Things to Do in South Shore Kauai: Beaches, Culture, Food, and More
Key Takeaways
Poipu and Koloa are key areas of the South Shore. Poipu has many of the resorts and the best-known beach, while Old Koloa Town has history and local shops.
Poipu Beach suits swimmers and first-time snorkelers. Hikers should head to the Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail early in the morning.
One full day covers the highlights. Three days let you settle in at a slower pace.
End your day at Auli'i Lūʻau, Kauai's only oceanfront luau, held every Monday and Wednesday on Poipu Beach.
Check availability for our oceanfront luau
Want a part of Kauai where you can snorkel before lunch and eat kalua pig on the sand at night? That's the South Shore.
Most of the top things to do in South Shore Kauai are within a few miles of Poipu and Koloa, so you spend less time in the car and more time outside.
We host Auli'i Lūʻau on Poipu Beach, and guests ask us every week what else to do nearby. Here's what we tell them. For the rest of the island, see our blog on unique things to do in Kauai.
Why Choose Kauai's South Shore for a Visit?
The South Shore gets more sun than the north side of the island, and its beaches and trails sit close to town.
Poipu is the resort coast. You'll find hotels, condos, and Poipu Beach here.
Koloa sits a few minutes inland. It's home to Old Koloa Town and the site of Hawaii's first commercial sugar plantation, founded in 1835.
South Shore surf runs bigger in summer and calmer in winter, the reverse of the North Shore. Ask the lifeguards about conditions before you swim.
Best South Shore Kauai Activities by Type of Traveler
Pick the section that fits you, or mix a couple.
For Beach and Ocean Lovers on the South Shore
Start at Poipu Beach. Lifeguards watch the water, and a shallow, protected area gives kids a safe place to wade.
Reef sits close to shore, so first-time snorkelers don't need a boat. Go in the morning, when the water tends to be calmer.
Want to stand up on a board? Surf schools in Poipu teach beginners on the gentler breaks. In winter, you can also spot humpback whales from shore.
If a Hawaiian monk seal or green sea turtle naps on the sand, give it plenty of room.
For a deeper look at the Poipu coast, see our guide to things to do in Poipu, Kauai.
For Hikers and Outdoor Explorers
The Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail is the South Shore's best coastal walk. It starts at Shipwreck Beach and heads east along limestone cliffs, past tide pools and quiet coves.
The trail has no shade, so go early and bring extra water.
For an easier day, follow the Koloa Heritage Trail, a self-guided route of historic and natural stops. One of them is Spouting Horn, a blowhole that shoots seawater into the air when the swell hits.
For Travelers Interested in Hawaiian Culture
Kauai has a rich history. Prince Kūhiō Park in Poipu marks the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, who served as Hawaii's delegate to Congress. Old Koloa Town tells the story of the sugar era.
Do you want culture you can take part in, not just read about? That's what our luau offers. Before dinner, you can pound poi, husk a coconut with a wooden spike, play kōnane, or weave coconut fronds.
See the full list on our Hawaiian cultural activities page.
For Food and Shopping in Koloa and Poipu
Old Koloa Town packs local shops and casual food into restored plantation-era buildings. Poipu has its own shopping centers.
Farmers markets sell local fruit and other island products.
Want Hawaiian food in one place? Our luau buffet serves kalua pig, poke, and Hanalei poi.
For Couples and Relaxed Getaways
Some of the best things to do in South Shore Kauai for couples cost nothing. Walk the beach at Poipu as the sun drops, then find dinner with an ocean view.
For a date night, the luau gives you an open bar and a show on the sand.
Why Is an Oceanfront Luau One of the Best Things to Do in South Shore Kauai?
Ours is Kauai's only oceanfront luau. Dinner, culture, and a full Polynesian show all happen on the sand at Poipu Beach, next to the Sheraton Kauai Resort.
The performance moves through Hawaiian history with hula kahiko, keiki hula, and hula ʻauana. Then it travels across Polynesia to Tahiti, Aotearoa, and Samoa. The night ends with the Siva Afi, a Samoan fire knife dance.
A typical menu includes kalua pig, huli huli chicken, Kauaʻi fresh fish, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia. Our Mai Tai features Koloa Rum.
You can choose between two packages.
Children 3 and under sit on an adult's lap for free in either package. Strollers aren't allowed at the table.
Since seats go by reservation date, book your Kauai Luau early for a better view.