Poipu Beach Information
  Kauai Travel News ( Press Release )

Kauai, Hawaii. 2002: Kauai's popular Poipu Beach Resort area is known for its famous beaches and sunny climate, but this beautiful area on Kauai's south shore also boasts a rich history and lush natural environment that offer many adventures in ecotourism. Poipu's historic trails, botanical gardens and cultural events beckon travelers year-round, encouraging them to experience the natural wonders, archaeology, culture and history of the area.

Poipu offers a variety of historic trails for independent treks, as well as guided walks for explorers of all ages. The recently-opened Koloa Heritage Trail provides a self-guided tour covering thirteen historic sites in the Poipu/Koloa area within a radius of approximately four miles. (The actual trail length is ten miles.) A free brochure, available at many area accommodations and activity desks, includes a map of the trail, noting driving, bicycling and walking routes as well as detailed information on each of the designated points of interest. The Koloa Heritage Trail features nature's own creations, such as volcanic cones, lava tubes and ocean "blow holes", as well as historic buildings, sites and the remains of ancient formations that have played a part in south shore history and legends.

The south shore's magnificent two-mile Mahaulepu Trail is the only major shoreline coastal trail on Kauai. Starting at Shipwreck Beach, which fronts the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort, the trail continues east along the rugged shore, ending at Mahaulepu Beach. Ancient petroglyphs, dating from 200 to 600 A.D., are visible at certain times of the year along the Mahaulepu coastline. This trail can be explored independently, or visitors can participate in The Kauai Historical Society's Archaeology and Dune Walk. This fascinating tour focuses on the prehistoric native Hawaiian sites located on the beach in front of the Hyatt and the ancient sand dunes of Makawehi that stretch from the edge of the Hyatt grounds along the coast toward Mahaulepu. These areas are considered to be the most extensive archaeological excavations to date on the island of Kauai.

The gardens of Kauai's south shore are world-famous. The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) operates two gardens in the area: the 259-acre Lawai Garden and Preserve is a scientific garden dedicated to world-wide research and preservation of plant species; the magnificent 80- acre Allerton Garden is a historic oceanfront garden estate that was once the summer home of Hawaii's Queen Emma. Guided tours are offered at the NTBG gardens with advance reservations. The famed Moir Cactus Garden, at Kiahuna Plantation Resort, is open daily for self-guided tours. This beautiful garden is home to hundreds of exotic cactus plants and succulents, planted in the early 1900s by the Moir family.

Poipu's natural environment and spectacular beaches provide countless other opportunities for exploration and fun. Poipu Beach, which is part of a four-acre beach park, was ranked number one in 2001 on the national list of "America's Best Beaches" compiled each year by "Dr. Beach", due to its water clarity, golden sands and relative calmness. Marine life--particularly that of reef fish--is abundant, and snorkeling and scuba diving are favorite Poipu pastimes. Swimming, surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, bicycling, golf, tennis--the possibilities for outdoor activities are endless in Poipu.

Poipu plays host to a number of cultural events each year, and many visitors plan their trips around these delightful festivities. In July, the south shore hosts its annual Koloa Plantation Days, a week-long celebration of Kauai's sugar plantation heritage featuring a variety of special activities focused on the rich cultural diversity of Kauai. In September, Kauai's annual Mokihana Festival takes place, with cultural and arts events across the island, including Poipu locations. October brings the annual Aloha Festivals to Kauai, with Poipu hotels joining in the celebration by hosting luaus, Hawaiian concerts and other special events.

The Poipu Beach Resort Association (PBRA) serves as a central information source for visitors to Poipu. For more information on the Poipu area, visit PBRA's website at www.poipu-beach.org or call toll free 1-888-744-0888.

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