterfalls caves or whatnot. Definitely go though during high tides you can have the best show of the global. Went in the mid-afternoon and we had some pretty good photos we took. Don't forget to look off the right side also for the waves come in it crashes beautifully all night crusted shore. See my photos and videos of both of them.😍🤩
Fun and quick stop on our way from Poipu to Waimea Canyon. Minimal walk from parking lot to observation deck. Can’t walk around on the rocks down below, but was cool to see!
What a cool location!... We had a good day with some decent waves pushing water 50 ft into the air. As you can see from my pictures the weather was perfect!!
Poipu Beach Park
2. Poipu Beach Park
4.8
(1369)
Park
Outdoor Activities
Palm-dotted area with picnic facilities, next to a sandy beach popular with resting seals & turtles.
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This was the most crowded beach we visited, but also had some of the best snorkeling and provided the opportunity to see two sea turtles! There is a nearby surf shop where you can rent snorkels and umbrellas, though the umbrellas are a hot commodity. There is good parking, but being as popular a spot as this is it was always completely full while we were there. Snorkeling is very good with fantastic visibility and great marine diversity. If you're facing towards the ocean, I recommend staying more towards the right side, away from the sandier left side. A good reference point is the buoy. Stay right of that, and you'll have better visibility. Saw loads of fish and eels. Just stay in the bay, and avoid the heavier surf at the bay's mouth. The water does get shallower at the mouth of the bay, and that's where I saw some bigger fish, so it was easy to get tempted out too far. Worth the drive, no matter where you're staying on the island.
Lovely beach! Lots of sandy areas, and calm enough to swim and snorkel. If you go out far enough there are some good surfing spots. Lots of turtles and monk seals which are always nice to see, just keep your distance. The beach was pretty crowded and definitely touristy, but it was pretty pleasant overall.
Poipu beach was such an incredible experience. We were lucky enough to see a green sea turtle come to the beach and rest. The waves were mild but the rip was on the more intense side. The lifeguards were very attentive and had a megaphone. They were able to communicate concerns to the entire beach.
I counted 20 sea turtles on the beach in front of Brenakke's last night. So cool to see them come onto shore for the evening. Everyone was very respectful.
Come during the day to swim with the turtles, come at night to see them sleeping on the beach! During our time here we were able to see so many turtles and even a couple monk seals! Even if you only have a couple hours, bring your snorkel gear and jump in!
The beach is nice and spacious, with a parking lot and some restaurants nearby. Behind the beach, there are picnic tables, a kids’ park, and restrooms. At sunset, turtles come ashore, and you can see them—it’s a beautiful sight.
Very busy beach. Snorkeling was ok with lots of fish and sea turtles. The current was very strong in October, which made it difficult to peacefully enjoy swimming.
Such a beautiful, family friendly beach. Easily can spend 2-3h, great restaurants nearby. Sunsets are unforgettable.
McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden
3. McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden
4.6
(1541)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Opulent & artful gardens with many varieties of flowers & plants, plus scenic guided tours.
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Lovely garden oasis with a visitor center that sells garden and souvenir related items. Food can also be purchased here with a little dining patio outside. Unless you are going on a scheduled tour this location can be done easily in a half hour. We were not able to attend a tour but they look fabulous. Lots of plantings on the visitor center property but you really need to take a tour to fully get the experience. It is worth checking out if on the area.
The tour here was awesome! Everyone from the bus driver to the tour guides were very educated and happy to talk about anything we were looking at. I really enjoyed learning the history of the place and seeing the statues and antiques that had been brought in from all over the world. I would definitely recommend going on this tour! We both had a great time
These gardens are wonderful and there are a variety of tours you can take. This year we did the sunset tour of the Allerton Gardens where you get to tour the grounds of the estate located down by the beach. You also get a box dinner to enjoy down at the house before you’re whisked up to the top to (hopefully) see the sunset. We went on an overcast day so no sunset, but lovely time anyways.
We had a great time going to McBryde gardens. Our bus drivers name was Makana and we found her to be very knowledgeable on the way from the Viator center to the garden. We do wish we were able to see Allerton Garden as well but this is an additional tour that we were not aware of. If we go back we will definitely be doing the guided tour of Allerton as well!
PLEASE STOP telling people to get there 30 minutes early when it takes 2 seconds to check in. Yes I know some people will be late, but stop wasting people's time on vacation! If someone is late, that's on them. Now that I got that off my chest, the McBryde park is nice but know that the self guided tour will take you a minimum of 3 hours and you can't end it quicker because they shuttle you to the park and don't pick you up until almost 2 hours later. So add on getting their early and the drive time and it's a solid 3 hours. Don't expect to see many flowers either. The price is a bit steep but the shuttle driver is entertaining and there are worse ways to spend 3 hours than in nature, but if I had known all of that, I'd probably do something else on vacation with limited time.
The gardens are beautiful though not as much as the gardens in the Big Island. The instructor was very knowledgeable. But at $70 per ticket, I can't imagine this is worth the money for a family. Also at this price, I would think they would warn us about the mosquitos that ate us alive in the first part of the trip (by the waterfall) and provide us with mosquito spray. In conclusion - beautiful gardens, especially the Allerton ones (McBryde was just a bunch of fruit trees), but honestly not worth the price unless money is not an issue.
This tour wouldn't have been half as fun without our tour guide Ron T!! He taught us about everything in the garden and made it fun while doing so! Thank you for being awesome and taking us some good and funny family photos! We appreciate you!
This was such an amazing tour. I bought tickets to “The Best of Both Worlds” because we needed something to do before we had to catch our evening flight back to the mainland. I’m so glad we did. Randy was an excellent guide and had so much knowledge about the plants, trees, and flowers. The history of the land and gardens is very interesting. Although it was a hot and humid day, the walking portion of the tour was in the shade so it wasn’t uncomfortable. We are so happy that we didn’t end our vacation without visiting the botanical gardens.
Shipwreck Beach
4. Shipwreck Beach
4.7
(662)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
A hiking trail abuts this modest beach with a rocky shore, known for surfing & sunset viewing.
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With a beautiful cliff next to it, accessible from the beach. Wide sand beach with some shade. Best for beginning surfers. There is shower, restroom facility. There is a trail to the cliff. It offers a paranomic view of the bay. One can view the rushing waves and its pounding sound of waves hitting rocks.
This is a nice beach area and is nice to swim in. It also is that start of a segment of the Malukapu Heritage Trail to the cave. There are also some nice viewpoints near to the beach.
Beautiful views and not crowded. Very picturesque. Plenty of parking. No facilities, just an outhouse and a foot wash station. Not great for swimming. Shore is a bit steep so the waves can get big and there are rocks. We only waded in a little bit. If you want to swim you could go to the beach right next to it, you can walk there. There are also trails. There's a longer hike, or you can do the short walk up to the top of the cliff. This only took a few minutes but it is rocky terrain. You'll definitely need shoes or at least water shoes. Great view from the top (don't get too close to the edge!) We didn't see any signs for this beach. Take the road that goes between the Hyatt and the golf course all the way down until you reach the public parking lot.
Beautiful sweeping bay. Looks almost too good to be true! Easy to walk along and apparently safe for swimming.
Shipwreck is a tucked away gem located near the Hyatt. Parking could be difficult at times but we found spots every time. The beach has shade trees for those wanting to stay out of the sun, waves for surfers, and sand for playing. There are restroom facilities but no lefe guards. Great place to visit on the south side of the island and not as populated as Poipu beach.
This is a beautiful place. Loved it so much, we chose Shipwrecks Beach for our destination wedding. It was perfect! Great beach, some hiking trails and the most amazing views! Saw some people jumping off the cliffs, not a good idea for mere mortals like myself. But these guys obviously were skilled professionals. Beautiful to see, explore and enjoy, not a great place for a family swim. Definitely recommend a visit if you're in Kauai.
Amazing, peaceful beach and wasn't packed with people. Nice line of trees that provide shade. Parking is near the beach and also on top of the hill on the dirt road area to the left.
My wife and I were married on Shipwreck Beach in 2003 and returned with our daughter for our 20th wedding anniversary in 2023; both days were marvelous. We used the bathrooms at the beach as changing rooms. There was plenty of good shade off the beach for photos, and of course, great photos opportunities from the beach; the beach wasn't crowded on either of our visits. I have to also give a shout out to the wonderful staff at the Pono Market (in Kapaʻa) where we got the marriage license. One of the guys from our original photos at the market still works there; they now have a coffee shop next door to the market.
Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
5. Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail
4.8
(31)
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
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Very nice easy hike. Amazing views! And a dip in the water after a nice hike was a great way to end it! Highly recommended.
Scenic hiking trail that offers gorgeous coastal views, mixed in with views of the beautiful Poipu golf course. Moderate exercise level with some hills, with little to no shade for most of the 2-hour round trip hike. There are several side trails that can be confusing, but just follow the coast and you won’t get lost. Easiest starting point is to park in the lot at Shipwreck Beach.
My favorite hike. Choose your adventure/path. Go as far as you want, choose your pace, and take in the views.
Amazing trail along the sea. You can watch the huge waves and the view of the rocks. The wind blows here, which refreshes you beautifully. It's a long trail, you can choose how far you go. It's an easy walk. Plenty of parking on the driveway (Ainako stret).
Loves it. Easy trail along the coast. Stunning views all the way. It does get very windy, but isn't an issue.
Insanely beautiful trail the whole way out. Underrated. Stay closer to the shoreline (respect the holy places and the ocean of course) for awesome views the whole way. I rated this hike as moderate because that means that you're taking some dicey steps sometimes (you wouldn't want to need a cane to walk in these spots). There is a sandy trail that avoids all of that, but definitely shove yourself out to the shoreline to see it in all of it's glory. Enjoy the tidepools if safe to do so. We saw a turtle surfing out on our way back too. Amazing wildflowers and wildlife. We saw Nene on the golf course and seabirds in the skies.
A real hidden gem on kaua'i. Easy hike along the south coast with stunning scenery. Best in the morning or around sunset.
Beautiful along the coast. Breathtaking views of the rocks and ocean!
McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden
6. McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden
4.6
(1527)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Opulent & artful gardens with many varieties of flowers & plants, plus scenic guided tours.
Slide 1 of 8
This was such an amazing tour. I bought tickets to “The Best of Both Worlds” because we needed something to do before we had to catch our evening flight back to the mainland. I’m so glad we did. Randy was an excellent guide and had so much knowledge about the plants, trees, and flowers. The history of the land and gardens is very interesting. Although it was a hot and humid day, the walking portion of the tour was in the shade so it wasn’t uncomfortable. We are so happy that we didn’t end our vacation without visiting the botanical gardens.
This tour wouldn't have been half as fun without our tour guide Ron T!! He taught us about everything in the garden and made it fun while doing so! Thank you for being awesome and taking us some good and funny family photos! We appreciate you!
Lovely garden oasis with a visitor center that sells garden and souvenir related items. Food can also be purchased here with a little dining patio outside. Unless you are going on a scheduled tour this location can be done easily in a half hour. We were not able to attend a tour but they look fabulous. Lots of plantings on the visitor center property but you really need to take a tour to fully get the experience. It is worth checking out if on the area.
The tour here was awesome! Everyone from the bus driver to the tour guides were very educated and happy to talk about anything we were looking at. I really enjoyed learning the history of the place and seeing the statues and antiques that had been brought in from all over the world. I would definitely recommend going on this tour! We both had a great time
We had a great time going to McBryde gardens. Our bus drivers name was Makana and we found her to be very knowledgeable on the way from the Viator center to the garden. We do wish we were able to see Allerton Garden as well but this is an additional tour that we were not aware of. If we go back we will definitely be doing the guided tour of Allerton as well!
PLEASE STOP telling people to get there 30 minutes early when it takes 2 seconds to check in. Yes I know some people will be late, but stop wasting people's time on vacation! If someone is late, that's on them. Now that I got that off my chest, the McBryde park is nice but know that the self guided tour will take you a minimum of 3 hours and you can't end it quicker because they shuttle you to the park and don't pick you up until almost 2 hours later. So add on getting their early and the drive time and it's a solid 3 hours. Don't expect to see many flowers either. The price is a bit steep but the shuttle driver is entertaining and there are worse ways to spend 3 hours than in nature, but if I had known all of that, I'd probably do something else on vacation with limited time.
Beautiful garden!!! Very friendly stuff 😍 We went with kids and even they were sometimes loud, the guide was relax and she was really nice. Explained everything about the plants and the history. The driver of the shuttle was super funny and cool
Had a nice time during the guided tour of the botanical gardens. Our volunteer guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the gardens and area. We all enjoyed it. Although there was a lot of shade, highly recommend going in the morning for cooler temps. Also, I wished I brought 2 water bottles per person. There is a water refill station where the tour begins, but we drank ours way before the tour ended and all felt a little dehydrated afterwards. Highly recommend the visit!
McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden
7. McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden
4.6
(1515)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Opulent & artful gardens with many varieties of flowers & plants, plus scenic guided tours.
Slide 1 of 8
This was such an amazing tour. I bought tickets to “The Best of Both Worlds” because we needed something to do before we had to catch our evening flight back to the mainland. I’m so glad we did. Randy was an excellent guide and had so much knowledge about the plants, trees, and flowers. The history of the land and gardens is very interesting. Although it was a hot and humid day, the walking portion of the tour was in the shade so it wasn’t uncomfortable. We are so happy that we didn’t end our vacation without visiting the botanical gardens.
This tour wouldn't have been half as fun without our tour guide Ron T!! He taught us about everything in the garden and made it fun while doing so! Thank you for being awesome and taking us some good and funny family photos! We appreciate you!
Lovely garden oasis with a visitor center that sells garden and souvenir related items. Food can also be purchased here with a little dining patio outside. Unless you are going on a scheduled tour this location can be done easily in a half hour. We were not able to attend a tour but they look fabulous. Lots of plantings on the visitor center property but you really need to take a tour to fully get the experience. It is worth checking out if on the area.
We had a great time going to McBryde gardens. Our bus drivers name was Makana and we found her to be very knowledgeable on the way from the Viator center to the garden. We do wish we were able to see Allerton Garden as well but this is an additional tour that we were not aware of. If we go back we will definitely be doing the guided tour of Allerton as well!
To be honest, if we’re only talking about the plants, it wasn’t particularly impressive. The park is large but not especially beautiful. However, a few courtyards with sculptures were very serene and elegant, and the guide was extremely enthusiastic. It’s definitely a recommended spot on the South Shore. Oh, and make sure to prepare for mosquitoes.
Beautiful garden!!! Very friendly stuff 😍 We went with kids and even they were sometimes loud, the guide was relax and she was really nice. Explained everything about the plants and the history. The driver of the shuttle was super funny and cool
Had a nice time during the guided tour of the botanical gardens. Our volunteer guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the gardens and area. We all enjoyed it. Although there was a lot of shade, highly recommend going in the morning for cooler temps. Also, I wished I brought 2 water bottles per person. There is a water refill station where the tour begins, but we drank ours way before the tour ended and all felt a little dehydrated afterwards. Highly recommend the visit!
We have been to many gardens in the US. This is the best. We did the tour of both gardens and I highly recommend it. The tour guide was articulate, informative and entertaining. We enjoyed the bus ride through the park and the easy walk through Allerton gardens. If you’re in the area make a reservation early as the tour is only available a few times per week.
Makawehi
8. Makawehi
4.7
(3)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Slide 1 of 1
The Makawehi site is a popular hiking destination and an excellent side tour to nearby Shipwreck Beach. Apart from the sea cliffs, the surrounding coastal vistas are breathtaking. The sunrise is also exceptional here. Get your day off to a good start. Enjoy your hike.
Baby Beach
9. Baby Beach
4.4
(272)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Slide 1 of 8
I love this beautiful beach that was recommended by a local. I wish we knew about it earlier so we could visit every day. There is limited street parking so you might have to wait for a spot. Definitely worth it though.
Clean but limited public parking. Great for small children because of the lava breaks makes the water calm. Total beach sand is about 100 yards at the most. No restrooms. Only one public entrance between homes.
This is a small beach lined with houses and limited street parking. No restrooms. Bring your own shade. There are some good pools protected from the waves that are good for little kids. Tons of fish and ocean life for snorkeling. Shallow and lots of rocks (water shoes would be good) and a few urchins within the rocks. Very clear water. A few turtles will crawl on the beach before sunset.
One of my Favorite beaches in Kauai. Small quite cove best at sunrise & sunset hardly anyone there. Best kept secret. You will see sea turtles. Please don't touch or disturb them. They are sleeping 🐢🐊🌴🌺❤️
Great place to snorkel!!! The water is shallow and very clear at low tide. Tons of fish to see. The bottom is rocky so you may want to wear shoes or flippers.
If you're looking for a calm beach to take your baby, Baby Beach is perfect. Obviously it's aptly named. The main beach is protected by a line of rocks that cause the surf to break past the rocks, farther out than you'd normally see at a beach. This makes the incoming swell super light & comfortable for small children. There were a few folks snorkeling near the rocks. They said they saw some fish but not a lot. On the right side of the beach (if you're facing the water), there's a little area with a rectangular rock formation that effectively creates a kiddie pool. We loved bringing our 1 year old here so he could explore the ocean and we could hold him while we rocked in the swell.
Small beach, limited parking in residential neighborhood. Rocks along shore limit space for swimming, but generally nice views. Recommend earlier in the day before it gets too crowded.
Nice little beach for kids that lives up to its name, very shallow and rocky under water but there’s plenty of fish so it’s good for kids snorkeling.
Poipu Shopping Village
10. Poipu Shopping Village
4.4
(1604)
Shopping mall
Shopping
Mall with jewelry, surf, clothing & gift shops, plus local eateries & regular Tahitian hula shows.
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One of the largest shopping malls. Has probably every store you can possibly think of. Very nice upkeep, bathrooms are very clean for a public restroom. All workers were very kind. Has open area concept which is perfect for Hawaii of course
Good shopping center. The burning 🔥 lets off a propane smell. Not as busy accept for the Thai restaurant, it was packed. Okay selections. Decent parking.
Many new shops and restaurants over the last few years. Some old favorites are gone (such as the toy store), but many are still there (Whalers and the gelato shop). Many places are short-staffed, so be patient and kind to the staff - you're rich enough to go on vacation, they are working hard for not a lot of money in a place that makes Manhattan look cheap. Show some aloha. It's often hard to park on the Keoki's side of the mall (toward the street) anytime near dinnertime, the back side of the mall is usually easier.
Sweet stop to pick up souvenirs and grab a coffee. Music in the courtyard with Hawaiian appeal. Found great gifts for the grandkids. The Main Street is traveled daily when out and about making this a sweet start or finish to drive to pick up food or beverage while on vacation.
Lots of local merch. Try the Kauai macadamia shop for some delicious hand crafted nut flavors and to die for custom peanut butters.
Favorite store at this place was the whalers store. 5.00 t shirts. Lots of souvenir stuff as well. They have a free hula show twice a week that was really fun and interactive. Out of the coconut marketplace, grand Hyatt and this hula show, I liked this one the best!
We always visit Poipu shopping village while staying on Kauai. We like the many restaurants and shopping stores. Starbucks is a daily thing
Everything you need! ABC store always super helpful and kind! Coffee..when their open lol. Best thai food, Best Gelato and really fun local stores:) And if you really wanna go all out! KEOKI"S restaurant! 5 stars!! Even the maintenence guy Sean is super great and always friendly!
Prince Kuhio Birthplace
11. Prince Kuhio Birthplace
4.2
(20)
Historical place
Nature & Parks
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A beautiful culture will always make you feel love.
Peaceful location with interesting history. More to see here than just the monument of the last heir of the Hawaiian monarchy (Prince Kūhiō) who was born here on March 26, 1871. You can find several house foundations and an original pigpen of typical Hawaiian design. Loose a star due to a bit neglected maintenance.
Beautiful place to hold ceremonies. Good snorkeling in the bay across the street
Historic site with ruins of an ancient temple. Nice stroll around the park.
Nice memorial park with great ocean view & wind breezes!
On the way to see spouting horn park. It is a quiet site with statue. Saw people fishing on the other side of beach.
Nice memorial to a good man, short walk for parking on tge road with roosters and chickens roaming free
Its small. Parking on the street
Moir Garden
12. Moir Garden
3.6
(65)
Garden
Nature & Parks
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Beautiful garden to stroll as your leisure. Many gorgeous plants and flowers. Unique orchid garden. No charge to enter.
This garden is located in the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation in Koloa, west of Poipu Beach Park. It was the pet project of the wife of the sugar plantation manager and opened in the mid-1950’s. We had difficulty finding the location within the property and would recommend that you take the west entrance which is across the street from the Kiahuna Plantation Shops to find it easier. Once you turn into that entrance, take the first right turn going downhill and park at the dead end. You will see the garden, and as you walk through the bromeliads, cacti and orchids, you will also discover a koi pond. The pond itself looked a bit cloudy so hoping it is cleaned soon! The flowers are just lovely and it is worth the trip there to see the project in which Alexandra Moir put a lot of love.
Nicely maintained orchid garden with koi fish pond behind the plantation registration building. Middle of the garden has a tall tree drooping fruit. Asked the registration lady but she doesn’t know the name of the tree or fruit. Garden is free and near the beach access.
This garden includes some history of old Koloa (not only the name which originates from Hector Moir, the last manager of Koloa Plantation). You will find an old whaler's try-pot that was used for evaporating cane juice into molasses as well as an old marble butcher-shop counter made into a bench. Location is peaceful but unfortunately maintenance has been neglected for a long time.
Really sad that they're just letting this place die... No water was running during our visit, no one was attending to it. It's a shame, I'm sure nearby hotels have an interest in replacing it. Still worth a visit currently.
Looked for the Moir gardens today and actually found TWO areas. One is the labeled Moir Gardens and next to it the other beautiful orchid, succulent/bromeliad gardens just in front of the Plantation restaurant. These orchid gardens are beautiful and ablaze with flowers plus some really impressive large cacti. The Moir Gardens appear to be less well maintained, and were more succulents, cacti etc with relatively few (flowering) plants. If you’re in the Poipu Kiahuna area this is a beautiful wander through some lovely gardens and well worth 45mins - an hour.
Such a hidden gem inside the Plantation Resort! No signs or any mention of it until you're actually there. Small garden with orchids and cacti and a koi pond. 😀👍
Little beautiful garden. Free. Lots of orchids. Cactuses. Koi pond. If you're in the area, definitely visit it!
Gillins Beach
13. Gillins Beach
3.7
(24)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Quiet sandy beach backed by greenery & dunes, with a single 1920s plantation-style house.
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This is one of my favorite beaches on Kauai, secluded, not a lot of people visit it because it requires a drive along an unfinished dirt road full of pot holes. The way Google maps tells you to go is not accurate. You need to go past the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa golf course and turn left at the fork in the road. To the right takes you to CMJ Country Stables. To the left & access to Gillin Beach & Makauwahi Caves, you will have to hike down a dirt/sand path. The rocks can get slippery when wet & watch for twigs in the sand path. I suggest close toed shoes until you reach the beach & then switch shoes.
As long as you get there before 6pm and leave by 6pm, this beach should be accessible- the access crosses private land and it seems they close it at 6pm and will then tow you if you aren't out. However I just visited it, May 23rd, 2019 around 1pm and we had no problem getting to it. The review below is accurate though, you need to go the way she describes, and the road is extremely rocky and pot-holed for like 3/4 mile before you reach the parking area for the beach. You will be rewarded with a mostly empty beach :)
I attempted to go to this beach. However, on the way an extremely rude older man blocked our path by lying and saying it was a private road. There are no signs to indicate this and I later verified this iswas a public road. This was clearly an extremely rude local trying to prevent tourists from accessing the beach. This man stood in the center of the road and refused to answer any questions or communicate in any way. Quite disappointing to come all this way and be blocked by a bitter and sad old man.
We love Gillin Beach. After our first trip there and to adjacent Mahauleipu Beach we swore we would return to rent the Gillin Beach House. We did and had a wonderful week at this out of the way paradise. We met a.team of archaeologists working at the old heist, swam at Mahauleipu Beach and enjoyed the privacy and ambiance of the beach house. Yes the dirt road in was a challenge but it does keep the beaches from getting crowded. Well worth another visit!!!
By far the best beach on the island. Mix of tourist and locals but definitely low-key environment. The people that come by on horses are not the nicest so maybe stick to your own.
We've just been there today. The road is quit bad but the beach is beautiful and so is the surrounding scenery
Great beach.. hike in only, the gate is now closed to drive there.
Breathtaking beautiful beach so quiet amazing views Great for a nice scenic walk !
The Shops at Kukui‘ula
14. The Shops at Kukui‘ula
4.5
(2575)
Shopping mall
Food & Drink
Shopping mall with boutiques, restaurants & art galleries, plus a Wednesday farmer's market.
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This place has everything. We enjoyed walking all the shops and the grocery store and eventually grabbed dinner at Scotty's. Cool place to spend an evening.
Nice upscale Mall with Restaurants and variety of shopping near Poipu Beach.
What a great addition this was to the Koloa area. True, there are the quaint shops and eateries along Koloa Road, but for those who want something a bit nicer with more variety, definitely check this place out. The open-air mall isn't full of pricy designer boutiques, but instead has a nice selection of mid-range shops, art galleries and a surprisingly diverse roster of local eateries. We had a wonderful dinner at the original Eating House 1849. Parking is free and valet is available. OVERALL: Tired of hotel dining or need mild shopping therapy? This is your solution.
We visited the restaurant/bar at living foods. It was out of this world delicious. Very top rate food and atmosphere. The bartender was a blast and so fun to watch. Hes so good at his job.
Great shopping area. Delicious eats, Tasty treats, and a couple pretty good surf shops.
Eco friendly boutique shops every shop offers handcrafted goods , mindful atmosphere.
Cute little outdoor shopping complex to walk around. Lots of surf stores and clothes shops. A few places to eat but nothing super exciting. Most of the nicer restaurants are too expensive to try. Public restroom available down the far end of the complex near where carpark is. You need to enter a door and walk upstairs. Lots of parking spots.
Beautiful outdoor shopping mall that typifies Hawaiian shopping, taking advantage of the beautiful weather and surrounding scenery. A significant amount of stores to choose from both for shopping and eating. A very clean and well manicured space. Parking can become crowded from 5:30-8:30 pm daily. Visited numerous times in June and enjoyed all the shops and d 4-5 different restaurants. Recommend as a change of pace from other activities.
Gillins Beach
15. Gillins Beach
3.7
(24)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Quiet sandy beach backed by greenery & dunes, with a single 1920s plantation-style house.
Slide 1 of 8
This is one of my favorite beaches on Kauai, secluded, not a lot of people visit it because it requires a drive along an unfinished dirt road full of pot holes. The way Google maps tells you to go is not accurate. You need to go past the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa golf course and turn left at the fork in the road. To the right takes you to CMJ Country Stables. To the left & access to Gillin Beach & Makauwahi Caves, you will have to hike down a dirt/sand path. The rocks can get slippery when wet & watch for twigs in the sand path. I suggest close toed shoes until you reach the beach & then switch shoes.
As long as you get there before 6pm and leave by 6pm, this beach should be accessible- the access crosses private land and it seems they close it at 6pm and will then tow you if you aren't out. However I just visited it, May 23rd, 2019 around 1pm and we had no problem getting to it. The review below is accurate though, you need to go the way she describes, and the road is extremely rocky and pot-holed for like 3/4 mile before you reach the parking area for the beach. You will be rewarded with a mostly empty beach :)
I attempted to go to this beach. However, on the way an extremely rude older man blocked our path by lying and saying it was a private road. There are no signs to indicate this and I later verified this iswas a public road. This was clearly an extremely rude local trying to prevent tourists from accessing the beach. This man stood in the center of the road and refused to answer any questions or communicate in any way. Quite disappointing to come all this way and be blocked by a bitter and sad old man.
We love Gillin Beach. After our first trip there and to adjacent Mahauleipu Beach we swore we would return to rent the Gillin Beach House. We did and had a wonderful week at this out of the way paradise. We met a.team of archaeologists working at the old heist, swam at Mahauleipu Beach and enjoyed the privacy and ambiance of the beach house. Yes the dirt road in was a challenge but it does keep the beaches from getting crowded. Well worth another visit!!!
By far the best beach on the island. Mix of tourist and locals but definitely low-key environment. The people that come by on horses are not the nicest so maybe stick to your own.
We've just been there today. The road is quit bad but the beach is beautiful and so is the surrounding scenery
Great beach.. hike in only, the gate is now closed to drive there.
Breathtaking beautiful beach so quiet amazing views Great for a nice scenic walk !
galerie 103
16. galerie 103
5.0
(1)
Interior designer
Museums
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