Poipu Vacation Rental
Poipu Beach is one of the most well known beaches and travel destinations in Kauai. Kauai's southern coastline is dominated by a number of small beaches. Poipu, like Waikiki in Oahu, Kona on the big island, and Lahaina on Maui, is a destination where you will encounter a large number of visitors on some beautiful but crowded beaches.
The most popular beach, Poipu Beach, is fronted by Poipu Beach Park, and a few of the resorts. This beach is a series of small beaches linked together where beach-goers will find snorkeling, swimming, wading boogie-boarding and surfing.
Another beach on the south side is Poipu's Shipwreck's Beach, a long stretch of sand on the eastern end of Poipu. Shipwreck's Beach is fronted by some new developments and the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This beach is not a very good swimming beach but can be fun for advanced surfers.
To the east is Mahaulepu Beach, my favorite in this area as it feels truly remote like north shore beaches. Mahaulepu is a two mile car trip from the end of Poipu Road. Travel east on the dirt cane field road to the main cane haul road intersection and turn right. There will be a security shack posting beach opening and closing hours. The beach usually closes by 6 p.m. in the winter and 7 p.m. in the summer. Mahaulepu is popular with locals and visitors.
Further to the west on Spouting Horn Road is Lawai Beach, a delightful snorkeling spot fronted by a resort of the same name. Although the strip of sand is narrow, the snorkeling is good and in calm waters.
Kauai is a Hawaiian island of seven micro climates ranging from dry desert to tropical rain forest. Poipu Beach has a semi-arid tropical climate and an average rainfall of 35 inches per year. For this reason many visitors are attracted to the densely populated Poipu region.
The Mount Waialele region of Kauai is one of the wettest spots on earth with in excess of over 400 inches of rain per year. Parts of the north shore of Kauai receive over 100 inches of rain per year but Kilauea Lakeside estate receives less than half the total rainfall of other areas as it is farther from the mountains that hold the clouds. If you enjoy less rain and still appreciate your seclusion and privacy this part of Kilauea would be ideal for you to visit.
Kilauea Lakeside Rental Estate is less than one hour's drive from Poipu. Unlike the beaches in Poipu which have many visitors, the ten miles of beaches in front of Kilauea Lakeside Estate are mostly secluded and during the months of May through October are generally calm and good for swimming, hiking, secluded walks, or just lazing on a beach and watching the hundreds of birds from the Kilauea lighthouse nature preserve area. Guests to the estate will be provided with a map to the secluded Waiakalua beach, Larsen’s, Kilauea Bay (Rock Quarries), secret beach and Kalihiwai Beach.
From November to April many of the north shore beaches are best for advanced surfers as large swells can be dangerous for those unfamiliar with the waters. There are however many north shore beaches that are safe for swimming year round. It is important for guests to the islands to have a concierge or guide that can help determine which beaches are suitable at any time of the year.
Some of the more well known north shore beaches include:
Tunnels Beach: Gently sloping beach with patches of rocky reef in the shallow waters that is great for snorkelers with good swimming areas as well. Access to Tunnels is off Kuhio Highway via a sandy road.
Lumahai Beach: Among the most beautiful on the island with a huge, wide sandy shoreline. The beauty of this beach is equaled by the pounding of the ocean along its shore. Access at the western end is directly off Kuhio Highway. At the eastern end, a steep, dirt trail descends from the road.
Hanalei Bay Beach: A Perfect, curved bay of legendary beauty. The beach is subject to strong currents in the winter, occasionally even during the summer months. One of the best areas to swim is in the center of the bay at the Hanalei Beach Park, which has restrooms, a pavilion and a lifeguard in attendance. The safest even during winter is by the Hanalei Pier and the lifeguard tower nearby. Access via Aku Road or Weke Road, both off Kuhio Highway at either end of Hanalei. Hanalei Bay Beach was named America's No. 2 Best Beach in 2002 by Dr. Beach.
Anini Beach Park: Miles of white sandy beach and a quiet lagoon created by a reef. Sunsets here are glorious and perfect for a romantic swim. Follow Kuhio Highway to Kalihiwai Road and take Anini Road to the beach.
STEVE HUNT'S KILAUEA LAKESIDE RENTALl ESTATE
Impossibly romantic and free-spirited, Steve Hunt, who's Great Uncle Poindexter was Governor of Hawaii, has maintained a passionate love affair with Kauai and the North Shore most of his life. Hunt offers the only lakefront rental home in Hawaii, a secluded love nest overlooking a 20-acre freshwater lake, only minutes from the beach and the spiffy Princeville Hotel.
