The Island's South Shore includes the 10-mile Koloa Heritage Trail - an ideal place to examine relics of local history. Take in the recurring drama of the Spouting Horn. Keep an eye out for rare monk seals. Enjoy the sunny beauty of Po'ipu Beach. Visit two of Kauai's impressive botanical gardens. Play a round of golf. Ah, there's so much to do on Kauai's sunny side.
Koloa
Koloa was Hawaii's first productive sugar plantation, established back in 1835. The area has retained much of its old charm and many plantation buildings still decorate this historic town. The Koloa History Center is a great place to view old photos and artifacts of Koloa's early years. Large monkeypod trees provide ample shade for those who want to browse Koloa's many shops and stores.
Po'ipu Beach Park
The inviting waters of Po'ipu make it very popular with visitors, locals and even marine life. From November/December through April/May, it's not uncommon to spot humpback whales spouting off shore. Po'ipu Beach is also well-known as a spot where the endangered Hawaiian monk seals sometimes sunbathe on the shore.
The Po'ipu surf channels into a natural lava tube and releases a spout of water up to 60-feet high during large swells. Listen for the hiss and roar that follows! Access to Spouting Horn is convenient and the view from the lookout is luminous at sunset.
Koloa Heritage Trail
Koloa Heritage Trail is a 14-stop, self-guided 10-mile walk, bike ride or drive tour of the area's most important cultural, historical and geological sites. Stops include Spouting Horn Park, Prince Kuhio Park, Moir Gardens, Kihahouna Heiau, Makawehi and Pa'a Dunes, Pu'uwanawana Volcanic Cone, Koloa Jodo Mission and the Sugar Monument.
The Sugar Monument
In the mid 1800s, sugar replaced whaling and sandalwood to become the principal industry of Hawaii. This monument commemorates Hawaii's first commercial sugar plantation beginning in 1835.
