Poipu and South Kauai: What to Book on the Sunny Side

Hawaiian Activities — island tours, luaus, and adventures across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Poipu is Kauai’s sunny south shore and the island’s most popular base. The beach break is where Kauai learns to surf, the best shore dive on the island is five minutes away, and the Na Pali boats leave from a harbor a short drive west. Here is what you can book without a long drive, and what is worth the trip.

Learning to surf in Poipu

Poipu’s south-shore rollers and sandy shallows make it the island’s most forgiving classroom. Lessons are short and the ratios are low.

The private lesson moves between Poipu, Hanalei and Kalapaki depending on which is cleanest that day. For how Poipu compares with the north shore, see learning to surf on Kauai.

Diving Koloa Landing

Shore diving usually means a long surface swim to a mediocre site. Koloa Landing is the exception: it sits in sheltered Hanaka’ape Bay, and the entry is an old boat ramp. The two-tank shore dive is $169, for certified divers aged 10 and up, in groups of six or fewer.

Divers staying longer can bundle boat and shore dives with the same operator’s Kauai dive packages. Our scuba diving guide explains why.

Na Pali from Port Allen

The Na Pali Coast boats leave from Port Allen in Eleele, about 25 minutes west of Poipu, which makes the south shore a convenient base for them. The Na Pali Snorkel & Sail is a five-hour trade-wind sail with snorkel stops at $235 per adult and $215 per child, ages 5 and up, checking in at 7am. The Amelia K power catamaran runs the same coast in 4.5 to 5 hours with sea caves and a snorkel stop.

We compare boat, helicopter and hiking in Na Pali Coast tours, and the snorkeling specifically in snorkeling on Kauai.

Helicopters and luaus near Lihue

• Doors-off helicopter from Lihue Airport: $191 per passenger, ages 10 and up.
• Private helicopter: 50 to 60 minutes with your group only, from $359 per person.
• Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation: the theatrical show, from $262.88 for Manor House seating.
• Drums & Dances of Polynesia at Kalapaki Bay: $180 adult, $140 junior, $85 child.

Both luaus are compared in our Kauai luau guide.

A three-day Poipu plan

• Day 1: morning surf lesson in Poipu, afternoon on the beach.
• Day 2: early drive to Port Allen for a Na Pali sail, back by early afternoon.
• Day 3: helicopter flight from Lihue, then a luau that evening.

For the whole island, see Kauai tours: what is worth booking.

Deciding whether to fly with the doors off? Read doors-off helicopter tours in Hawaii before you book. For a day on the water with a rod, sportfishing charters in Hawaii explains what a private boat day really costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Poipu good for beginner surfers?

Yes. Poipu’s south-shore waves are gentle and the bottom is sandy, which is why Kauai’s group lessons run there. Lessons start at $90 with no more than four students per instructor.

Can you scuba dive from the shore in Poipu?

Yes, at Koloa Landing in sheltered Hanaka’ape Bay. A guided two-tank shore dive is $169 for certified divers aged 10 and up.

How far is Port Allen from Poipu?

About 25 minutes by car. Most Na Pali Coast boat tours leave from Port Allen, so Poipu is a convenient base for them.

Are there luaus in Poipu?

The two main Kauai luaus are near Lihue, about 30 minutes away: Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation and Drums & Dances of Polynesia at Kalapaki Bay.

Where do Kauai helicopter tours leave from?

Most leave from Lihue Airport, about 30 minutes from Poipu. A doors-off flight is $191 per passenger; private flights start at $359 per person.

Prices checked against operator listings, September 2026. Availability and rates are set by the operator and can change.