Poipu Hawaii is a beach bum's paradise, and while spending time on the beach is the top thing to do here, it's not the only way to pass the time. Poipu vacations can be as busy as you want them to be, and there will be plenty of opportunities to book island excursions and tours on the side. Situated on Kauai's beautiful south shore, Poipu offers access to one of the island's best beaches, and exploring the southern coastline will reward travelers with a series of attractive spots to break for a while. The south shore of Kauai can present a number of different ocean and beach conditions within a short stretch, making it easy to find an ideal spot in the sand when moving up and down the southern coast. It's also easy to find your ideal lodging when it comes to Poipu hotels, as this resort destination is easily among the top vacation destinations in Kauai.

Gold sand beaches abound in Poipu Hawaii, and because of a number of offshore reef formations the conditions at these beaches can be very different. While some Poipu beaches are better suited to swimming and snorkeling, others are ideal for surfing and boogie boarding. Scuba diving excursions also are easy to add to Poipu travel plans. One of the most popular beaches near Poipu Hawaii can be found at Poipu Beach Park. Poipu Beach, as this stretch of sand is known, is one of the safer beaches in Hawaii, as it features an on-duty lifeguard seven days a week. Poipu Beach has been named among the top beaches in the United States, and a few resorts are located there should you be looking to stay close by. Another relatively safe beach you might consider while enjoying Poipu vacations is Baby Beach, located near Poipu Beach. A small protected cove makes Baby Beach an ideal destination for families with small children.

Other alluring beaches you can easily access during Poipu vacations include Brennecke's Beach and Mahaulepu Beach. Brennecke's is one of the best places to catch waves, and locals and visitors alike consistently rate it among their favorite area beaches. Mahaulepu Beach is a relatively remote stretch of sand that offers a more relaxing setting than the more highly visited Poipu area beaches. Shipwreck's Beach and Lawai Beach are two other idyllic beaches you won't want to leave out of your Poipu travel plans. In addition to relaxing on the beach, golfing is among the top things to do in Poipu. Hawaii boasts an average of 300 sunny days every year, which helps create ideal golfing conditions.

Kauai Map

There are two divine, 18-hole golf courses in Poipu: the Kiahuna Golf Club Course and the Poipu Bay Golf Course. Both of these courses were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and the Poipu Bay Golf Course was formerly home to the Grand Slam of Golf tournament. The Poipu Bay Golf Course is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the Kiahuna Golf Club Course is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., so there will be plenty of time to fit a round in during your visit. For visitors who aren't interested in golfing, other activities to add to a Poipu travel itinerary include biking, hiking, and kayaking.

Should biking pique your interest, the Waimea Canyon bike tours are worth booking. You'll cruise along the canyon's rim before taking on a series of downhill runs that lead to the sparkling Pacific Ocean. For hikers, the area hiking trails offer an array of delights while getting a good workout. Some of the trails pass by Poipu Beach, and you can also hike to the nearby historic town of Koloa. Both the Koloa Heritage Trail and the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail are tracks that hiking enthusiasts will do well to explore when visiting Poipu Hawaii. As for kayaking, there are local outfitters that can get you out on the water easily. These kayaking outfitters also offer excursions that visit several different Kauai locations, including the Na Pali Coast and the Wailua River.

Poipu vacations have something for everyone, and helicopter tours, ATV tours, and zip line tours are just some of the other things to enjoy during Poipu travel. To relax after outdoor activities, lounging around on the beach or hanging out by the hotel pool is also a good way to pass the time at one of Hawaii's top vacation destinations.