Just a 2 minute drive up the road from Poipu Beach Park is Poipu Shores, a 3 building condominium development boldly located at ocean’s edge. Poipu Shores commands one of the best coastal views of any Poipu resort with views extending beyond Poipu Beach and down Kauai’s southern coast. What makes the view especially dramatic is the ocean’s never ending assault on the lava rocks fronting Poipu Shores, creating spectacular splashes less than 60 ft from some of the units. In fact the startling splashes are even visible from inside some ground floor units - imagine making breakfast only to be startled by a huge splash outside your window. In the winter months, whales can been see directly in front of the condos, while turtles abound year round.
We’ve created a virtual tour of Poipu Shores so you can see the beautiful coastal views for yourself. HawaiiGaga has found some of the best units at Poipu Shores and you can also venture inside them in the virtual tour!
We’ve uncovered some amazing deals at the Kuhio Shores Condo resort in Poipu. The rates are so good we’re not going to mention how low they are because people reading this post in the future may be disappointed that they couldn’t take advantage of the offer. Click on the link above to go to our Kuhio Shores page, then click on the Kuhio Shores Rentals link to see the offers. At the moment the deals are being offered for travel from now through September.
Kuhio Shores is one of Poipu’s most desirable condos because it’s located directly on the ocean next to Lawai beach. All the units at the 4 story complex have excellent ocean views, and are approximately 30 - 80ft from the water. Because the units are privately owned each one is decorated according to the tastes of the owner.
Lawai beach is one of Poipu’s best snorkeling locations. A highlight for both snorkelers and guests of Kuhio Shores are the many green sea turtles that live around the two bays surrounding the resort. Lawai beach is also occasionally frequented by monk seals for sleeping. A 5 minute walk away is Baby Beach, a reef sheltered beach that is ideal for infants and sun tanning.
A surf break known as PKs is located in front of Kuhio Shores. During the summer months this is considered one of Poipu’s best surf breaks. Just down the road from Kuhio Shores are Spouting Horn park and the Allerton and McBryde national tropical botanical gardens. The new Kukui’ula shopping center is a 10 minute walk away. The center has a weekly farmer’s market, several restaurants, a food market, as well as art galleries and other shops.
We’ve written before about the The Queen’s Bath on Kauai, including giving our safety recommendations for the area (please take the time to read those recommendations). It’s a popular tourist attraction in Princeville, particularly during the summer months when the ocean is calmer. But the whole rocky coast here experiences the full ferocity of the ocean when swells (waves) roll in. The following video, shot in March, shows how dramatically the area can change from day to day. The first segment shows the Queen’s Bath in 4-6ft surf, while the second show what it looks like in 12-15ft surf. The two segments were captured a couple days apart.
It’s important to approach the ocean with care. Always check the surf report before you visit an area like the Queen’s bath so that you know what the ocean is capable of doing. Click here for more Hawaii safety recommendations.
Hideaways Beach is one of Princeville’s hidden gems. This hard to find little beach is located directly below the Puu Pua condos. There’s a path next to Puu Poa’s tennis courts that leads down to the beach. In the summer time Hideaways beach offers good snorkeling when the ocean is calm. There’s also a reef surf break just off the beach. Reef breaks aren’t good for beginners, but more experienced surfers sometimes come here when the prospects elsewhere aren’t great.
Despite being such a charismatic beach, Hideaways doesn’t see too many visitors. There are two reasons for this. First, the public parking facility servicing the beach only holds 9 cars. Second, the path down to the beach is steep. Children over the age of 4 will manage, but smaller will need to be carried. Those with mobility problems may also find the path daunting.
The following video shows the beach, and all the sections of the short path. You’ll notice there are some rusty but functional railings.
Nihi Kai Villas in Poipu are a favorite choice for people who want to be within walking distance to Poipu Beach Park. Even closer is Brennecke Beach, about a 2 minute walk from the ocean side entrance to the Villas. Brennecke is actually connected to Poipu beach park.
Lovely grounds, tennis courts, a nice swimming pool.. Well we could go on an explain how nice they are. Instead take a look at the following video to see for yourself. This video features the lovely Nihi Kai 833, possibly commanding the best view at Nihi Kai. Click on the video to watch it in high definition.
Deciding where to stay on Kauai is a very difficult decision. The north shore has the lush scenery and incredible beaches. The south side has the drier climate and more timid beaches. The east side perhaps represents a compromise since it’s centrally located. The west side is more isolated but has the most convenient access to the hiking of Waimea Canyon.
Another way to decide where to stay is to first look at what the accommodations in each area look like, and how much they cost. If you’re a visual person, the best way to do this is by looking at aerial photos of Kauai’s condo resorts
An Aerial view of Kaha Lani Resort
HawaiiGaga.com’s Kauai Condo Guide includes aerial photos so you can see what the surroundings look like. Most aerial photos are taken from the ocean, so you get the coastal perspective.
Our condo guides also include an estimate of average prices, and a subjective luxury rating. The map shows you what beaches and attractions are located nearby each resort. For many people this is very important consideration in choosing a place to stay.
We’ve finally added Mahaulepu beach and trail information to HawaiiGaga.com. This is a beautiful undeveloped area in Poipu, and a highlight of the region. Because access is confusing, not too many Poipu vacationers visit this area. If you’re in good health the best way to experience Mahaulepu is with a hike from Shipwreck beach across Mahaulepu trail to Mahaulepu beach. It’s at least a half day excursion that involves about 2.5 hours of hiking (both ways). You’ll also want to relax and perhaps get wet at the beach, which will be another hour. So pack a lunch, and make sure you have good shoes and a hat. You can also drive to Mahaulepu beach. The dirt road just past the Hyatt will take you there. Two roads will get you to the beach, but avoid the shorter dirt road that takes you past CJM country stables as it’s a terrible road that will get your car stuck. The longer road gets you to the middle of the beach in a roundabout kind of way.
After much research and deliberation you’ve finally decided to visit Kauai for your next Hawaii vacation. As we explain in our Guide to the Hawaiian Islands, choosing an island is the easy part since they’re all nice. Now comes the hard part, deciding where to stay! This is an especially hard decision on Kauai. First, you have Waimea canyon and all its hiking trails on the west side of the island. The canyon is a must see even if you don’t hike. Then there’s the south side with its favorable weather, beaches, and tourist activities. You already know about the north shore’s amazing scenery and beaches. And since you’ve done your homework, you know how big surf affects the south shores in the summer and the north shores in the winter. But you need small surf for snorkeling and big surf for surfing and boogie boarding. So where to stay? How about Kauai’s east coast!
The east coast is considered “central” because it’s about the same distance to the north and south shore’s attractions. Remember the highway doesn’t circumnavigate the island – it ends at the Napali coast. In addition to great weather, the east coast has a picturesque coastline with great walking beaches. Lydgate beach park is one of the safest places to learn how to snorkel. Although Lihue is the capital of Kauai, Wailua and Kapaa (right next to each other) are the tourist epicenter of the east coast with a wide variety of tourist shops and restaurants.
A popular and very highly rated accommodation on the east coast is Kauai Beach Villas Unit G6, offered by Condos in Kauai. When you wake up to a view like this, you know you’re in for a good day:
An incredible sunrise view from Kauai Beach Villas Unit G6
Recently remodeled with granite counter tops, custom art work, ceramic tiles, and new furnishings, it’s the perfect east shore home to start and end a busy day exploring the wonders of Kauai. Also be sure to look at all the great Kauai hiking information posted on the Condos in Kauai web site.
Great Vacation Retreats is having a super summer blowout on Kauai vacation rentals. They’re offering a 25% discount on all available summer dates on all their rentals!!!
If you’re looking for an ultra luxury long term rental be sure to take a look at Mele Makani. This home is in the Seacliff Plantation area of Kilauea and features truly inspiring views.
Have we got a deal for a you. Mention HawaiiGaga.com and get Hanalei Bay Resort Unit 5208 for only $99/night when you stay at least 5 nights. The deal is valid until December 15.
The Hanalei Bay resort in Princeville is one of Kauai’s premiere resorts with breathtaking views and a beautiful tropical setting. Their tennis facility is one of the best on Kauai. Puu Poa beach is situated below the resort.
