I’ll bet your family has debated which side of Kauai is the best to stay on — the North Shore or the South Shore. You love the North because it manages to be both laid back and spectacular — with dramatic green cliffs, world-class surf, and predictably unpredictable rains. But this time you were all in for a luxurious beach villa on Kauai’s South Shore, and it does not disappoint.
The moment you steer your rented Jeep into that unmistakable tunnel of trees on Maluhia Road you feel the magic. They’re just trees . . . right? So then why do they make you so happy? A gift to Kauai from a pineapple baron more than a century ago, these Eucalyptus form a fluttering green entryway that welcomes every visitor to the South Shore — an aloha to one of the most stunning natural wonderlands on earth.
To say the South Shore is loved for being “the sunny side” is like saying a beer is loved for being cold. There is that, of course – but there is so much more. Here are a few reasons why you think the South Shore rocks:
- Abundant Sunshine
The random rain showers happen all over a tropical island, but Kauai’s South Shore gets about 35 inches of rain annually versus the 85 inches the North gets. The North is wetter due to the tradewinds and the mountains. Kauai’s South Shore is drier which means more bright, warm, picture-perfect beach days. - Beautiful Beaches
South Shore beaches look straight out of a movie: White Sand Beaches, the Turquoise Water, Palm Trees swaying, and with More Sea Life Than Humans. From the calmer-gentler Kalapaki all the way to exclusive-and-pristine little Lawai. Each beach along the way offers something unique and unforgettable and most are within easy reach from wherever you find yourself on the South Shore. The southernmost beach, Poipu (which means “crashing waves” in Hawaiian), was dubbed “The Best Beach in America” by the Travel Channel for its cozy snorkeling cove, vast wading pools, surf-and-swim-friendly vibe, and the adjacent grassy park. You do some quick research on the beaches before you go and discover that each is ideal for different activities. - Ease of Walk-ability
It’s not an easy feat for some to decide which side of Kauai is the best to stay on, but having to jump into the car every time you want to go somewhere can kill that back-to-nature feeling you’re craving on vacation. Kauai’s South Shore offers plenty of beaches, shops, restaurants and other amenities within an easy stroll, especially around Poipu. You’re staying at My Kauai Vacation Rental where there is world-class snorkeling right outside your door. You also find loads of activities and plenty of nearby restaurants. The Shops at Kukui’ula Village have gift and clothing stores, art galleries, an ice cream parlor and even a farmer’s market featuring a spectacular array of local produce and specialties. You need to try the white sugarloaf pineapples to slice up once you get back to the Condos’ kitchen. - The Quaint Local Town, Koloa
In addition to the amenities, a quick car ride just two miles up the road gets you to historic Old Koloa Town. The quaint plantation buildings house art, music and clothing shops, and the beloved mom-and-pop restaurants. You also find the post office, food trucks, and grocery store. My personal favorite the Koloa Fish Market where the fish is so fresh it’s irresistible. Best when it’s grilled alongside that pineapple at the barbecue just outside the front door. - Simply Convenient for Families
In addition to several grand hotels complete with pools, spas, dining and kids clubs, there are full-service condominiums and resort villas large enough to be affordable for families. My Kauai Vacation Rental is one of the largest 1 bedroom Condos on all of Kauai — with a full kitchen, washer-dryer and all the comforts of home — plus a beautifully designed pool that is directly across from Brennecke’s Beach which rivals the Hawaiian Islands’ best. - Lots of Adventure
Surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, horseback riding, kayaking, golf, and sailing are just a few of Kauai’s South Shore favorites. The nearby Koloa Zipline takes you through the heart of a rainforest and boasts the longest ride on the island: clocking in at half a mile. You can hike the magnificent Heritage Trail bordering the crashing waves of the ocean. You can climb amid the roots of the same prehistoric Australian fig tree seen in Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” at the Allerton Gardens in Koloa or head to McBryde Garden in the Lawai Valley to gawk at unbelievable flora and waterfalls. Then you realize, Kauai isn’t known as the Garden State for nothing! A can’t miss are the lava tube formations at Spouting Horn. Witness pluming spouts up to 30 feet in the air. Enjoy a perfect night out at Kauai’s Luau Kalamaku at Kiohuna Plantation. A true spectacle with a full buffet & open bar every Tuesday & Friday evening.
You enjoy your days on the sunny side . . . and your cold beers as well.
So, which side of Kauai is the best to stay on? The good news is that you are actually quite close to the North Shore and to all points in between. It hardly has to be an “either/or” situation. In fact, you can drive from Koloa all the way to the end-of-the-road at Ke’e Beach in about 90 minutes if you drive straight through. We ordinarily make a day trip out of it taking in all the spots along the way. . .
Book Your Trip at one of the best places to stay on Kauai today! We are more than happy to answer any questions, make suggestions, and help you design a trip that’s perfect for you. MyKauaiVacatrionRental.com or (808) 346-1788
Started in 2016, the project ran into planning and road issues, as well as lots of rainy weather (remember the 2018 Kauai Flood?). So, the opening of the first new shopping center on the north shore in 30 years was delayed for over a year. Last month the North Shore Animal Clinic and the Kilauea Market & Cafe finally opened their doors. It is unclear when the rest of the shopping center, known as “Ahuimanu” will open.
The Kilaua Market & Cafe allows you to Grab a quick meal and go, or eat in. There is seating for 70 customers in a cafeteria-style section of the market. Picnic tables are outside for additional seating.
Founded in 1864, this 100-acre, historic site showcases life during Kauai’s plantation era more than a century ago. The Kauai Folk Festival is a fundraiser for the preservation efforts for the 
For those who prefer to casually participate in snorkeling the local beaches like Anini Beach, Poipu Beach and Salt Pond Park Beach provide protected beach areas that both snorkelers and the tropical fish prefer. Anini, on the east side of the island is home of the largest reef, Poipu Beach is a protected area where the tropical fish prefer as well as the Hawaiian Monk Seal and the Green Sea Turtle. The monk seal and sea turtles frequent the sand to take a nap along the beach in Poipu. Salt Pond beach is a favorite of locals, and if you are visiting be prepared to pack in what you will need for the day as services other than the bathrooms and a few covered picnic tables is sparse. Salt Pond Beach is a large protected area which right up along the sand are rarely waves of any size. Snorkelers will swim out toward the natural breakwater to view the tropical fish that decide to come in from the waves and there you can also see corals among the rocky bottom.