Poipu Area Sports

Poipu Area Sports

Kaua'i is an active community. Residents and visitors alike enjoy a variety of sporting activities on the ocean and on land, from surfing to outrigger canoes, tennis to golf. Opportunities to engage in sports abound in the greater Poipu area.

Surfing

Surfers find a number of good waves along the southern Kaua'i coast. While those seeking big surf head to the north coast in winter, during the summer and fall 5-7-foot waves are found at many of the southern beaches.

Shipwreck Beach by Poipu's Grand Hyatt Hotel can have some big waves and ragged surf. Conditions are usually best taken on by advanced and intermediate surfers. Beginning surfers should probably head over to nearby Poipu Beach.

Keālia Beach on Kaua'i's eastern shore near Kapa'a provides some great surfing for those experienced enough to deal with rugged conditions. Beginners should stay at the northern end of the beach where a breakwater provides shelter from the heavy surf.

Poipu Beach is popular for those just learning to surf and for intermediates. Neighboring Brennecke's Beach is popular with body boarders and body surfers.

Lawa'i Beach attracts a steady turnout of young surfers who like to improve their skills on a moderate break. A rocky shoreline can be tricky to negotiate, but most of the locals handle it easily.

Outrigger Canoes

Joining an outrigger canoe club can bring lasting benefits of physical conditioning, the pride of achievement, and camaraderie with your fellow paddlers. Clubs welcome new members and provide training. New recruits must demonstrate the ability to swim in the ocean. Most canoe clubs recruit new members in February and March and ask for a year-long commitment, including dues.

Kukuiula Outrigger Canoe Club is based at Kukui'ula Harbor along Lawa'i Road. Practices are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with most races held on Saturdays.

Pu'uwai Canoe club is based at the mouth of the Wailua River on the east side of Kaua‘i. The club's emphasis is on traditional Hawaiian cultural values, including "Respect, Loyalty, Responsibility, Trust, Friendship, Fairness, working together as a team and being there for each other." They offer programs for both adults and youths.

Koloa Outrigger Canoe Club is located at Poipu Beach. They accept new members any time of the year - adults and youths ages 10-17. The purpose of the club is "to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture of canoe paddling through fostering, encouraging participation and promoting interest in the sport on the island, as well as displaying sportsmanship, goodwill and fair play."

West Coast Canoe Club is located at the Hanapepe River mouth. Park at the Port Allen small boat harbor and then walk through the Port Allen Fishing Club and along the beach to the Canoe Club site. Novice paddlers are encouraged to join practice sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5pm.

Pickleball and Tennis

Pickleball and Tennis courts can be found around the Poipu area, often in public parks or included as a resort amenity. Athletic clubs also have courts available for their members.

Ann Knudsen Park – tennis/pickleball, 6 lighted courts, permanent lines, bring your own net, free
Maluhia Road, Koloa.

Kalawai Parkin Kalaheo has two tennis/pickleball courts with lights. Other features at the park include ball fields, basketball, free parking, drinking water, and restrooms.
4601 Puuwai Road Kalaheo

Hanapepe Tennis Courts
Pickleball/Tennis: 4 hard courts with permanent lines, bring your own net, lighted courts, free
4451 Puolo Rd, Eleele, HI 96705

Poipu Beach Athletic Club 12-month membership required, 3 tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts
2290 Poipu Road, Koloa

Golf

The magnificent Poipu Bay Golf Course is spread across gently flowing contours overlooking the rugged Poipu Bay coast. The 18-hole, par 17 course is adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort. Along the course are the remains of Hawaiian heiau (places of worship) and ancient stone walls. Tee times can be reserved online as long as 30 days in advance.

Poipu Bay Golf Course includes a practice facility and golf shop.
2250 Ainako Street, Koloa

Puakea Golf Course in Lihue'e offers an 18-hole, par 72 layout surrounded by views of forest, mountains, and ocean. The course has rolling mounds, strategic bunkering, and sparkling water features. The course is open to the public. Amenities include a clubhouse with a restaurant, a spacious practice facility, and a driving range.
4150 Nuhou St, Lihue

Kiahuna Golf Club is surrounded by the lush beauty of Poipu and the ancient remnants of an authentic Hawaiian village. The 18-hole course was designed by renowned architect, Robert Trent Jones II. The golf club is a sanctuary for many of Kauai’s endangered bird species, including the state bird of Hawaii, the Nene. The club includes a golf shop and a restaurant, Paco's Tacos Cantina.
2545 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Poipu

Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course features a 9-hole golf course known for is beautiful surroundings and inexpensive green fees. At one time the golf course was part of an ancient Hawaiian Heiau and more recently the estate of the late Walter McBryde. Kukuiolono Park is open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
854 Puu Rd, Kalaheo

Area Parks

Around the greater Poipu area are many wonderful parks with facilities for softball, soccer, basketball, and other sports.

Ann Knudsen Park in Koloa has 11 acres devoted to baseball fields, basketball, baseball, tennis, pickleball, and playground equipment. Facilities include parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
Maluhia Road, a short distance north of Koloa

Poipu Park Adjacent to Poipu Beach features a broad grassy area suitable for games, but no designated sports fields. Facilities include covered pricnic areas, showers, restrooms, drinking fountains, and free parking (often crowded). At the adjacesnt beach lifeguards are on duty every day.
At the southern end of Hoowili Road off Poipou Road

Kalawai Park Located in Kalaheo, the park has several baseball and softball fields, a soccer field, a play structure, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball, and a picnic area. Facilities include parking, drinking water, and restrooms.
4601 Puuwai Road Kalaheo

Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course ranks among the best parks in Kaua'i. The 178-acre park features a 9-hole golf course, miniature golf, disc golf, long, gently curving walking paths, and a beautiful Japanese garden. Facilities include a golf clubhouse, restrooms, parking, drinking water, and a pavilion with magnificent views of the ocean.
Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course
854 Puu Rd, Kalaheo

Kaua'i Athletic Club

Kaua'i Athletic Club has facilities in Kapa'a and Lihue. The club offers a variety of group classes, including yoga, body pump, silver sneakers, stretching, and function flow. The Lihue locations has over 40 strength training machines and a fully stocked weight room. Day passes and 1 week and 2 week passes are available along with the usual monthly and year memberships.

3371 Wilcox Road, #101, Lihue

Southside Sports Center

Southside Sports Center is a14,000 square foot gymnasium, serving southern Kaua'i, especially area youth. The center "accommodates the expanding youth ministry Kauai Christian Fellowship (KCF), the founding, parent organization. KCF is a nondenominational Christian church that puts a high emphasis on caring for the youth, bringing the community together, and enjoying life."