12 FUN Things to do in Poipu, Kauai (& Nearby)

Home to the Kauai beach where I’ve swam with the most honu (sea turtles), a colorful plantation-style town rumored to be the birthplace of Kauai’s sugarcane industry, and only a 20-minute drive from port where you’ll begin the most epic boat adventure of your life, Poipu is Kauai’s south shore sunshine haven!

After exploring Poipu on my four adventure-filled Kauai trips, I’m sharing my absolute favorite things to do in Poipu (and within a 20 minute drive). Let’s dive in 👇🏼

🌺 Bookmark for later: Kauai Travel Guide (For First-Time Visitors)

Looking out over the beach in Poipu, Kauai

Java Kai coffee under a monkeypod tree in Koala Town, Kauai near Poipu

Hiking the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail in Kauai's Poipu Town

☀️🌺🌿 Article Outline (Jump Ahead)

1. Explore Old Kōloa Town

On your drive in or out of Popiu, you can’t miss adorable historic Kōloa Town—an 1800s town that’s rumored to be the birthplace of Kauai’s sugarcane industry. You can read more about the town’s history here!

The small cluster of plantation-style buildings house boutique shops, coffeeshops, breweries, and more! Check out Java Kai for coffee under a giant monkeypod tree, the Musubi Truck for the iconic spam musubi that was created right here, Jojo’s for shave ice, and Leahi Health Kaua’i for nourishing food.

2. Cruise Along the Nā Pali Coast

Okay, this one falls into the ‘nearby’ Poipu category since most Napali Coast boat tours leave from Port Allen, a 20-minute drive from Poipu. But after visiting Kaua’i four times, taking a boat along the Napali Coast is my #1 recommended can’t miss thing to do on the island.

The razor-like lush ridges of the coastline are truly unlike anywhere else on earth. I’ve been on this sunset dinner cruise twice and always have an EXCEPTIONAL time with the ritzy power catamaran, complimentary Kauai rum mai tais, delicious dinner, and insane views—which are best at golden hour before sunset, hence why I recommend the sunset dinner cruise over the more adventurous daytime raft tour.

Overlooking Lawa'i Beach, Poipu's best snorkel spot

3. Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Lawa’i Beach

Adorable little Lawa’i Beach is where I’ve snorkeled with the most sea turtles on Kaua’i! A short swim ~20 feet from the shore and I encountered not one… not two, but three majestic honu (sea turtles). Of course, I also saw a variety of tropical fish, too!

The beach itself is tiny and rocky, and snorkel conditions vary daily. You can check the overall Poipu snorkel conditions daily on the Snorkel Bob’s Daily Snorkel Report. When I visited, there was a spot to rent snorkel equipment right next to the beach, but I always prefer to bring my own gear—I love my Cressi snorkel mask, and use a special neoprene mask strap that protects my hair.

Hiking the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail near Poipu, Hawaii

4. Hike the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

The 3.8-mile-roundtrip Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail traces the coastline between Shipwreck Beach and the Makauwahi Caves east of Poipu. We walked it on blustery day but enjoyed the ever-changing coastal views, tidepools, and little tree tunnels.

✨ Also See: 21 Kauai Hidden Gems for Exploring Off the Beaten Path

5. Sunbathe and Snorkel at Poipu Beach

Poipu Beach is the heart of Poipu, and if you’re staying here, you won’t miss it! Honestly, Poipu Beach felt simultaneously overrated and underrated to me—it’s crowded and busy, but decent for snorkeling, with beautiful and soft sand, and a little “island” you can swim out to.

Sitting in the water at Poipu Beach Park

6. Try a Puka Dog

Directly across the street from Poipu Beach Park is the wildly popular Puka Dogs shop—arrive early or be prepared for a line! Choose between a polish sausage or veggie dog, with a selection of Hawaiian toppings—garlic lemon “secret sauce”, mango relish, banana relish, Hawaiian mustard, and more!

7. Wander around the Shops at Kukui‘ula

The Shops at Kukui‘ula is a small outdoor mall less than 5 minutes from Poipu Beach. Although I’m not a huge shopper, walking around here is genuinely one of the most popular things to do in Poipu—and it’s small enough that it’s not too overwhelming. Plus, there’s a farmers market here on Wednesdays!

The shops are a mix of Hawaiian brands like OluKai, Blue Ginger, along with Tommy Bahama, Lululemon, Melin, and more. Food options include the natural market and deli Living Foods, Bubba Burgers, Merriman’s Fish House, and more.

8. Try Local Food at Kukuiula Market

Just up the road from the Shops at Kukui‘ula, Kukuiula Market is a small grocery store where we found a variety of unique Hawaiian and Japanese deli and bakery foods. Sometimes when we came in, there wasn’t much on the shelves, sometimes there was—so it can feel hit or miss! There’s also an acai bowl and smoothie bar inside!

9. Dine Waterfront

There are a handful of places in Poipu where you can enjoy a nice meal while overlooking the sparkling turquoise water! Here are a few top spots:

Beach House Restaurant: My top rec. Away from the crowds of Poipu Beach, overlooking Lawai Beach
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler: Right across from Popipu Beach (above Puka Dogs), Brennecke’s Beach Broiler has a lovely view and is open for lunch as well as dinner.
RumFire Poipu Beach: Only open Thursday through Sunday for dinner!

Be sure to make reservations!

Exploring the coffee groves of Kauai Coffee Company

10. Taste & Explore at Kauaʻi Coffee Company

20 minutes east of Poipu you can explore the coffee groves (and taste!) of the US’s largest coffee grower—Kauaʻi Coffee Company.

The 3,100-acre farm is home to more than four million coffee plants, and it’s very well setup for visitors, with free tastings of a variety of flavors, a self-guided educational tour, optional paid tour options, a cafe where you can order the perfect iced mac nut latte right from the source, and of course, a gift shop.

11. Visit McBryde & Allerton Garden, National Tropical Botanical Garden

Another one of the best things to do in Poipu is visit the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which is home to a variety of lush native Hawaiian plants, along with threatened and endangered species from other parts of the tropics. To visit, you have to pay for a 2.5-hour self-guided “tour, learn more here.

12. Attend Hanapēpē Friday Art Night

Called “Kauai’s biggest little town,” Hanapēpē was the town that inspired Lilo & Stitch—and the best time to visit is during their weekly art night on Fridays between 5-8pm.

The tiny one-block street is home to over a dozen different art galleries, which stay open late for the art night each Friday! Jewelry, art, and food vendors also show up, along with musicians and hula dance groups.