Poipu Beach FAQs

Aloha and welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. While planning your visit to Kauai you may have a few questions. Below are some that we answer regularly. If you do not see the answer to your question here, please feel free to email us at info@poipubeach.org.

Can we camp during our visit to Kauai?

Camping permits are required and illegal camping is strictly prohibited, so prepare beforehand by contacting the appropriate agency. It is suggested that permits for state and county parks be requested up to one year in advance of arrival, especially for popular areas such as the Na Pali Coast and Kokee State Park. For other areas, try approximately one month in advance for the winter and six months in advance for the summer.

State parks are open year-round. The maximum length of stay allowable under each permit at any one park is 5 consecutive nights. Another camping or lodging permit for the same park cannot be issued to any adult covered under a previous permit until 30 days have elapsed. State Parks on Kauai include Kokee, Na Pali Coast and Polihale. For more information or to obtain camping or lodging permits for State parks on Kauai, please contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources (808)274-3444 or visit www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/.

Permits for camping at County parks are issued for seven days, and enable you to camp in one location for seven consecutive days, and a total of up to 60 days at all County parks. County parks include Lucy Wright Park, Salt Pond Beach Park, Hanamaulu Beach Park, Anahola Beach Park, Anini Beach Park, Hanalei Black Pot Park and Haena Beach Park. Please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation for County of Kauai camping permits at (808)241-4463 or visit there website www.kauai.gov.

Hawaii Division of Forestry & Wildlife issues permits in forest reserves. For more information please call (808)274-3433 or visit their website at www.dofaw.net

How do I get from the airport to Poipu - is there a shuttle or taxi?

We highly recommend a rental car for your vacation since there is so much to see and do on Kauai. Click here for our member car rental agencies and shuttle service. Taxis are available at Lihue Airport, the cost will range from $30 to $40. You can also contact the Kauai Bus office at (808)241-6410 for routes and schedules.

How do I get the most up-to-date information on ocean conditions on Kauai?

For information on Kauai's beaches, daily ocean reports and safety tips, as well as information on hiking, recycling, conservation and preservation, visit www.kauaiexplorer.com. You should always check ocean conditions before entering and never be in the ocean alone. Whenever possible, swim at lifeguarded beaches and always obey posted warning signs.

Is there any crime in Poipu?

While the Hawaiian Islands are known to have lower crime rates than other U.S. states, the Poipu Beach Resort Association advises visitors to observe all precautions they would normally undertake while traveling. Do not leave anything of value unattended or in plain sight in your car, anywhere, especially on the beach, in restaurants or lobbies. Whenever possible, leave valuables or important items in your room safe, but if you must carry them, lock them in your trunk before arriving at your destination. You should also lock doors and windows at night or when you are not in your room, and always be aware of your surroundings. For more travel and safety tips, visit www.travelsmarthawaii.com.

What activities are there for children?

One of the most "kid-friendly" beaches in all of Hawaii is at Poipu Beach Park, where there is a natural ocean wading pool, a shallow bay for swimming, a great boogie-boarding beach, an area for snorkeling and a surfing area for experienced surfers. This pristine spot has a lifeguard, a playground, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and pavilions as well as a large lawn area with shade trees, and parking is close by. Fun kid's activities include: Junior golf, miniature golf, hiking the Mahaluepu Trail or the Koloa Heritage Trail, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing excursions aboard 50-foot stable catamarans, kayaking calm jungle streams, surfing lessons, ATV tours, downhill bicycle tours, zipline tours and horseback riding. Please refer to our Family Activities page for more details.

What are some special sites to see while on Kauai?

On the South Shore, consider taking half a day to drive or bike the Koloa Heritage Trail, a 10 mile route marking significant points of interest. A map and brochure is available at most lodging properties. The National Tropical Botanical Garden offers daily guided and self-guided tours and Spouting Horn affords a magnificent view of the Poipu Coastline. There's shopping and dining at Old Koloa Town and also a small history museum in their courtyard. One of the most strikingly beautiful beaches on Kauai is known as Mahaulepu, a two mile hike or two mile drive east of Poipu Beach. Beach-goers must leave by 6 p.m. Other interesting sites on Kauai include Waimea Canyon, Kokee State Park, Wailua River and Falls, Opaekaa Falls, Kilauea Lighthouse, the magnificent beaches and coastline of the North Shore, and numerous boutique shops and historical places found in our quaint and charming towns.

What roads do I take from the airport to Poipu?

The drive normally takes 20 to 25 minutes. As you leave the airport there will be a traffic light, you may turn left and follow the signs to Poipu. A more direct route is to keep going straight on Ahukini Road. At the next traffic light, when the road ends, turn left. Follow this road, which turns into Kaumualii Hwy (#50) taking you through Lihue and out of town heading southwest, towards Waimea. The turn to Koloa and Poipu will be about 7 miles from Lihue is the entrance to the magnificent "Tunnel of Trees" on Maluhia Road (#520). In Koloa, follow the signs to Poipu. If driving during the late afternoon, you may encounter heavy traffic in Lihue, which frees up once past Kauai Community College. To map the route on the internet, the address of Lihue Airport is 3907 Mokulele Loop, Lihue, HI 96766.

What should I do if I encounter a Hawaiian Monk Seal?

During your visit, you may see a Hawaiian Monk Seal on one of the beaches. These seals are one of the most critically endangered marine mammals on earth, and are subject to federal protection. The seals come onto Kauai's beaches to rest and sleep after an active night of feeding, and in recent years, mother Monk Seals have chosen the Poipu Beach area to give birth to their pups. People and pets must stay well away from the seal so as not to disturb them. Always stay well behind barricades or signs placed around a basking seal, and at least 150 feet from seals in unmarked areas. An agitated 400 to 600 pound animal could bite or cause other serious injury. Harassment or disturbance of a Hawaiian Monk Seal can incur fines exceeding $25,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment. For more information, please visit www.kauaimonkseal.com.

What will the weather be like while I am in Poipu?

In the winter, daytime temperatures in Poipu range from the mid 70's to the lower 80's. Nighttime temperatures are in the low to mid 60's. In the summer, daytime temperatures go as high as the upper 80's, and during the night, down into the low 70's. When showers make it into the Poipu area, they are usually brief. For more information, go to our Climate page or visit http://kauaiworld.com/weather/ for the Kauai Weather Report and a three-day forecast.

Where can I find information about the entire island of Kauai?

The Kauai Visitors Bureau is a great resource for information about the entire island of Kauai. They offer a FREE Offical Travel Planner that contains maps, activities, restaurants, shopping and accommodations, as well as a calendar of events and important phone numbers. You can reach them toll-free at (800)262-1400 or visit www.kauaidiscovery.com.

Where can I snorkel and surf?

Snorkeling is popular at Poipu Beach Park on the right side of the central bay, at Koloa Landing (for strong swimmers), Mahaulepu beach when conditions are right and fronting Lawai Beach Resort. However the only location that has a lifeguard is at Poipu Beach Park. Marine life is abundant; plus there are lava rock formations and a few corals. We strongly recommend checking ocean conditions before you go out, knowing good swimming skills, snorkeling only with a partner, always using fins and consistently checking surface conditions while out in the water. Surfbreaks are at Shipwreck's Beach for short-board surfers (short shore-break); Brennecke's Beach for boogie boarders and body surfers (not board surfers); Left-left's off of Poipu Beach Park for boogie boarders and board surfers; Waiohai's (lefts and rights) for board surfers, in front of the Marriott Waiohai Resort; Kiahuna Plantation (novices are taught at this location), off of Sheraton Kauai Resort (First Break for VERY experienced board surfers; Cowshead - better for experienced short board surfers) and at PK's (across from Prince Kuhio Park). Acid Drop and other breaks are to the right of the Beach House Restaurant (for very experienced surfers). Any surfer entering the ocean from any access does so at their own risk. Contact local dive and surf shops for more information. For a complete list of snorkel and surf spots, the most up-to-date ocean conditions and ocean safety tips visit www.kauaiexplorer.com.

Where should I go to do some hiking during my visit?

The South Shore has a magnificent shoreline trail to Mahaulepu Beach. The trail starts from Shipwreck Beach Park, at the end of Ainako Street just past the Grand Hyatt Resort, and travels along the coastline moving slightly inland at different points. The hike is about 4 miles round trip, with spectacular views and coastal formations along the way. The famous Kalalau Trail, another coastal hike is located at the end of the road on the North Shore. Permits are required past the first beach, 2 miles in. Call 808-274-3444. Kokee State Park contains a trail system of 10 trails, totaling 45 miles. The Natural History Museum at Kokee Park has hiking maps available for purchase and their staff can assist you in your hiking trail selection. Visit Kauai Explorer or the State of Hawaii's Na Ala Hele websites, which contain some great information on hiking. Hikers assume their own risk on any trail. Carry plenty of water and sunscreen.

Which airlines serve Kauai?

United Airlines serves Lihue Airport (LIH) daily with non-stop flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines serve Lihue Airport approximately every half-hour from Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG) between 6 am and 9 pm GO! Airlines also offers inter-island service to Kauai. If flying into Honolulu, connecting flights on the local carriers can usually be booked through most major airlines.