HomeUnited StatesKauaiBeachesPoʻipū, Hawaii

Poʻipū, HawaiiKauai, United States

Discover Poʻipū on Kauaʻi's southern shore, a coastal destination known for its crashing Pacific ocean waves, resorts, and shopping.

TypeCoastal CDP Nearest townKōloa
© Tony Webster / CC BY 2.0

Located on the southern side of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi, Poʻipū offers a serene Pacific island escape bordered to the north by Kōloa. Translating literally to 'crashing waves' in Hawaiian, this census-designated place spans 2.9 square miles of coastal area. You can easily reach Poʻipū by travelling south from the neighboring town of Kōloa towards the oceanfront.

The atmosphere in Poʻipū is defined by its pristine southern coastline and polished commercial spaces. The town features a collection of high-end hotels and resorts, alongside two main shopping centers for visitors to explore. Whether you want to enjoy views of the Pacific or browse local retail offerings, the setting combines ocean scenery with convenient upscale amenities.

Poʻipū caters well to travellers seeking a resort destination with direct access to Kauaʻi's southern coast. Its mix of ocean views, high-end accommodations, and nearby shopping makes it a peaceful base for exploring the island. The destination suits visitors looking for a classic Hawaiian coastal experience surrounded by ocean scenery.

01 Highlights & things to do

What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.

View
Oceanfront Coastline
Experience the Pacific Ocean coastline that gives Poʻipū its Hawaiian name meaning 'crashing waves.'
Highlight
Shopping Centers
Browse through the two main shopping centers located directly within Poʻipū.

Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.

Beach map & the area

The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.

21.884166666667 · -159.46416666667

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).

02 Getting there

OptionDetail
RoadDrive south from Kōloa towards the southern coast of Kauaʻi.

Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries

03 Nearby & around

Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.

Kōloa