The South Shore: Sunny Days and Perfect Beaches

As you drive south on Maluhia Road, you enter the magical Tree Tunnel, a mile-long canopy of towering eucalyptus trees that forms a natural gateway to a different side of Kauai. The air becomes warmer and drier, and the landscape opens up. This is the South Shore, the island's sunny side, home to the world-class resorts of Poʻipū and the charming, historic plantation town of Kōloa.

22. Hike the Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail

This is the quintessential South Shore hike, a stunning 4-mile round-trip coastal journey that showcases the area's rugged, undeveloped beauty. Starting from the eastern end of Shipwreck Beach, the trail winds along lithified sand-dune cliffs, past sacred Hawaiian cultural sites, and offers access to several secluded coves. The trail culminates at the fascinating Makauwahi Cave Reserve, a massive limestone cave that is Hawaii's largest and a rich fossil site. You can often take a free tour of the cave and see the giant tortoises that live on the reserve.

23. Relax at Poʻipū Beach Park

Often voted one of the best beaches in America, Poʻipū Beach is a destination in itself. Its most unique feature is a narrow sand spit, called a tombola, that divides the beach into two distinct bays. To the east is a shallow, protected cove that is absolutely perfect for small children. To the west is a larger bay ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and learning to boogie board. Poʻipū Beach is also the best place on Kauai to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu) and endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals resting on the sand. Please remember, it is the law to stay at least 10 feet away from turtles and 50 feet away from seals; they are wild animals that need their space to rest.

24. Bodyboard at Shipwreck Beach

Located directly in front of the Grand Hyatt Kauai, this wide, golden-sand beach is known for its powerful shore break, making it a favorite spot for experienced bodyboarders and surfers. At the eastern end of the beach rises Makawehi Point, a lithified cliff that has become a famous, albeit risky, spot for daring cliff jumpers. Even if you're not jumping, the walk to the top offers incredible views of the coastline.

25. Snorkel at Lawai Beach

Don't be fooled by its small size. This little strip of sand, located right next to the Beach House restaurant, offers some of the best and most easily accessible snorkeling on the South Shore. The reef is just a few feet from the shore, and you can be surrounded by schools of colorful fish, including Hawaii's state fish, the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, almost as soon as you enter the water.

26. Play at Baby Beach

Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood between Poʻipū and Lawai, this beach lives up to its name. A protective reef keeps the water extremely shallow and calm, creating a perfect, natural wading pool for toddlers and babies to splash in safely.

27. Watch Spouting Horn

This dramatic blowhole is one of the most photographed spots on Kauai. With each incoming wave, the surf is funneled into an ancient lava tube, sending a massive plume of saltwater up to 50 feet into the air with a deep, hissing roar. According to legend, a giant lizard, or moʻo, is trapped in the lava tube, and the roar you hear is its cry. The park has ample parking and a lookout that is especially beautiful at sunset, when the mist from the spray catches the golden light.

28. Step Back in Time in Old Kōloa Town

Stroll down the main street of Kōloa, where beautifully restored plantation-era buildings now house a charming collection of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. This town is historically significant as the site of Hawaii's first commercially successful sugar plantation in 1835, an industry that brought waves of immigrants from around the world and forever shaped the multicultural fabric of modern Hawaii.

29. Follow the Kōloa Heritage Trail

The best way to experience the region's rich history is by following this 10-mile, 14-stop self-guided tour. The trail connects all the most important cultural, historical, and geological sites, from the Sugar Monument in Old Kōloa Town to Spouting Horn, Prince Kūhiō Park, and ancient Hawaiian temples. You can drive to most stops, making it an easy and educational way to spend an afternoon.

30. Tour the National Tropical Botanical Gardens

Nestled in the lush and sheltered Lāwaʻi Valley, these two adjacent gardens are a must-see for any nature lover.

Allerton Garden is a masterpiece of landscape architecture, a series of enchanting outdoor "rooms" featuring exotic plants, graceful fountains, and striking sculptures. It's also a famous movie location, home to the magnificent Moreton Bay Fig Trees with their giant, serpentine roots, featured in films like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean.

McBryde Garden is a vast conservation area dedicated to preserving native Hawaiian flora, holding the largest collection of its kind in the world. Guided tours are required for Allerton and highly recommended, so be sure to book in advance through the NTBG website.