Is Poipu a good place to stay in Kauai?

Yes. It is the sunniest area, with the best family beaches and central access, making it the top first-timer base.

Is Poipu Beach good for swimming?

Yes. It has a reef-protected keiki pool and calm year-round conditions, ideal for families and snorkeling.

What resorts are in Poipu?

The Grand Hyatt Kauai and Ko'a Kea, plus many condo complexes. The Sheraton Kauai Resort is closed for repairs, so confirm before booking.

Poipu Kauai: Things to Do, Beaches & Resorts (2026)

Poipu is Kauai's sunny south-shore resort hub and the best base for first-timers. Waimea Canyon, its nearest big sight, is closed after Hurricane Lowell as of October 2026.

Calm swimming beach on Kauai's sunny south shore at Poipu

Things to do in Poipu

Snorkel at Poipu Beach, walk the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail and catch south-shore sunsets. Lawai Road to Spouting Horn was badly damaged, so check access first.

Poipu Beach

A double-crescent beach with a protected keiki pool, resident monk seals and year-round swimming. It is one of Hawaii's best.

Best Poipu resorts

The Grand Hyatt Kauai and Ko'a Kea anchor Poipu, with condos throughout the area. The oceanfront Sheraton Kauai Resort is closed for Hurricane Lowell repairs, so confirm before booking.

Where to eat in Poipu

Tidepools is the marquee sunset restaurant; The Beach House is closed until further notice after Hurricane Lowell. Casual spots and the Koloa food scene are nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Snorkel Poipu Beach, hike the Mahaulepu trail and see Spouting Horn (check Lawai Road access).

Useful links

Poipu Beach info

Keep planning

Resort pool and lawn above the ocean on Kauai's south shore

Resorts

Stay

Compare Kauai resorts: Grand Hyatt, Sheraton Coconut Beach, Royal Sonesta, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and more, with rates, locations and repair notes.

Crescent beach with green waterfall-streaked mountains on Kauai's north shore

Beaches

Kauai's best beaches ranked: Poipu, Anini, Tunnels, Hanalei, Shipwreck, Glass Beach and Secret Beach, with parking, safety, snorkeling and closure notes.

Oceanfront dinner table at sunset at a Kauai restaurant

Restaurants

Kauai's best restaurants: Tidepools, Merriman's, Duke's and Bar Acuda, plus food trucks, shave ice, cheap eats and which favorites are closed after Lowell.

Low-rise hotels and coconut palms along Kauai's Coconut Coast

Where to Stay

Stay

Where to stay in Kauai: Poipu vs Princeville vs Kapaa, best areas and places to stay for first-timers, families, and couples.