Living in Poipu, Kauai

High-end shopping meets cliffside hiking in sunny Poipu, known for its restaurants, art galleries, clothing stores, family-friendly beaches and entertainment. The site of a once-thriving Hawaiian village, Poipu’s dynamic atmosphere has continued for thousands of years and still attracts both island residents and visitors today.

Home to about 970 people, Poipu feels livelier due to vacationing residents and visitors. Many visit Allerton Garden’s beach for sunrise shell hunting and take in natural sights like Spouting Horn and Makauwakhi Cave; a limestone cave more than 400,000 years in the making.

Honoring the long-past civilization that called this place home, the Kaneiolouma Complex is a 13-acre site restored and taken care of by residents who volunteer their time. The Kaneiolouma Complex sits near the entrance to the popular Poipu Beach Park, a resting place for endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and green sea turtles, and a prime spot for snorkeling, sunbathing and people watching. 

Mingled with outdoor adventures and white sandy beaches are high-end resorts offering tennis and swimming, luau, spa days and massage. Dine at Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt or RumFire at the Sheraton, or choose Paco’s Tacos and other casual dining establishments.

The Grand Hyatt also serves as the rally point for the annual Kauai Marathon, which brings thousands of runners to compete along Kauai’s south shore. Nearby is one of three golf courses in the area, Poipu Bay Golf Course, which borders the Pacific Ocean. Koloa Landing resort serves as the finish line and after party location for the marathon. 

The Shops at Kukui’ula also offer a wealth of restaurants, shopping and community events like the Wednesday culinary markets, occasional fashion shows and art nights, and food and wine festivals.

Poipu is served by Koloa Elementary School, several private and charter schools, and Kauai High in Lihue.