Historic sites and trails of Kōloa, Kauaʻi

Kōloa Heritage Trail & South Shore Hub

Discover 14 historic sites and celebrate island culture

Written by a Local Kauaʻi Expert

Kōloa as Your South Shore Hub

Old Kōloa Town is more than just a destination in itself. It's the perfect hub for exploring the rich history and stunning natural beauty of Kauaʻi's entire South Shore.

The Kōloa Heritage Trail: A 10-Mile Journey Through History

Old Kōloa Town serves as the perfect starting and ending point for the Kōloa Heritage Trail, or Ka Ala Hele Waiwai Ho'oilina o Koloa. This 10-mile, self-guided driving and walking tour connects 14 of the most important cultural, historical, and geological sites in the Kōloa and Poʻipū area. Each stop is marked with a descriptive plaque that explains its significance, making history accessible to everyone.

My Tip: You don't have to tackle the whole 10-mile trail in one go. A great way to experience its essence is to start in Old Kōloa Town. Grab a coffee from Java Kai, then take a short walk to the Sugar Monument (Stop 12) across from Sueoka Store. From there, it's another easy stroll to the serene Kōloa Jodo Mission (Stop 11).

The 14 Stops of the Kōloa Heritage Trail

Stop 1 - Spouting Horn Park

A famous South Shore blowhole where water shoots into the air through a natural lava tube.

Stop 2 - Prince Kūhiō Birthplace & Park

The birthplace of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole (1871), known as the "People's Prince."

Stop 3 - Hanakaʻape Bay & Kōloa Landing

Once the third-largest whaling port in Hawaiʻi and a key port of entry for the island.

Stop 4 - Pāʻū A Laka (Moir Gardens)

A beautiful botanical garden founded in the 1930s within the Kiahuna Plantation resort.

Stop 5 - Kihahouna Heiau

The site of an ancient Hawaiian temple (heiau), a sacred place of worship.

Stop 6 - Poʻipū Beach Park

A world-famous beach, popular for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting resting monk seals.

Stop 7 - Keoneloa Bay

Home to some of Kauaʻi's oldest archaeological sites, with evidence of settlement from 200-600 A.D.

Stop 8 - Makawehi & Paʻa Dunes

Lithified sand dunes containing a rich fossil bed, now a popular spot for bird watching.

Stop 9 - Puʻuwanawana Volcanic Cone

A cinder cone that is part of a volcanic formation dating back over 5 million years.

Stop 10 - Hapa Road

An ancient pathway where Hawaiians have lived continuously since around 1200 A.D.

Stop 11 - Kōloa Jodo Mission

A Buddhist temple built in 1910 by Japanese immigrants, offering a peaceful place for reflection.

Stop 12 - Sugar Monument

Commemorates Hawaiʻi's first sugar mill and honors the eight ethnic groups who built the industry.

Stop 13 - Yamamoto Store & Kōloa Hotel

Historic plantation-era buildings that were central to the community in the early 20th century.

Stop 14 - Kōloa Missionary Church

The first Congregational church on Kauaʻi, established by early missionaries.

The Ultimate Celebration: Kōloa Plantation Days

If you're lucky enough to be on Kauaʻi in late July, you cannot miss Kōloa Plantation Days. This incredible 10-day festival is the ultimate celebration of the town's history and culture. It began in 1985, when community leader Phyllis Kunimura, wife of the then-mayor, organized a lūʻau to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the sugar industry. It was such a success that it became an annual tradition.

The festival's core mission is to honor the rich melting pot of cultures that shaped this community. It celebrates the traditions, music, dances, and foods brought by immigrants from the Philippines, Portugal, Japan, China, and beyond, as well as the host Hawaiian culture that welcomed them. The schedule is packed with family-friendly events, most of which are free.

Festival Schedule Highlights

🎉 First Weekend

The festival kicks off with Flavors of Kukuiʻula, a food festival at the nearby Shops at Kukuiʻula. The Festival Opening Pāʻina brings the community together with a free party in Kōloa Village featuring live music (like Taiko drums) and hula performances. The Historic Hapa Trail Walk offers a guided walk departing from St. Raphael's Church, telling stories of plantation life.

🎨 Mid-Week

Cultural workshops and talks take place at the Kōloa Library and other venues, including lei-making demonstrations, slack key guitar performances, and storytelling with local masters. The Heritage Craft Fair is held at the Grand Hyatt, showcasing local artisans selling everything from kapa cloth to wood carvings. A Historic Sugar Exhibit displays museum-quality photos and artifacts from the plantation era.

🎊 Final Weekend

The Grand Parade is the festival's centerpiece. This colorful parade travels from Kōloa School to the ballpark, with floats, walking units, and pāʻū riders (women on horseback in traditional dress). Following the parade, the Annual Park Celebration takes place at Anne Knudsen Park with food booths serving local favorites, craft vendors, and a full lineup of live music from top local bands. The festival concludes on Sunday with a Family Fun Run/Walk of various distances starting at Poʻipū Beach Park.

For the most up-to-date schedule, be sure to visit the official website at koloaplantationdays.com.