The Poipu Beach Resort Association describes Kauai's South Shore beautifully as being “dominated by a perfect string of crescent-shaped beaches, each having its own particular shoreline environment.” Therefore, it’s no surprise that Poipu Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Kauai’s South Shore, was recently named “America's Best Beach” by The Travel Channel, ranking top among the 10 best beaches nationwide. Visitors to Poipu can find snorkeling, swimming, boogie-boarding, surfing, Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling, golfing, tennis, shopping, dining and much more. Poipu’s average annual rainfall is 34 inches and when it does rain, the showers are brief. The temperatures during the day range from the 70s to the 80s. At night, temperatures cool down to the 60s and 70s. Prevailing trade winds keep Poipu residents and visitors comfortable year-round.

The inviting waters of Poipu makes it very popular with visitors and locals alike.  From December to May it is not uncommon to spot a pod of humpback whales and their young spouting, jumping and playing just off shore.Large Honu (hawaiian green sea turtles) swim in the waves right up next to the rocks in Turtle Cove and other lava rock cliffs.  Poipu Beach is most famous for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals that sometimes sunbath up on the beach.  since they are mammals, they need to sleep and what better way than a nice warm sandy beach. Though there are only about 1.200 Hawaiian Monk Seals remaining, many of those swim in the waters of Kauai.  Should you see a seal up on a beach, stay at least 150 feet away or behind the barricades that the  Monk Seal Patrol has put up.  Though they look like they are sleeping, they can and have bitten people that have distrubed them.  There is also a $10,000 fine for getting too close to these lovely animals.

Snorkeling in Poipu reveal a variety of colorfu fish incuding the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa.  Once you can spell or pronouce this fish's name, you will be a kamaaina of this island.

For more information about Poipu Beach including a Poipu Adventure Planner, visit the Poipu Beach Resort Association.

To take a virtual tour of Kauai’s South Shore from Old Koloa Town shopping, to Spouting Horn, Allerton Gardens, Brenneckes Beach, Poipu Beach Park, Mahaulepu, Tree Tunnel, and more, visit the Kauai Visitors Bureau.

To view a video update of projects in Poipu, click on the link: 2010 Video - Project Update.