The South Shore: Sun, Sand, and History

Welcome to the sunny side of the island. The South Shore is where you'll find golden-sand beaches. Reliable sunshine. A fascinating history rooted in Hawaii's plantation era.

Snorkel and See Turtles at Poipu Beach Park

Poipu Beach is always ranked among the best beaches in America. For good reason. It's actually a series of beaches connected by a narrow sandbar called a tombolo. A reef protects the bay. This creates a calm, shallow area that's perfect for kids and beginner snorkelers. The water is teeming with colorful fish. But the real stars are the honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).

Turtle Watching

Poipu is one of the best places in Hawaii to see turtles. They often feed in the shallow waters during the day. In the late afternoon, they come ashore to rest on the sand. It's an incredible sight. But please be respectful. These are protected animals. Always stay at least 10-15 feet away. Never touch or feed them.

Witness the Power of Spouting Horn

Just west of Poipu, the ocean has carved a lava tube into the coastline. With each incoming wave, water is forced through the tube. It erupts in a massive spout that can shoot 50 feet into the air. Accompanied by a deep hiss and roar.

Best Time to Visit

The show is most dramatic during high tide when the surf is up. Visiting at sunset is amazing. The colors of the sky mix with the ocean spray.

Hike the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail

For a glimpse of what the South Shore looked like before development, hike this beautiful coastal trail. It begins at Shipwreck Beach (next to the Grand Hyatt Kauai). Winds for 2 miles (4 miles round trip) along sandstone cliffs, secluded coves, and sacred cultural sites. You'll pass the Makawehi and Pa'a Dunes. End at the remote and beautiful Maha'ulepu Beach.

A fascinating side trip is the nearby Makauwahi Cave Reserve. A massive limestone cave and the richest fossil site in the Hawaiian Islands.

Step Back in Time in Old Koloa Town

Take a stroll through the charming, plantation-era buildings of Koloa. The site of Hawaii's first successful sugar plantation, founded in 1835. The town's history is preserved along the Koloa Heritage Trail. A 10-mile, 14-stop self-guided tour that takes you to important historical and cultural sites. Including the Sugar Monument and the remnants of the old mill chimney.