Southern
Kaua'i Towns

Explore Poipu Area Towns

Around Poipu and all about southern Kaua'i from Kapa'a to Waimea are more than a dozen villages and towns, each with its own special charm. At the heart of the southern island is Kaua'i's county seat, Lihu'e. With the airport, harbor, hospital, and government offices, it feels like a small city; but its population remains just shy of 9,000. Set out to explore southern Kaia'i's' communities, browse their unique shops, learn about their heritage, and visit with the residents. We have shared some of our favorites here.

Old Koloa Town

Koloa Town had its beginnings with the rise of sugar cane plantations in the surrounding countryside. Sugar cane had been grown in the area for hundreds of years before the large plantations took root. The opening of the Sugar Mill in 1835 established Koloa as one of the center of trade in southern Kaua'i. Shops and restaurants sprang up along the main street while field and mill workers erected houses, forged roads, and established a vibrant, multi-cultural community.

Today many of the store fronts along Koloa's main street were once part of the early town, passed down and modified by more recent owners. Read about the history of many of Koloa's buildings in Old Koloa Town.

Visitors to Koloa find a wide range of shops and many enjoyable restaurants and food trucks, along with services such as a gas station and post office. Allow time to visit the Koloa History Center, open from 9 AM to 9 PM, daily. The History Center displays exhibits with photos and artifacts from the plantation era.

Kōloa celebrates this heritage each July, during a week-long Kōloa Plantation Days Festival.

Waimea

The wonderful town of Waimea (shown in masthead above) is 16 miles west of Koloa, overlooking Waimea Bay. The Waimea Valley, stretching into the mountains from the modern settlement of Waimea, has long been inhabited by early Hawaiians. Agriculture lands produced banana, taro, breadfruit, and other crops. Fish ponds were established at the mouth of the Waimea River.

A monument to Captain Cook stands in town, commemorating his first landing in Hawaiian Islands in 1778 at a point near town. Popular eating establishments in town include Shrimp Station and Island Taco. Wander out the Waimea State Recreation Pier for fishing and views. The West Kaua'i Heritage Center provides information about the cultural heritage of the region. Learn about the rich paniolo (cowboy) history of the Waimea Valley at the Paniolo Heritage Center.

Hanapepe

Eleven miles west of Koloa along Highway 50 is the charming little town of Hanapepe. Beginning with World War I and extending all the way into the 1950s, Hanapepe was a bustling town with soldiers and sailors stationed nearby. Many of the old buildings have survived, giving the town the appearance of an earlier era. The town has been the setting for a number of films, including The Thornbirds.

Today Kanapepe's streets feature many interesting shops, a few restaurants, and more art galleries than almost any other town in the area. Hanapepe's Friday Art Night is a great time to wander through the town. All the galleries, shops, and restaurants are open. Along the main street are musicians, artists, and vendors. Another popular attraction in town is the Swinging Bridge, included on our Sights page.

Kapa'a

Kapa'a is the largest settlement in Kaua'i, with a population of about 12,000. Spread along the eastern coast of the island and extending well inland along the Kapa'a Stream Valley, Kapa'a includes many acres of farmland and open space. Within easy access of Kuhio Highway are a number of popular shopping centers with restaurants and shops.

Along the coast are several popular beaches such as Kapa'a Beach and Kapa'a Beach Park, and a short way to the north, Kealia Beach. Surf is often too dangerous for swimming or even wading, but the white sand makes a pleasant destination for strolling and sunbathing. A nearby multi-use, paved bike trail follows the coast with two segments totally 7 miles.

South of town rises Nounou Mountain (the Sleeping Giant). The East Trail leads hikers to its summit. Many other interesting hiking trails are in the area. A scenic drive up Highway 581 to the west of town leads to Lydgate Farms, a chocolate farm that offers fascinating tours of its gardens along with samplings of various chocolates.

Kalaheo

With a population of about 5,000, Kalaheo is an active community, favored by young families and older generations alike. Kalaheo is inland along Highway 50, about 5 miles west of Koloa. All of the basic services are available, including a post office, medical center, and a shopping plaza. The biggest attraction in Kalaheo is its magnificent Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course. The 9-hole golf course is known for is beautiful surroundings and inexpensive green fees. Included in the park is a Japanese garden with winding paths, bonsai trees, and a meditation pavilion. Other paths lead through wooded sections of the park and to a bluff with views of the surrounding area as far away as the ocean.

The Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Company makes a good place to stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner - friendly service and tasty food. While in town be sure to visit the Kalaheo Music and Strings where you will find new and pre-owned ukuleles and guitars along with a selection of made-on-Kauai products. For those who want to improve their ukulele playing, they offer ukulele lessons. A short drive to the southwest of Kalaheo, find the Kaua'i Coffee Company with a store, snack shop, and small museum. Several tours of the coffee plantation are available, including a self-guided walking tour.