Kauai Why You Should Choose Poipu to Stay and Play
- Eric Beuning
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
Poipu is one of the more popular areas to stay and play on Kauai. There’s a case to be made for Hanalei and Lihue as a Kauai home base. Yet I love Poipu for being close to things like Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, the Kauai Coffee Estate, and some of the best beaches in Hawaii.
So, I thought I’d take a closer look at why you might want to make Poipu your home base for your next Kauai adventure.
Why Poipu Is the Ideal Base on Kauai
Kauai may be small, but it has dramatic microclimates that differ from region to region. The north shore near Princeville or Hanalei gets heavy rain and towering waves. Especially during the winter months, which can turn your beach vacation into a soggy experience.
Yet Poipu, on the southern side of Kauai, is more in the island’s rain shadow. This translates into more sunny days per year than any other major tourist area on the island, making it a more reliable spot for beach days and outdoor adventures.
Top Kauai Attractions Near Poipu
One of the things I love about Poipu is that it’s close to a lot of great Kauai attractions like Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and the Kauai Coffee Estate. Not to mention some of the best sun-kissed beaches on the island and Wailua Falls.
Poipu is also close to major recreational harbors like Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor, Port Allen, and Nawiliwili. These are major harbors for tons of boat tours, and scenic sailing along the Na Pali Coast. Snorkeling is also a major draw here, with tons of boating and shore-based options.
NOTE: Kauai’s Poipu Beach itself consistently ranks as one of America’s top beaches for its golden sand, calm snorkeling lagoon. It’s also one of the best places to spot endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
Best Loding Options in Poipu
As one of Kauai’s biggest beach communities Poipu has a wide variety of accommodations to suit most budgets. You’ll find everything from upscale beachfront resorts to quiet condo rentals with a fully stocked kitchen.
A true tropical escape, this luxurious oceanfront resort boasts lush gardens, multi-level pools, saltwater lagoons, a world-class spa, and direct beach access. It’s ideal for those who want to pamper themselves after a long hike or snorkeling trip.
Koa Kea is one of Kauai’s most romantic stays. It’s a boutique hotel that’s merely yards from the ocean. I stayed here for a few nights on my honeymoon. I was blown away by the upscale dining, chic rooms, and a low-key vibe.
On the second night still wasn’t on Hawaiian time and wandered along the beach bathing in the moonlight.
With a central location on Poipu Beach, the Sheraton Kauai resort gives you quick access to restaurants, live music, and luaus. It’s especially great for families or first-timers who want full amenities and convenience. I didn't stay here, but I booked the Luau and was impressed with the grounds, as well as the spread.
On paper, these plantation-style condos offer full kitchens and access to a beachside lawn ideal for grilling or sunset yoga. I stayed here for 4 days in 2007 and saved a lot of money by cooking my own breakfasts and lunches.
The condos have a homey feel that I think is perfect for a small family with young kids. They have different-sized units to accommodate families of different sizes. All within easy walking distance of Poipu Beach.
Best Kauai Tours and Day Trips Near Poipu
You don’t come to Kauai just to lounge, you also come to explore. Poipu is the launchpad for some of the island’s most thrilling tours and unforgettable experiences. Here are some top-rated options worth booking ahead:
There are few views on Earth more jaw-dropping than the jagged cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Watching them glow under the setting sun while enjoying a Hawaiian dinner on a power catamaran is next-level magic.
There are a lot of different catamaran sunset dinner cruises to consider. This one is my favorite because the power catamaran is more stable if the seas get rough. Which is an even bigger factor when dinner is served.
Dubbed by the locals as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Kaui’s Waimea Canyon is just 40 minutes northwest of Poipu. I think it’s more akin to Zion National Park in that there are majestic overlooks, wilderness hikes, as well as a very cool river system.
Waimea Canyon’s overlooks and its simple hikes are accessible to most people. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon. However, this Wailua River and Fern Grotto airboat tour is a next-level experience that very few people get to do. It’s the sort of thing to add a little unique flavor to your Kauai vacation.
Shaka Zipline’s Kauai Zipline Adventure takes you on a thrilling 90-minute aerial journey of the tropical forests and hills surrounding Poipu. They pick you up at Kiahuna Plantation Drive, which was convenient for me as I was already staying at a condo in Kiahuna Plantation.
You can choose between a 5‑line or 8‑line circuit, but the best value here is the 8-line.
The start is a dramatic running jump offa plank‑launch zipline, which blasts you out into the breathtaking views of native flora, towering mountain ridges, and the sparkling Pacific below.
My daughter is a zipline junkie and loved this experience. The guides do a great job of psyching you up for the experience. The tour includes expert guides, full gear, and a gentle mix of adrenaline and educational stops about Kauai’s cultural and natural history.
Waimea Canyon is 45 minutes from Poipu and offers some of the most stunning scenery on Kauai. Yet driving it, you’re forced to keep your focus on the road and figure out parking.
This downhill bike ride of Waimea Canyon lets you experience it with the wind in your face and your eyes dazzled by the sights.
Just to the west of Poipu, you’ll find the Kauai Coffee Estate, which I think offers the best coffee experience in Hawaii.
Over the years, they’ve sourced iconic coffee varieties from around the world. Then they grow in a relatively similar microclimate with the same sort of terroir. So, you can pop a handful of blood pressure pills and sip your way through different world-class coffees.
There are a lot of Na Pali Coast sunset tours that depart from ports near Poipu. I like this one because it’s a power catamaran with superior stability. They’re really good at getting near dolphins and also offer this cruise as a morning tour.
The seas tend to be calmer in the morning, which also makes for a better chance of getting close to the Na Pali coast sea caves.
Final Thoughts on Why Poipu Is the Perfect Homebase for A Kauai Vacation
With its golden beaches, reliable sunshine, and access to top tours and resorts, Poipu is where the sun shines brightest on Kauai. Especially in the winter months when the north side of Kauai is assaulted by massive waves and frequent rain showers.
Whether you're honeymooning, traveling with kids, or want to experience Kauai’s ecotourism scene, it’s all within reach. Beautiful Poipu Beach, Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, Kauai Coffee Estate, and some of Kauai’s best harbors for snorkeling tours are all nearby.
Major travel companies like Expedia are well aware of Poipu’s boundless opportunities. So you can book, your flight, lodging, rental car and major tours in one Poipu travel package.
If you want to learn more about Hawaii and other amazing adventures, you should follow Eric Beuning's Author Page.
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