Visitors Enjoy the Varied Atractions On Southern Shore of Garden Island
Prince Kuhio Park
This 3-acre park features terraced stone walls and a heiau (Hawaiian sacred place) on the site. The park is named after Prince Kuhio, a descendant of Hawaii’s last king, Kaumualii. A statue of the prince in the park is known as the Prince Kuhio Monument. Prince Kuhio Park is located on Lawai Road, about ½-mile from Poipu Road.
Spouting Horn Blowhole
Located just west of Poipu on Lawai Road, Spouting Horn sends up a geyser of water when waves hit the lava shelf. The impressive explosions of water sometimes shoot over 50 feet into the air and make a loud, roaring sound that delights visitors.
National Tropical Botanical Garden—Allerton Garden
This beautiful botanical garden alongside Lawai Stream includes fountains, pools, statues, and even waterfalls. The Allerton Garden borders the ocean on one side and the McBryde Garden on the other side. Amidst the gazebos and lovely flower gardens are beautiful statues. Keep an eye out for the bronze mermaids! All Allerton Garden tours start at the Visitor Center, which is reached by taking Kaumualii Highway to Koloa Road near Mile Marker 11, to Poipu Road and then go right and take the right fork onto Lawai Road. There you will see the Garden entrance just across from Spouting Horn.
National Tropical Botanical Garden—McBryde Garden
Located in beautiful Lawai Valley, the McBryde Garden is the site of world-class botanical research including a Botanical Research Center with an Herbarium containing more nearly 30,000 dried tropical floral specimens. The McBryde Garden also has more endangered plant species than any place in the world. From orchids to palms and heliconias, the Garden’s 186 acres are a wonderland of flora. Tours start at the Visitor Center.
Shipwreck Beach
Located on beautiful Keoneloa Bay, Shipwreck Beach is best known as the site where Harrison Ford and Anne Heche jump from the cliff in the movie 6 days/7nights. Shipwreck Beach fronts the Hyatt Regency Kauai Hotel and is a favorite beach of body boarders and bodysurfers. To get to Shipwreck Beach follow the public access road between the Hyatt and the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course.
Mahaulepu Coastline
This remote and stunningly beautiful area includes several sheltered coves as well as sea cliffs and tide pools. The area also has a great deal of cultural, historical, and scientific significance. The 2-mile Mahaulepu Shoreline Trail begins near Shipwreck Beach. A famous sinkhole in the limestone at Mahaulepu contains fossils of native birds that lived in ancient times, including owls, geese, and flightless rails. Scientists continue to investigate this sinkhole. Walking along the Mahaulepu Coast is truly like walking back in time. For more information about this unique area contact Malama Mahaulepu and the Poipu Beach Resort Association which provides a great brochure describing the hike.
The 88 Places of Kobo Daishi
Eighty-eight miniature shrines are set into the hillside, and each is named for a Buddhist saint. Beneath the shrines is sand brought from the original 88 Holy Places built by Shingon leader Kobo Daishi nearly 1,000 years ago. Located on the south shore just off Kaumaulii Highway near Wawae Road is an ancient Hawaiian place of healing that is now a Buddhist holy place. By worshiping at the holy place, according to tradition, a person will be released from the 88 human sins symbolized by each these shrines. Visits are allowed from 10 am to 3 pm on the second and last Sunday of each month.
Kalaheo
When you reach the Kalaheo Cafe and Coffee Company – a favorite local gathering place – then you will know you have reached Kauai’s cattle country. Local farmers in this area grow lots of produce and also raise poultry as well as cattle. Stop in to the restaurant to chat with locals and also sample the tropical fusion cuisine that uses fresh, local ingredients. Kalaheo is located just east of Hanapepe and just to the west of Lawai on Kaumualii Highway.
Kukuiolono Park and Golf Course
This quaint 9-hole golf course is located on the former estate of a sugar magnate named Walter McBryde who donated it to the community. McBryde also cultivated a lovely Japanese Garden, and that is where he now rests in peace. Kukiolono is a nice course set atop a hill in Kalaheo and also features some culturally significant sites that were brought there from around Kauai. To get to Kukuilono take Kaumuali‘i Highway (Hwy. 50) to just east of Highway 540 where you take Papalina Road (at the stop light), then ¾-mile to Puu Road and finally turn right through the stone archway.