Koloa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
With its old-fashioned charm and stunning natural surroundings, Kauaʻi’s southernmost town offers a diverse range of delights that epitomize a tropical getaway. 

Kōloa is the site of Hawaii’s first major sugar plantation. Often nicknamed Old Kōloa Town, the village retains much of its 19th-century character, with old-fashioned storefronts and quaint galleries lining the main road, and stunning beaches nearby.  

If you’re feeling energetic, rent bikes and cycle the 2 miles (3 kilometres) from Old Kōloa Town to the oceanfront. Poipu Beach offers a clean shoreline and calm waters ideal for young children. Head a little further out to surf world-class waves and keep an eye out for humpback whales and dolphins, which are frequently spotted offshore. Sign up for a scuba-diving lesson and dive through coral gardens with sea turtles and tropical fish. 

You don’t have to head to the ocean to enjoy the area’s waterfront attractions. Go kayaking or rafting along the Wailua River and enjoy the rain forest landscape as you glide along with the current. If boating isn’t your style, then take a zip-line tour to explore the landscape from a bird’s-eye point of view. Unwind after the excitement at one Kōloa’s spas, which offer massages and other treatments amid the region’s iconic rain forest setting. 

Many of the resorts host luaus throughout the week. Luaus provide a chance to experience local culture, with dancing and a traditional feast. If you’d prefer a more low-key dinner, enjoy fresh-caught seafood at one of the restaurants in Old Kōloa Town. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lappert’s Ice Cream, a local establishment selling fresh-made ice cream that uses regional ingredients. The town features mellow nightlife with plenty of bars and pubs, but those looking for glitzy nightclubs will be disapointed. 

Kōloa and Poipu border one another, so it’s easy to enjoy the attractions in both towns. Learn more about the region’s history with a walk along the Kōloa Heritage Trail. Stretching between Kōloa and Poipu, the 10-mile (16-kilometre) path is dotted with informational plaques that enable a self-guided tour through the tropical landscape.

Kōloa is a 30-minute drive southwest of Lihue Airport. Public transport is limited, so rent a car, motorbike or bicycle to get the most out of your visit.

Where to stay in Koloa

Poipu featuring a sandy beach, tropical scenes and landscape views

Poipu

4/5(1 area review)

Poipu is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Kiahuna Golf Course and Poipu Shopping Village, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Koloa.

Poipu
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Bayview

Bayview might not have many top sights, but Poipu Bay Golf Course and Shipwreck Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bayview
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Omao

When in Omao, you can plan a visit to National Tropical Botanical Garden and Spouting Horn, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Omao
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Sheraton Kauai Resort
4 out of 5
2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹34,156 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹34,156
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this beach resort in Koloa. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"I think the pool and hot tub could be larger for the size of the property"

Reviewed on 10 Apr 2024

Sheraton Kauai Resort
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
4.5 out of 5
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI
The price is ₹63,814 per night from 11 May to 12 May
₹63,814
per night
11 May - 12 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"There were some areas that needed upgrading, such as the carpet in the room was pretty old, etc. Service staff were very good. Entertainment was good. It’s a big resort with lots of stairs which could prove difficult for people with mobility issues. Over all though we had a great time and it was ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach
Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach
4.5 out of 5
2251 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI
The price is ₹52,528 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹52,528
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Koloa. Enjoy a full-service spa, a beach locale and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Fantastic stay! So close to excellent beaches and service was wonderful!"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
3 out of 5
2253 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (847 reviews)
"Beautiful grounds. Walkable to beautiful beaches and dining choices. So quiet. We will be back!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
CASTLE Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
CASTLE Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
3 out of 5
2253B Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (987 reviews)
"I stayed here 23 years ago. It’s still a great place to stay. I’ll be back again"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

CASTLE Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
CASTLE Poipu Shores
CASTLE Poipu Shores
3 out of 5
1775 Pee Rd, Koloa, HI
Stay at this condo in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Poipu Beach and Brennecke Beach are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (256 reviews)
"This is our second time at this place and we coincidentally got the same unit from last year! We were ecstatic because it was like coming home again. The unit was perfect for the three of us with a nice balcony ocean view. We absolutely enjoyed our stay and we enjoy making more memories each time ..."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

CASTLE Poipu Shores
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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