Now, I have lived on and off of Kauai for over 25 years and I must say that I have been partial to the east side and up north. I have spent plenty of days on the south side, but always considered it too touristy. After the past few weeks though, I am starting to change my tune.

I used to hesitate to tell people to stay on the south side, in places like the Nihi Kai villas or the Lawai Beach Resort or any of the condos there. But after have some amazing days down there recently I feel like I can truly recommend taking off your shoes in Poipu.The development company in charge of Kukuiula Village has done a great job of integrating upscale shops and restaurants with local favorites like Bubba Burgers and Lapert’s Ice Cream. The grounds are well maintain and the community development seems well thought out and well run.

I know that there have been some bumps in the road as Poipu has expanded. Not everyone is pleased with the direction that it is headed, but I think that for a place that has been so criticized over the past several years, Kauai’s south side is handling its growing pains rather well. I would gladly suggest to anyone to stay in one of the many condos or vacation rentals in Poipu.

My family was down there for a beach day and I must say that Poipu Beach Park is very well suited for the little ones. We marveled at the large breakers being surfed just offshore, floated in the calm protected bay, and the kids goofed around on the playground for an hour.

All this, and then a perfect sunset over the vast pacific. Poipu delivered on this fine August afternoon.

Kealia Beach on Kauai's east side

Kealia river mouth

The reef that protects much of the shoreline behind many of the east side resorts and vacation rentals, like the Waipouli Beach Resort, Kauai Sands Hotel, or The Islander on the Beach , creates great swimming spots for kids and great snorkeling for all. While there is no shortage of things to do on Kauai, the beaches of the east side are often overlooked. It is true that the prevailing NE trade winds often make for choppy conditions around the east side, but there are ways to enjoy the eastern exposures other than swimming in the rough open seas. The new bike path in Kapaa makes for a very scenic exercise experience or leisure stroll along the coast and beaches.

Beautiful Nihi Kai Villas is just steps away from the Poipu shoreline and a little over 300 yards from world-famous Brennecke’s Beach and Poipu Beach Park.

Photo Credit: Kauai Girl

Wailau beach rainbow, Molokai Hawaii

Photo Credit

Tunnels Beach Sunset, Kauai Hawaii

Photo Credit

Diamond Head, Oahu Hawaii

Photo Credit: Aaron & Katy

Beautiful Sunset at Waikiki Beach, Oahu Hawaii.

Photo Credit: rm996s

Hanalei Bay, Kauai Hawaii.

Photo Credit: Patrick Smith