Kauai Kahuna’s Island Guide Vol. 3: The South Shore
To finish off our series on the different visitor areas on Kauai, we’ll be delving in to the ever-popular, sunny South Shore. Famous for its long stretches of golden sand beaches, often home to lounging Monk seals, and family-friendly vibe, the South Shore is a tried and true destination for an excellent vacation!
The Basics: What Counts as the South Shore & Typical Weather Patterns
Geographically speaking, the South Shore encompasses everything from the popular visitor destinations of Koloa and Poipu out Westward to the nearby towns of Kalaheo and Lawai. As a side note, even though it’s technically the West Side of Kaua’i, we highly recommend venturing just a little further West out to Waimea. You’ll be treated to amazing views out at Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of Hawai’i, and a pit stop at Island Taco afterwards will fortify you with delicious Kalua pork tacos.
Most of our guests stay in Poipu, which offers some of the driest and sunniest weather on the island. You can expect warm days, slightly cooler nights, and lower humidity than the rest of the island. That being said, Kauai is still one of the rainiest spots on the map, and intermittent showers are common. Unlike the North Shore, though, full on rainy days are fairly uncommon, and most rain showers will pass through the area quickly, only lasting a few minutes. If you’re staying down South, you’ll certainly want to stock up on sunscreen, as the sun is strongest on this part of the island and the UV index is typically very high.
The Details: What to Do & How to Get Around
Just like any other part of the island, we strongly recommend a rental car for all our guests. Travelling from the Lihu’e Airport down to the South Shore typically takes 45 minutes, and can often take up to an hour depending on traffic. While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are slowly becoming more common on Kauai, they’re not as readily available, nor as affordable, as on the mainland, and relying on public transportation can double your travel time.
In terms of activities, the South Shore has plenty of options to entertain everyone of all ages! You can spend your time beach hopping along some of the best beaches in the United States, including Poipu Beach (usually home to a few Monk seals and sea turtles), Brennecke’s Beach (great for boogie boarding and snorkeling), and Kiahuna Beach near the Sheraton Resort (protected waters and a super family friendly vibe!). There are also a number of coastal hiking trails for the adventurous types, including the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail that starts near Shipwreck Beach and runs along the coastline, with beautiful views at every turn. For shopping and dining options, you can take a short stroll to Kalapaki Joe’s or Brennecke’s Beach Broiler for laidback island eats, or head up the road to the Kukui’ula Shopping Village which has boutiques and treats galore! Bubba Burgers is a classic stop for affordable, delicious burgers and dogs, and Lappert’s Ice Cream is all churned locally every day. Just a little further up the road is the charming little town of Koloa, with even more shops and restaurants nestled in the historic Old Koloa Town, formerly the site of a giant sugar plantation.
For additional help planning your itinerary, be sure to check out our other blog posts on the best coffee shops on Kaua’i, all the State Parks on the island, and exciting outdoor activities for the thrill-seekers!
The Accommodations: Where to Stay on the South Shore
Although our rental catalog is less extensive on the South Shore as compared to, say, Princeville, our offerings can still accommodate larger or smaller traveling groups without breaking the bank! For groups of 5 or more, however, we recommend looking through our rental options further North to find proper houses.
Classic Condos, Convenient Locations, Modest Prices
Kahala 123’s spacious balcony lanai with ocean views!
Kahala at Poipu Kai: Our Kahala condominium is a popular choice for couples and solo travelers alike, both for its extremely convenient location with great amenities, and for its more inclusive pricing. Located in the Poipu Kai complex, Kahala has its own swimming pool and hot tub, as well as shared tennis courts if you’re looking to pick up a quick match before heading to the beach. You’ll also find yourself just a short walk away from both Brennecke’s Beach and Poipu Beach, so you won’t ever need to fight for parking. You’ll also be treated to ocean views on the large private lanai, which can double as your outdoor dining area if you like to take dinner with a sunset on the side. Although all of our properties are meticulously cleaned and maintained, Kahala is an older complex and parts of the experience can feel dated. If you’re looking for a homey, laidback experience, though, you’ll settle in in no time at Kahala!
Makahuena 2106’s private lanai with ocean views!
Makahuena at Poipu: Our other South Shore property is located in the Makahuena Resort, and is a chic choice for groups of 4-5. The resort amenities leave nothing to be desired; you can unwind by the pool and hot tub, play tennis or pickleball on the courts, or fire up the grill in the covered barbecue area with complimentary gas grills. Not to mention the excellent beaches just 10 minutes away on foot, the beloved local restaurants just down the road, or the renowned Poipu Bay Golf Club only a mile away. This condo also has gorgeous views from every room, and the Makahuena Resort grounds are situated right on the rocky coast for panoramic ocean views at every turn. Our Makahuena condo has been recently, and thoughtfully, updated inside, and the curated decor and cozy vibe will have you feeling right at home! We strive to keep our properties competitively priced, so you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the price tag as well.
