Explore South Shore

Home to flawless beaches and other amazing feats of nature, the sunny side of Kaua‘i presents unlimited possibilities for fun. Discover fascinating historical sites, abundant gardens, and miles of sparkling sands. Be sure to remember the importance of kuleana (responsibility and privilege) as you explore and show respect for all residents (including any wildlife) you may encounter.

Maluhia Road

On your way, take Maluhia Road, known as the “Tunnel of Trees,” which presents a delightful journey to Kaua‘i’s South Shore. Planted over a century ago, the branches of drive-through eucalyptus trees form a leafy ceiling over the entrance to Kōloa and Po‘ipū.

Kōloa Town

Established in 1835, Kōloa was Hawai‘i’s first productive sugar plantation and has since retained much of its historical charm. Visit the Kōloa History Center to see old photos and artifacts of the area’s early years and check out some of the plantation’s original buildings. Browse Kōloa’s many shops for fun gifts and souvenirs. For a cultural, historical and geological discovery, take a self-guided tour of Kōloa Heritage Trail. Whether you choose to walk, bike or drive the 14-stop, ten-mile tour, you’ll be sure to uncover interesting stories to take home with you. Trail stops include Spouting Horn Park, Prince Kūhiō Park, Moir Gardens, Kihāhouna Heiau, Makawehi and Pā‘ā Dunes, Pu‘uwanawana Volcanic Cone, Kōloa Jodo Mission and the Sugar Monument.

Po‘ipū Beach Park

Play in the inviting waters of Po‘ipū Beach Park and keep an eye out for humpback whales (from December through April) spouting off shore. Should you encounter any Hawaiian monk seals or honu (green sea turtles) basking on the sand, please help mālama these endangered species by keeping a distance of at least 150 feet. Never disturb or touch our wildlife. Not only popular with marine life, Po‘ipū is loved by both visitors and locals. Find a great spot to relax in the sun and escape to the paradise of this crescent-shaped beach. Bonus: Po‘ipū has a lifeguard on duty seven days a week!

Spouting Horn (Puhi - Blowhole)

Spouting Horn (puhi) is a spectacular natural lava tube that releases huge sprays of water during large swells. Hawaiians believed this site was once guarded by a giant mo‘o (mythological lizard) that would eat anyone fishing or swimming nearby. According to this story, a young boy named Liko fought the mo‘o in the ocean and escaped through a small hole in a lava rock shelf, in which the mo‘o got stuck. Today, as the ocean spouts through the rock, you can hear the mo‘o hiss and roar from inside Spouting Horn.

The Sugar Monument

This monument commemorates Hawai‘i’s first commercial sugar plantation beginning in 1835, about the time when sugar replaced whaling and sandalwood as the state’s principal industry.

Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle)

Greens sea turtles are the most common species of sea turtle found in Hawai‘i waters. Historically, green sea turtles have played a large role in the Hawaiian culture. The honu have traditionally been regarded as an ‘aumakua (personal family deity), so it is important to show your mālama (to care for) if you are fortunate enough to see these beautiful creatures. Artistic elements of honu have also been featured prominently in some cultures of the region, such as petroglyphs and tattoo designs. The Hawaiian green sea turtle population was in a steep decline as of the 1970s because of direct harvest of both turtles and eggs by humans. The population has grown steadily over the last thirty years after protection began in 1978. If you see honu basking on the beach or in the water while snorkeling, admire them from a reasonable distance and do not alter their natural behavior. Please do not attempt to touch, feed or harass honu in any way.

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Endangered alert! There are less than 35 Hawaiian monk seals in the waters and beaches of Kaua‘i, and they are one of the most endangered species in the world. If you’re lucky enough to spot a Hawaiian monk seal resting on the beach, please show aloha (compassion) by respecting efforts to preserve its home and native habitat by staying at least 150 feet away from it. Please inform your keiki (children) too and be aware of the following practices:

• Never approach a monk seal on the beach (stay at least 150 feet away).

• Don’t throw things at a monk seal, shout to get its attention or otherwise try to cause one to move.

• Please take any pictures from a respectful distance with the flash off.

Besides being pono (proper or just), there are strict state and federal laws prohibiting the harassment of marine wildlife such as Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales. These laws are strictly enforced in Hawai‘i and have severe penalties if broken.

If you would like to help protect monk seals and their habitats, learn more about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian monk seal recovery strategy and conservation efforts. fisheries.noaa.gov/species/ hawaiian-monk-seal

Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden

Get up close and personal with Kaua‘i’s endless shades of green at the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG). Begin at NTBG headquarters, the McBryde Garden in Lāwa‘i Valley — a vast 259 acres that boasts the world’s largest collection of native Hawaiian plants. For another majestic scene, Allerton Garden is a garden paradise, transformed through time by the hands of a Hawaiian ali‘i, by a sugar plantation magnate and most significantly by an artist and an architect. It provides 80 acres of vegetation, pools, miniature waterfalls, fountains and statues. ntbg.org/tours

McBryde Garden offers volunteer opportunities, available to visitors, who want to mālama one of the most revered botanical gardens in the Pacific. Visitors have the chance to gain knowledge while making impactful efforts to preserve and protect our ecosystems. Visit ntbg.org/support/volunteer for more information.