So where do we start? With near-perfect temperatures year-
round (70-80 °F), opportunities for fun are virtually endless here
on Kauai. The island is packed with idyllic beaches, hiking trails,
golf, tennis, water sports, gastronomical delights, and scenic
adventures on land or by sea. Best of all, everything is within
easily accessible distance! It is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise.
For the best resource on Kauai, get The Ultimate Kauai
Guidebook by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman. It is the
only guide you need. A copy of the latest edition is available at
the condo for your reference, but if you want to start planning
early, you can get the book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
In the meantime, below are some highlights. You may also want
to check out the links available under our resources page. Just
remember, you can always speak with the Activities Desk when
you arrive if you need any assistance.
round (70-80 °F), opportunities for fun are virtually endless here
on Kauai. The island is packed with idyllic beaches, hiking trails,
golf, tennis, water sports, gastronomical delights, and scenic
adventures on land or by sea. Best of all, everything is within
easily accessible distance! It is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise.
For the best resource on Kauai, get The Ultimate Kauai
Guidebook by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman. It is the
only guide you need. A copy of the latest edition is available at
the condo for your reference, but if you want to start planning
early, you can get the book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
In the meantime, below are some highlights. You may also want
to check out the links available under our resources page. Just
remember, you can always speak with the Activities Desk when
you arrive if you need any assistance.
Anara Spa
The ANARA Spa was ranked fifth in the America´s 15 Best Spas survey conducted by
Travel & Leisure magazine. It also made Traveler´s 2000 Gold List. So needless to
say, it is a world-class spa with indoor/outdoor therapy rooms, pool, gym and a health
food bar. It is located at the Hyatt Regency, just a 3-minute drive from Kiahuna. The
spa also offers weekly club memberships for those interested in using the facilities
often. Call ahead to make a reservation 808-742-1234.
Art Galleries
There are two galleries across the street at the Poipu Shopping Village. If you are
looking for simple prints, go to Pictures Plus at the Kuhui Grove Shopping Center
between Kiahuna and Lihue. More original art can be found in the towns of
Henapepe and Kapaa.
Biking
Cruise 12 miles down Waimea Canyon (el.3500') on a smooth winding blacktop to the
shore of the blue Pacific. Or check out the entire Poipu coast line. Or ride extreme
mountain trails. You can find plenty of mountain biking options in Kauai. Road bikes,
cruisers, trail-a-bikes and baby seats are all available for rent at Outfitters Kauai. If
you are really serious about mountain biking, a good resource book is, “Mountain
Biking the Hawaiian Islands.” To buy the book, click here.
Churches
There are about 8 churches of various denominations in the Koloa area near by.
Please check with the concierge to find one that suits you best.
Dinning
One of our favorite restaurants is located right at Kiahuna – Plantation Gardens. The
restaurant is situated at the edge of the Moir Gardens and was originally the
residence for the manager of the Koloa Plantation. Dinning on the lanai affords a
wonderful tropical experience. The food is wonderful, too. Also, just across the
street from Kiahuna, you’ll find the famous Roy’s, Keoki’s fish restaurants, Pattia’s
Thai cuisine and more. There are about 30 restaurants within walking or a short
drive, so explore to your heart’s content. Some of our guests’ favorite dinning spots
as well as ours are listed in the guest book at the condo. So you’ll have plenty of
suggestions once you arrive.
Farmers Market
Kauai farmers open their market in Koloa weekly on Monday and Wednesday at noon.
The market is located directly behind the Koloa Ball Park on the way to the Tunnel of
Trees. It’s a great place to stock up on your fresh fruits and veggies during your stay.
Fishing
The Pacific currents swirling around Kauai create a productive eddy off the south and
west shores. According to experts, this sets up a unique habitat that attracts various
game fish. If sporting for Marlin or Mahi Mahi is on your list, speak to Sport Fishing
Kauai.
Golf
Championship golf can be found across the street at Kiahuna Golf Club and at the
Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club at the Hyatt. Both courses were designed by Robert
Trent Jones, Jr and are open to the public. Poipu Bay was home of the 1998 PGA
Grand Slam. In total, the island has 153 holes of golf among eight courses; four were
designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and two designed by Jack Nicklaus. Kauai also
boasts three of the top five golf courses in the State of Hawaii – Poipu Bay, Kauai
Lagoons and Princeville. Besides world class championship courses, Kauai is also
home to one of America's finest public golf courses - The Wailua Municipal Golf. For
your convenience, here are links to Kiahuna and Poipu Bay.
Grocery Store
There is a full grocery store in Koloa, 5 minutes from the condo. We also recommend
that you try the Fruit Stand near the corner of Poipu Road and the Koloa-Poipu
Bypass Road. They have consistently fantastic papayas. There are also bigger
grocery stores in Lihue and at the Kuhui Grove Shopping Center. So stop by en
route from the airport and stock up if you are staying long-term.
Helicopter Tours
If you have not done so already, this is one of the best ways to see the island. It’ll
show you places that you can never see by any other means. The beauty of the
island truly unfolds from the sky. So try it if you are not fearful of height and prepare
yourself for a bit of motion. Popular tour operators are: Will Squire and Jack Harter.
Hiking
One of the reasons why Kauai is our favorite island is because of its abundance of
spectacular mountain trails. If you only have time to go on one hike, drive up North
and hike the Na Pali coast on the Kalalau trail. Another great hike is right near
Kiahuna. Just head east on Poipu Road. At the first road past the Hyatt, turn right
toward the Poipu Bay Golf Course and park at the beach. Walk east along the sand
dunes and follow the coast until you come to the end, Maha'lepu Beach. This is a very
special place on Kauai with unique sand dunes, native and rare plants, sea birds, and
fabulous scenery.
Horseback Riding
Whether you're an expert rider or a novice, you'll find something suitable at one of the
many stables. CJM Stables in Poipu offers a variety of small personalized group tours.
They'll take you into Hidden Valley, past secluded secret beaches, on breakfast rides
or beach-swim-picnic rides. Guides will share stories of ancient legends while you
enjoy beautiful coastal views and spectacular mountain scenery. For information on
other staples and rides, click here.
Kayaking
Plenty of options are available for kayaking – calm ocean, rivers or waterfalls. For a
guided experience, Outfitters Kauai can take you on an exclusive National Wildlife
Refuge paddle and waterfalls hiking tour. You will go downwind on the Huleai, a
beautiful and historic jungle stream, deep into the heart of the island. Huleai has
been the location for a wide range of major motion pictures, including Raiders of the
Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and its sequel Lost World. You end in Hidden Valley Falls,
which has a series of beautidul waterfalls cascading over lava rock.
Koloa Town
Minutes away from Kiahuna, historic Koloa Town is the site of the first sugar plantation
in the State of Hawaii. It is located between Kiahuna and the famous Tunnel of
Trees, en route from the airport. Today, Koloa is home some 100 businesses, all
located within a colorful 15 minute walk of each other. You can stroll the streets enjoy
dining and shopping in these authentically restored buildings. Again, some of the
grounds of Kiahuna Plantation Resort once belonged to this old sugar plantation.
Luau
A luau is something one should experience at least once. The food is sometimes less
than memorable, but the pageantry is always enjoyable. The Hyatt offers luaus on
Sundays and Thursdays. Gaylords restaurant presents its luau Monday through
Thursday on its beautiful plantation estate. According to the luau experts at hawaii-
laus.com, Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau ranks as the most memorable on Kauai. If a
luau is not your thing, you should at least grab a drink at the Hyatt Patio Bar just
before sunset one evening to watch the torch lighting and hear the conch and drums.
If you want to learn more about luaus, go to: www.hawaii-luaus.com
Moir Gardens, Kiahuna
Moir Gardens at the Kiahuna, otherwise know as Pa’u a Laka Gardens was named in
honor the Hawaiian Goddess of Hula. According to locals, the ancient Hawaiians once
farmed this area and channeled streams of water through the garden ditches. It’s a
beautiful garden and right in your backyard. So walk over for a visit and take evening
strolls on the grounds of Kiahuna.
Sailing/Boating
Sailing into the sunset aboard a luxury catamaran with Kauai as a backdrop is a
memorable trip! Experiencing the Na Pali Coast by boat is another great adventure.
To learn more, go to Captain Andy’s and Liko-Kauai cruises.
SCUBA diving
Kauai is ranked as one of the world’s top dive destinations. It offers an interesting
topography of lava ridges, pinnacles, archways, caves and caverns formed by molten
lava meeting the sea. These warm tropical waters are teaming with marine life, coral
reefs and cowry shells in an array of pastel colors. Average visibility is about 50 feet.
For more information, go to either Dive Kauai or Seaport Divers.
Shopping
The Poipu Shopping Village just across the street from Kiahuna is home some 30
businesses ranging from French boutiques, sandal shops, t-shirt stores, tropical gift
shops, convenient store, island fashions, and about 5 restaurants. Gift and clothing
shops at the Hyatt are also recommended. For other basics, Kuhui Shopping center
has Kmart, Macy's, and Barnes & Nobel Books & Cafe.
Snorkeling
One of the best little snorkel coves is just at the end of the beach at Kiahuna, where
you can often find those humuhumunukunukuapua reef beauties. Snorkels and fins
can be rented at the Kiahuna Beach Hut.
Surfing / Boarding
Surfing, body surfing, body boarding and windsurfing, all abound in the waters off
Poipu Beach. But experts say that for beginners and intermediates Anini Beach is
considered truly world class with its consistent 5-15 mph wind, flat waters and shallow
sandy bottom. For expert wind surfers, the north shore is lined with world class reefs
for wind surfing. Other great spots include Mahaulepu Beach just east of Poipu and
Salt Pond near Hanapepe. And where there's great wind surfing, there's bound to be
great board surfing not far away. This has never been more true than on Kauai's
north shore. A fabulous learning area for surfing is Hanalei Bay where its 2.5 mile
crescent beach brings larger waves to the west and smaller ones east. For the
advanced surfers, the saying is "winter on the north shore and summer on the south."
Rentals are available at Kayak Hawaii 808-826-9844.
Tennis
Kiahuna condo renters can play next door at the Sheraton for free. As a guest of Unit
16, you also have an option to play at the Kiahuna tennis courts. Tennis lessons can
also be arranged with the Activity Desk.
Water Skiing
One of the best places to water ski is on the Wailua river, especially before sunset
with dark flat waters and lush green mountains and field on either side. Call Kauai
Water Ski and Surf to book a boat and driver in advance. Water ski rentals are also
available there. 808-822-3574.
Weddings
Kauai is an awesome place to get married! Perhaps we are biased. We were married
on the island and celebrated with friends and family totally over 120. Our rehearsal
dinner was held at Kiahuna’s own Plantation Gardens. If you decide to exchange
vows in Kauai, we highly recommend hiring a coordinator to help you. Fern and
Michael at Island Weddings were FANTASTIC. Rainbow Weddings is also highly
recommended.
Yoga
Joy from Yoga & Fitness offers morning yoga classes right on the beautiful sandy
beaches of Poipu for a donation of $10. They also offer group or private lessons,
personal fitness training, yoga & fitness classes for athletes, meditation & relaxation
techniques and reflective walks that take you along breathtaking views of the
coastline and mountains to pristine waterfalls. Learn from from: Yoga with Joy.
The ANARA Spa was ranked fifth in the America´s 15 Best Spas survey conducted by
Travel & Leisure magazine. It also made Traveler´s 2000 Gold List. So needless to
say, it is a world-class spa with indoor/outdoor therapy rooms, pool, gym and a health
food bar. It is located at the Hyatt Regency, just a 3-minute drive from Kiahuna. The
spa also offers weekly club memberships for those interested in using the facilities
often. Call ahead to make a reservation 808-742-1234.
Art Galleries
There are two galleries across the street at the Poipu Shopping Village. If you are
looking for simple prints, go to Pictures Plus at the Kuhui Grove Shopping Center
between Kiahuna and Lihue. More original art can be found in the towns of
Henapepe and Kapaa.
Biking
Cruise 12 miles down Waimea Canyon (el.3500') on a smooth winding blacktop to the
shore of the blue Pacific. Or check out the entire Poipu coast line. Or ride extreme
mountain trails. You can find plenty of mountain biking options in Kauai. Road bikes,
cruisers, trail-a-bikes and baby seats are all available for rent at Outfitters Kauai. If
you are really serious about mountain biking, a good resource book is, “Mountain
Biking the Hawaiian Islands.” To buy the book, click here.
Churches
There are about 8 churches of various denominations in the Koloa area near by.
Please check with the concierge to find one that suits you best.
Dinning
One of our favorite restaurants is located right at Kiahuna – Plantation Gardens. The
restaurant is situated at the edge of the Moir Gardens and was originally the
residence for the manager of the Koloa Plantation. Dinning on the lanai affords a
wonderful tropical experience. The food is wonderful, too. Also, just across the
street from Kiahuna, you’ll find the famous Roy’s, Keoki’s fish restaurants, Pattia’s
Thai cuisine and more. There are about 30 restaurants within walking or a short
drive, so explore to your heart’s content. Some of our guests’ favorite dinning spots
as well as ours are listed in the guest book at the condo. So you’ll have plenty of
suggestions once you arrive.
Farmers Market
Kauai farmers open their market in Koloa weekly on Monday and Wednesday at noon.
The market is located directly behind the Koloa Ball Park on the way to the Tunnel of
Trees. It’s a great place to stock up on your fresh fruits and veggies during your stay.
Fishing
The Pacific currents swirling around Kauai create a productive eddy off the south and
west shores. According to experts, this sets up a unique habitat that attracts various
game fish. If sporting for Marlin or Mahi Mahi is on your list, speak to Sport Fishing
Kauai.
Golf
Championship golf can be found across the street at Kiahuna Golf Club and at the
Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club at the Hyatt. Both courses were designed by Robert
Trent Jones, Jr and are open to the public. Poipu Bay was home of the 1998 PGA
Grand Slam. In total, the island has 153 holes of golf among eight courses; four were
designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and two designed by Jack Nicklaus. Kauai also
boasts three of the top five golf courses in the State of Hawaii – Poipu Bay, Kauai
Lagoons and Princeville. Besides world class championship courses, Kauai is also
home to one of America's finest public golf courses - The Wailua Municipal Golf. For
your convenience, here are links to Kiahuna and Poipu Bay.
Grocery Store
There is a full grocery store in Koloa, 5 minutes from the condo. We also recommend
that you try the Fruit Stand near the corner of Poipu Road and the Koloa-Poipu
Bypass Road. They have consistently fantastic papayas. There are also bigger
grocery stores in Lihue and at the Kuhui Grove Shopping Center. So stop by en
route from the airport and stock up if you are staying long-term.
Helicopter Tours
If you have not done so already, this is one of the best ways to see the island. It’ll
show you places that you can never see by any other means. The beauty of the
island truly unfolds from the sky. So try it if you are not fearful of height and prepare
yourself for a bit of motion. Popular tour operators are: Will Squire and Jack Harter.
Hiking
One of the reasons why Kauai is our favorite island is because of its abundance of
spectacular mountain trails. If you only have time to go on one hike, drive up North
and hike the Na Pali coast on the Kalalau trail. Another great hike is right near
Kiahuna. Just head east on Poipu Road. At the first road past the Hyatt, turn right
toward the Poipu Bay Golf Course and park at the beach. Walk east along the sand
dunes and follow the coast until you come to the end, Maha'lepu Beach. This is a very
special place on Kauai with unique sand dunes, native and rare plants, sea birds, and
fabulous scenery.
Horseback Riding
Whether you're an expert rider or a novice, you'll find something suitable at one of the
many stables. CJM Stables in Poipu offers a variety of small personalized group tours.
They'll take you into Hidden Valley, past secluded secret beaches, on breakfast rides
or beach-swim-picnic rides. Guides will share stories of ancient legends while you
enjoy beautiful coastal views and spectacular mountain scenery. For information on
other staples and rides, click here.
Kayaking
Plenty of options are available for kayaking – calm ocean, rivers or waterfalls. For a
guided experience, Outfitters Kauai can take you on an exclusive National Wildlife
Refuge paddle and waterfalls hiking tour. You will go downwind on the Huleai, a
beautiful and historic jungle stream, deep into the heart of the island. Huleai has
been the location for a wide range of major motion pictures, including Raiders of the
Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and its sequel Lost World. You end in Hidden Valley Falls,
which has a series of beautidul waterfalls cascading over lava rock.
Koloa Town
Minutes away from Kiahuna, historic Koloa Town is the site of the first sugar plantation
in the State of Hawaii. It is located between Kiahuna and the famous Tunnel of
Trees, en route from the airport. Today, Koloa is home some 100 businesses, all
located within a colorful 15 minute walk of each other. You can stroll the streets enjoy
dining and shopping in these authentically restored buildings. Again, some of the
grounds of Kiahuna Plantation Resort once belonged to this old sugar plantation.
Luau
A luau is something one should experience at least once. The food is sometimes less
than memorable, but the pageantry is always enjoyable. The Hyatt offers luaus on
Sundays and Thursdays. Gaylords restaurant presents its luau Monday through
Thursday on its beautiful plantation estate. According to the luau experts at hawaii-
laus.com, Smith's Tropical Paradise Luau ranks as the most memorable on Kauai. If a
luau is not your thing, you should at least grab a drink at the Hyatt Patio Bar just
before sunset one evening to watch the torch lighting and hear the conch and drums.
If you want to learn more about luaus, go to: www.hawaii-luaus.com
Moir Gardens, Kiahuna
Moir Gardens at the Kiahuna, otherwise know as Pa’u a Laka Gardens was named in
honor the Hawaiian Goddess of Hula. According to locals, the ancient Hawaiians once
farmed this area and channeled streams of water through the garden ditches. It’s a
beautiful garden and right in your backyard. So walk over for a visit and take evening
strolls on the grounds of Kiahuna.
Sailing/Boating
Sailing into the sunset aboard a luxury catamaran with Kauai as a backdrop is a
memorable trip! Experiencing the Na Pali Coast by boat is another great adventure.
To learn more, go to Captain Andy’s and Liko-Kauai cruises.
SCUBA diving
Kauai is ranked as one of the world’s top dive destinations. It offers an interesting
topography of lava ridges, pinnacles, archways, caves and caverns formed by molten
lava meeting the sea. These warm tropical waters are teaming with marine life, coral
reefs and cowry shells in an array of pastel colors. Average visibility is about 50 feet.
For more information, go to either Dive Kauai or Seaport Divers.
Shopping
The Poipu Shopping Village just across the street from Kiahuna is home some 30
businesses ranging from French boutiques, sandal shops, t-shirt stores, tropical gift
shops, convenient store, island fashions, and about 5 restaurants. Gift and clothing
shops at the Hyatt are also recommended. For other basics, Kuhui Shopping center
has Kmart, Macy's, and Barnes & Nobel Books & Cafe.
Snorkeling
One of the best little snorkel coves is just at the end of the beach at Kiahuna, where
you can often find those humuhumunukunukuapua reef beauties. Snorkels and fins
can be rented at the Kiahuna Beach Hut.
Surfing / Boarding
Surfing, body surfing, body boarding and windsurfing, all abound in the waters off
Poipu Beach. But experts say that for beginners and intermediates Anini Beach is
considered truly world class with its consistent 5-15 mph wind, flat waters and shallow
sandy bottom. For expert wind surfers, the north shore is lined with world class reefs
for wind surfing. Other great spots include Mahaulepu Beach just east of Poipu and
Salt Pond near Hanapepe. And where there's great wind surfing, there's bound to be
great board surfing not far away. This has never been more true than on Kauai's
north shore. A fabulous learning area for surfing is Hanalei Bay where its 2.5 mile
crescent beach brings larger waves to the west and smaller ones east. For the
advanced surfers, the saying is "winter on the north shore and summer on the south."
Rentals are available at Kayak Hawaii 808-826-9844.
Tennis
Kiahuna condo renters can play next door at the Sheraton for free. As a guest of Unit
16, you also have an option to play at the Kiahuna tennis courts. Tennis lessons can
also be arranged with the Activity Desk.
Water Skiing
One of the best places to water ski is on the Wailua river, especially before sunset
with dark flat waters and lush green mountains and field on either side. Call Kauai
Water Ski and Surf to book a boat and driver in advance. Water ski rentals are also
available there. 808-822-3574.
Weddings
Kauai is an awesome place to get married! Perhaps we are biased. We were married
on the island and celebrated with friends and family totally over 120. Our rehearsal
dinner was held at Kiahuna’s own Plantation Gardens. If you decide to exchange
vows in Kauai, we highly recommend hiring a coordinator to help you. Fern and
Michael at Island Weddings were FANTASTIC. Rainbow Weddings is also highly
recommended.
Yoga
Joy from Yoga & Fitness offers morning yoga classes right on the beautiful sandy
beaches of Poipu for a donation of $10. They also offer group or private lessons,
personal fitness training, yoga & fitness classes for athletes, meditation & relaxation
techniques and reflective walks that take you along breathtaking views of the
coastline and mountains to pristine waterfalls. Learn from from: Yoga with Joy.
Poipu, Hawaii, beach front, ocean, vacation, ocean front, Kauai,lawn, palms, vacation, rental, rentals, direct from owner, rent,beachside, beach
front,discount, owner, hiking, scuba, spa,snorkel,golf, tennis
front,discount, owner, hiking, scuba, spa,snorkel,golf, tennis