Koloa, Hawaii
Beautiful tropical destination!
Koloa, located on the sunny south shore of Kauai, is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful and relaxing destinations. Experience the charm of Old Hawaii while enjoying golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, tropical gardens, and breathtaking ocean views. Whether you’re looking to relax poolside, explore lush landscapes, snorkel crystal-clear waters, or discover Hawaiian culture, Koloa offers the perfect island getaway for every traveler.
Featured Destinations
Koloa, HI
Take in the stunning southern coast of Kauai at The Point at Poipu! This serene oceanfront resort spans 22 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and tropical gardens. Cloaked in natural beauty, The Point at Poipu is a dream vacation destination on the southernmost tip of Kauai. The resort overlooks the polished sands of Shipwreck Beach and is secluded among lush landscape. After a day of exploring, return to the resort to relax with the comforts of home in the spacious two-bedroom accommodations featuring fully-equipped kitchens. Visit the on-site fitness center, explore the traditional gardens or relax poolside and soak in the warmth of the Hawaiian sun.
Things to Do in Koloa
- Waimea Canyon State Park -
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and colorful red rock formations stretching across Kauai’s western side. - Poipu Beach Park -
One of Kauai’s most popular beaches, Poipu Beach is famous for its calm waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and opportunities to spot Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. The beach offers lifeguards, picnic areas, and beautiful sunsets. - Nā Pali Coast Tours -
Experience the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of Kauai’s legendary Nā Pali Coast by boat, helicopter, or catamaran tour. Many excursions include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea cave exploration. - Spouting Horn Blowhole - One of Kauai’s most famous natural attractions, the Spouting Horn sends ocean water shooting through lava rock formations creating a spectacular spray and roaring sound.
- Allerton & McBryde Gardens-
Explore lush tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in nearby Lawai Valley. - Surfing, Paddleboarding & Snorkeling -
Kauai’s south shore is perfect for water sports and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. Poipu Beach and nearby beaches offer excellent snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities. - Wailua River & Fern Grotto -
Take a relaxing boat cruise or kayak adventure along the Wailua River to the famous Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s most beautiful natural landmarks. - Drive Through Tree Tunnel Road-
The famous Tree Tunnel Road welcomes visitors into Koloa with towering eucalyptus trees lining the highway, creating one of Kauai’s most iconic scenic drives.
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Things to Do in Koloa</strong></h2><ul><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waimea Canyon State Park -</span> <br /></strong>Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/">Waimea Canyon</a> offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and colorful red rock formations stretching across Kauai’s western side.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Poipu Beach Park -</span> <br /></strong>One of Kauai’s most popular beaches, <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/poipu_beach_park">Poipu Beach</a> is famous for its calm waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and opportunities to spot Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. The beach offers lifeguards, picnic areas, and beautiful sunsets.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nā Pali Coast Tours -</span> <br /></strong>Experience the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of Kauai’s legendary <a href="https://www.napali.com/">Nā Pali </a>Coast by boat, helicopter, or catamaran tour. Many excursions include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea cave exploration.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spouting Horn Blowhole -</span> </strong>One of Kauai’s most famous natural attractions, the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/south-shore/spouting-horn">Spouting Horn </a>sends ocean water shooting through lava rock formations creating a spectacular spray and roaring sound.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Allerton & McBryde Gardens-</span> <br /></strong><a href="https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/">Explore</a> lush tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in nearby Lawai Valley.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surfing, Paddleboarding & Snorkeling -</span> <br /></strong>Kauai’s south shore is perfect for water sports and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. <a href="https://poipubeach.org/activities/surfing/">Poipu Beach</a> and nearby beaches offer excellent snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wailua River & Fern Grotto -</span> <br /></strong>Take a relaxing boat cruise or kayak adventure along the <a href="https://www.kauaibackcountry.com/">Wailua River </a>to the famous Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s most beautiful natural landmarks.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Drive Through Tree Tunnel Road-</span></strong> <br />The famous <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/tree_tunnel">Tree Tunnel Road</a> welcomes visitors into Koloa with towering eucalyptus trees lining the highway, creating one of Kauai’s most iconic scenic drives.</li></ul>
- Keoki’s Paradise
- Merriman’s Kauai
- Eating House 1849
- Brennecke’s Beach Broiler
- Little Fish Coffee
- Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs
- The Beach House Restaurant
- Koloa Fish Market
- Savage Shrimp
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Things to Do in Koloa</strong></h2><ul><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waimea Canyon State Park -</span> <br /></strong>Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/">Waimea Canyon</a> offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and colorful red rock formations stretching across Kauai’s western side.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Poipu Beach Park -</span> <br /></strong>One of Kauai’s most popular beaches, <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/poipu_beach_park">Poipu Beach</a> is famous for its calm waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and opportunities to spot Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. The beach offers lifeguards, picnic areas, and beautiful sunsets.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nā Pali Coast Tours -</span> <br /></strong>Experience the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of Kauai’s legendary <a href="https://www.napali.com/">Nā Pali </a>Coast by boat, helicopter, or catamaran tour. Many excursions include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea cave exploration.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spouting Horn Blowhole -</span> </strong>One of Kauai’s most famous natural attractions, the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/south-shore/spouting-horn">Spouting Horn </a>sends ocean water shooting through lava rock formations creating a spectacular spray and roaring sound.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Allerton & McBryde Gardens-</span> <br /></strong><a href="https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/">Explore</a> lush tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in nearby Lawai Valley.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surfing, Paddleboarding & Snorkeling -</span> <br /></strong>Kauai’s south shore is perfect for water sports and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. <a href="https://poipubeach.org/activities/surfing/">Poipu Beach</a> and nearby beaches offer excellent snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wailua River & Fern Grotto -</span> <br /></strong>Take a relaxing boat cruise or kayak adventure along the <a href="https://www.kauaibackcountry.com/">Wailua River </a>to the famous Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s most beautiful natural landmarks.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Drive Through Tree Tunnel Road-</span></strong> <br />The famous <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/tree_tunnel">Tree Tunnel Road</a> welcomes visitors into Koloa with towering eucalyptus trees lining the highway, creating one of Kauai’s most iconic scenic drives.</li></ul>
Koloa enjoys warm tropical weather year-round, so lightweight clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and sandals are perfect for most days. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection while exploring beaches and outdoor attractions. Water shoes and snorkeling gear are great additions for ocean adventures, while comfortable hiking shoes are recommended for canyon trails and scenic hikes. Evening dining is generally casual, though resort restaurants may call for slightly dressier attire.
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Things to Do in Koloa</strong></h2><ul><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waimea Canyon State Park -</span> <br /></strong>Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/">Waimea Canyon</a> offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and colorful red rock formations stretching across Kauai’s western side.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Poipu Beach Park -</span> <br /></strong>One of Kauai’s most popular beaches, <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/poipu_beach_park">Poipu Beach</a> is famous for its calm waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and opportunities to spot Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. The beach offers lifeguards, picnic areas, and beautiful sunsets.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nā Pali Coast Tours -</span> <br /></strong>Experience the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of Kauai’s legendary <a href="https://www.napali.com/">Nā Pali </a>Coast by boat, helicopter, or catamaran tour. Many excursions include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea cave exploration.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spouting Horn Blowhole -</span> </strong>One of Kauai’s most famous natural attractions, the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/south-shore/spouting-horn">Spouting Horn </a>sends ocean water shooting through lava rock formations creating a spectacular spray and roaring sound.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Allerton & McBryde Gardens-</span> <br /></strong><a href="https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/">Explore</a> lush tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in nearby Lawai Valley.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surfing, Paddleboarding & Snorkeling -</span> <br /></strong>Kauai’s south shore is perfect for water sports and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. <a href="https://poipubeach.org/activities/surfing/">Poipu Beach</a> and nearby beaches offer excellent snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wailua River & Fern Grotto -</span> <br /></strong>Take a relaxing boat cruise or kayak adventure along the <a href="https://www.kauaibackcountry.com/">Wailua River </a>to the famous Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s most beautiful natural landmarks.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Drive Through Tree Tunnel Road-</span></strong> <br />The famous <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/tree_tunnel">Tree Tunnel Road</a> welcomes visitors into Koloa with towering eucalyptus trees lining the highway, creating one of Kauai’s most iconic scenic drives.</li></ul>
February
- Waimea Town Celebration
March
- Prince Kūhiō Day Celebration
- Maui Agricultural Festival
June
- King Kamehameha Day
- Kauai Mokihana Festival
July
- Koloa Plantation Days Festival
September
- Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival
December
- Festival of Lights at Historic County Building
October
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Things to Do in Koloa</strong></h2><ul><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waimea Canyon State Park -</span> <br /></strong>Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/">Waimea Canyon</a> offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and colorful red rock formations stretching across Kauai’s western side.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Poipu Beach Park -</span> <br /></strong>One of Kauai’s most popular beaches, <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/poipu_beach_park">Poipu Beach</a> is famous for its calm waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and opportunities to spot Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. The beach offers lifeguards, picnic areas, and beautiful sunsets.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nā Pali Coast Tours -</span> <br /></strong>Experience the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of Kauai’s legendary <a href="https://www.napali.com/">Nā Pali </a>Coast by boat, helicopter, or catamaran tour. Many excursions include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea cave exploration.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spouting Horn Blowhole -</span> </strong>One of Kauai’s most famous natural attractions, the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/south-shore/spouting-horn">Spouting Horn </a>sends ocean water shooting through lava rock formations creating a spectacular spray and roaring sound.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Allerton & McBryde Gardens-</span> <br /></strong><a href="https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/">Explore</a> lush tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in nearby Lawai Valley.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surfing, Paddleboarding & Snorkeling -</span> <br /></strong>Kauai’s south shore is perfect for water sports and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. <a href="https://poipubeach.org/activities/surfing/">Poipu Beach</a> and nearby beaches offer excellent snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wailua River & Fern Grotto -</span> <br /></strong>Take a relaxing boat cruise or kayak adventure along the <a href="https://www.kauaibackcountry.com/">Wailua River </a>to the famous Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s most beautiful natural landmarks.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Drive Through Tree Tunnel Road-</span></strong> <br />The famous <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/tree_tunnel">Tree Tunnel Road</a> welcomes visitors into Koloa with towering eucalyptus trees lining the highway, creating one of Kauai’s most iconic scenic drives.</li></ul>
Rental cars are the most popular and convenient way to explore Kauai, especially for visitors wanting to experience beaches, hiking trails, and scenic drives across the island. Lihue Airport offers several major rental car companies with competitive pricing. Kauai also has a public bus transportation system known as The Kauai Bus, though service can be limited for sightseeing. Scooters, bicycles, and rideshare services are available in some resort areas for shorter trips around Poipu and Koloa.
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Things to Do in Koloa</strong></h2><ul><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waimea Canyon State Park -</span> <br /></strong>Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/">Waimea Canyon</a> offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and colorful red rock formations stretching across Kauai’s western side.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Poipu Beach Park -</span> <br /></strong>One of Kauai’s most popular beaches, <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/poipu_beach_park">Poipu Beach</a> is famous for its calm waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and opportunities to spot Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. The beach offers lifeguards, picnic areas, and beautiful sunsets.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nā Pali Coast Tours -</span> <br /></strong>Experience the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of Kauai’s legendary <a href="https://www.napali.com/">Nā Pali </a>Coast by boat, helicopter, or catamaran tour. Many excursions include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea cave exploration.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spouting Horn Blowhole -</span> </strong>One of Kauai’s most famous natural attractions, the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/south-shore/spouting-horn">Spouting Horn </a>sends ocean water shooting through lava rock formations creating a spectacular spray and roaring sound.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Allerton & McBryde Gardens-</span> <br /></strong><a href="https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/">Explore</a> lush tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in nearby Lawai Valley.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surfing, Paddleboarding & Snorkeling -</span> <br /></strong>Kauai’s south shore is perfect for water sports and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. <a href="https://poipubeach.org/activities/surfing/">Poipu Beach</a> and nearby beaches offer excellent snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wailua River & Fern Grotto -</span> <br /></strong>Take a relaxing boat cruise or kayak adventure along the <a href="https://www.kauaibackcountry.com/">Wailua River </a>to the famous Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s most beautiful natural landmarks.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Drive Through Tree Tunnel Road-</span></strong> <br />The famous <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/tree_tunnel">Tree Tunnel Road</a> welcomes visitors into Koloa with towering eucalyptus trees lining the highway, creating one of Kauai’s most iconic scenic drives.</li></ul>
Transportation to Destination
- Flight to Oahu
- Flight to Maui
- Flight to Kona (Big Island)
- Drive to Lihue Airport
- Drive to Waimea Canyon
Amount of Time
- 40 Minutes
- 50 Minutes
- 55 Minutes
- 25 Minutes
- 1 Hour 15 Minutes
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Things to Do in Koloa</strong></h2><ul><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Waimea Canyon State Park -</span> <br /></strong>Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” <a href="https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/waimea-canyon-state-park/">Waimea Canyon</a> offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and colorful red rock formations stretching across Kauai’s western side.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Poipu Beach Park -</span> <br /></strong>One of Kauai’s most popular beaches, <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/beaches/poipu_beach_park">Poipu Beach</a> is famous for its calm waters, snorkeling, sunbathing, and opportunities to spot Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles. The beach offers lifeguards, picnic areas, and beautiful sunsets.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Nā Pali Coast Tours -</span> <br /></strong>Experience the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of Kauai’s legendary <a href="https://www.napali.com/">Nā Pali </a>Coast by boat, helicopter, or catamaran tour. Many excursions include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea cave exploration.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Spouting Horn Blowhole -</span> </strong>One of Kauai’s most famous natural attractions, the <a href="https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/kauai/regions/south-shore/spouting-horn">Spouting Horn </a>sends ocean water shooting through lava rock formations creating a spectacular spray and roaring sound.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Allerton & McBryde Gardens-</span> <br /></strong><a href="https://ntbg.org/gardens/allerton/">Explore</a> lush tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths at the National Tropical Botanical Garden in nearby Lawai Valley.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Surfing, Paddleboarding & Snorkeling -</span> <br /></strong>Kauai’s south shore is perfect for water sports and beginner-friendly surfing lessons. <a href="https://poipubeach.org/activities/surfing/">Poipu Beach</a> and nearby beaches offer excellent snorkeling, paddleboarding, and surfing opportunities.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wailua River & Fern Grotto -</span> <br /></strong>Take a relaxing boat cruise or kayak adventure along the <a href="https://www.kauaibackcountry.com/">Wailua River </a>to the famous Fern Grotto, one of Kauai’s most beautiful natural landmarks.</li><li><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Drive Through Tree Tunnel Road-</span></strong> <br />The famous <a href="https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/tree_tunnel">Tree Tunnel Road</a> welcomes visitors into Koloa with towering eucalyptus trees lining the highway, creating one of Kauai’s most iconic scenic drives.</li></ul>
- Koloa was home to Hawaii’s first successful sugar plantation established in 1835.
- Kauai is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, estimated to be over five million years old.
- The island is nicknamed the “Garden Isle” because of its lush tropical landscapes and rainfall.
- Many famous movies including Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and South Pacific were filmed on Kauai.
- Kauai is home to the wettest spot on Earth, Mount Waialeale, which receives hundreds of inches of rainfall annually.
- Hawaiian green sea turtles, known as honu, are commonly spotted resting on Poipu Beach.