Koloa, HI

Travel Guide

Koloa which includes general coastal views and a beach
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Photo provided by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau

With its old-fashioned charm and stunning natural surroundings, Kauaʻi’s southernmost town offers a diverse range of delights that epitomize a tropical getaway. 

Kōloa is the site of Hawaii’s first major sugar plantation. Often nicknamed Old Kōloa Town, the village retains much of its 19th-century character, with old-fashioned storefronts and quaint galleries lining the main road, and stunning beaches nearby.

If you’re feeling energetic, rent bikes and cycle the 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Old Kōloa Town to the oceanfront. Poipu Beach offers a clean shoreline and calm waters ideal for young children. Head a little further out to surf world-class waves and keep an eye out for humpback whales and dolphins, which are frequently spotted offshore. Sign up for a scuba-diving lesson and dive through coral gardens with sea turtles and tropical fish.

You don’t have to head to the ocean to enjoy the area’s waterfront attractions. Go kayaking or rafting along the Wailua River and enjoy the rain forest landscape as you glide along with the current. If boating isn’t your style, then take a zip-line tour to explore the landscape from a bird’s-eye point of view. Unwind after the excitement at one Kōloa’s spas, which offer massages and other treatments amid the region’s iconic rain forest setting.

Many of the resorts host luaus throughout the week. Luaus provide a chance to experience local culture, with dancing and a traditional feast. If you’d prefer a more low-key dinner, enjoy fresh-caught seafood at one of the restaurants in Old Kōloa Town. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lappert’s Ice Cream, a local establishment selling fresh-made ice cream that uses regional ingredients. The town features mellow nightlife with plenty of bars and pubs, but those looking for glitzy nightclubs will be disapointed.

Kōloa and Poipu border one another, so it’s easy to enjoy the attractions in both towns. Learn more about the region’s history with a walk along the Kōloa Heritage Trail. Stretching between Kōloa and Poipu, the 10-mile (16-kilometer) path is dotted with informational plaques that enable a self-guided tour through the tropical landscape.

Kōloa is a 30-minute drive southwest of Lihue Airport. Public transport is limited, so rent a car, motorbike or bicycle to get the most out of your visit.

Where to stay in Koloa

Poipu showing a beach, tropical scenes and landscape views

Poipu

4.5/5(365 area reviews)

Boasting high-end hotels, resorts, and two main shopping centers, Poʻipū offers a luxurious stay. Explore attractions like Allerton Garden, Mahaulepu Beach, and Spouting Horn for a memorable experience.

Poipu
Find it, fill it @ Brennecke’s Beach, Kaua’i. Please, always leave it cleaner than you found it. #TroverRT #stoplittering #kauai

Bayview

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bayview and surrounding area, you can visit Poipu Bay Golf Course and Shipwreck Beach.

Bayview
Default Image

Omao

Though Omao might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like National Tropical Botanical Garden and Lawai Beach.

Omao
A quick rain, followed by a sunny evening

Old Koloa Town

When in Old Koloa Town, you can plan a visit to Prince Kuhio Park and Lawai Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Old Koloa Town
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
4.5 out of 5
2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
$764 nightly
The price is $901 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$901 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 5 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Koloa landing is a 5 star resort. The grounds are beautiful. The pools are amazing and relaxing . We had so many options with the pools , soccer , putting golf , yoga , smores night, 24/7 gym , restaurant on site and so much more. The staff was professional and they came by a daily to clean the room ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas
Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas
4 out of 5
2440 Hoonani Road, Koloa, HI
$307 nightly
The price is $362 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$362 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (596 reviews)
Very happy with our stay
"Really a great place to stay. We got a small suite with a kitchen which was quite convenient when vacationing in Kauai. Had a fridge/dishwasher/washer/dryer so we could fly home with clean and dry clothes (no stinky wet bathing suit in a plastic bag). 2 decent restaurants on site, and many food options ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
4.5 out of 5
1571 Poipu Road, Koloa, HI
$739 nightly
The price is $871 total per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
$871 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
"The resort was exceptional. Beautiful setting, gorgeous landscaping, fabulous pools and salt water lagoon! All the staff were friendly, helpful and made you feel welcome from the moment we got there until the moment we left. We will certainly stay again if we have the chance."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
3 out of 5
2253B Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"Beautiful location! Loved having coffee every morning on the lanai."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
3 out of 5
2253 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Poipu Beach and Poipu Shopping Village ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (939 reviews)
"Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER
Stone House - Beachfront Home with 180 Degree Coastline Views!
Stone House - Beachfront Home with 180 Degree Coastline Views!
Koloa
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Koloa. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Poipu Beach and Baby Beach are located ...
Stunning South Shore View
"We loved our stay at the Stone House. The most incredible views all the way around the house. Hearing the ocean, day and night, was a highlight for all of us! It was convenient to be near shops and restaurants and we loved visiting Baby Beach. It was a wonderful experience for our family's visit ..."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

Stone House - Beachfront Home with 180 Degree Coastline Views!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Koloa

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
281
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
104
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

J

Nice area, beautiful beaches

5/5 - Excellent

Talena

Nice little place! Relaxing and definitely recommend

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It is a nice quiet area. Koloa is a quaint little down with lots of eating options and shopping. Keoki's Paradise restaurant was so delicious we ate there several times.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very easy to drive around. Many excellent dining options

4/5 - Good

Connie

Nice side of the island, very quiet, good walking areas. beaches are plentiful and clean. Saw Turtles and Monk Seal along with whale viewing in the distance off shore.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Small town with lots of hidden gems.

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