Whalers Cove resort on Kauai has more to boast than just spectacular grounds. Poipu has long been a tourist’s mecca on Kauai. Often sunny while the rest of the island is cloudy, vacationers seek out the warm, friendly vibe of Kauai’s south side. While there have always been shops and restaurants to please most visitors, the new Kukui’ula Village is developing into a great destination shopping, dinning, and cultural center.

The new Village center is within walking distance from Whalers Cove and has plenty to offer guests. You can enjoy fine dinning at restaurants like Merriman’s or Josselin Tapas Bar & Grill or grab a quick bite at Bubba Burgers or Dude Dogs. There are plenty of shops for the whole family, art galleries to wander through and plenty of on-site events scheduled on a regular basis.

Recently some of the Koloa Plantation festivities took place at Kukui’ula Village. The annual festival celebrates the rich plantation heritage that used to account for the predominant economic force and cultural identity of Koloa and the entire chain of Hawaiian islands. Sunset Cinema, which is a traveling outdoor Kauai movie theater, setup and screened movies that focused on the last sugar cane haul that took place in 2009.

Of course Whalers Cove sells itself easily on its own merits: the coastal views, large lanais, manicured grounds, heated oceanfront pool among others. Now, with the developing center of Kukui’ula, guests have one more reason to be drawn to these idyllic digs.

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.

Hawaii Helicopter tour over Napali Coast, Kauai

Photo Credit: Safari Helicopters

Wailau beach rainbow, Molokai Hawaii

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Tunnels Beach Sunset, Kauai Hawaii

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Princeville Golf Course over looking Queen’s Bath, Kauai Hawaii

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Diamond Head, Oahu Hawaii

Photo Credit: Aaron & Katy

Wailea Luau , Maui Hawaii.

Photo Credit: Janruss

Rainbow Falls, Hilo Hawaii.

Photo Credit: TerryMcT