The impressive Tunnel of Trees leads down to the “Sunny South Side” where you’ll find the busy little town of Koloa and the resort community of Poipu. As with most of the older towns on the island, Koloa has it roots in the sugar plantation era and the revitalized town center is a charming reflection of this island heritage. There are a number of restaurants, shops and galleries to peruse on the main street as well as the conveniences of grocery stores, sundry shops and a post office.

The adjoining community of Poipu, which is situated along a 5-mile stretch of coastline, is home to many of the island’s largest and most lavish hotels, luxury resort condominiums and timeshares. It is an excellent surfing and diving destination with predominate sunshine year round creating a more arid environment when compared to the lush north shore.

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Kiahuna Shopping Center offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, sundry shops and galleries. Keoki’s is the anchor restaurant of the Shopping Center best known for it’s pupu bar and Hula pie, a decadent dessert with chocolate graham cracker crust, macadamia ice cream and hot fudge. Another culinary must while visiting Poipu, is Puka Dog, also located in the Kiahuna Shopping Center. You haven’t really experienced Poipu until you’ve tasted a tropical relished, one-of-a-kind Hawaiian Puka dog.

The Grand Hyatt is one of the major hotels and employers in Poipu. However many new resorts and planned communities are currently under construction. The Poipu resort offers world class golf, spa facilities, tennis, pedestrian paths and many other resort amenities.

Poipu Beach Park is also a great place for family outings to the beach. The Beach Park provides bathroom and shower facilities, covered picnic pavilions and protected swimming for children. This popular and populated beach is frequented by Hawaiian monk seals as well as an occasional turtle. If one encounters any of Kauai’s marine life on the beach, it is a recognized rule to keep a safe distance and not to disturb them as they are usually catching up on some much needed rest. Just beyond the Poipu Beach Park is Brennecke’s Beach, a famous boogie-boarding and body surfing break. Even if you don’t enjoy the sport, the surrounding rock wall and lawn area provide for awesome viewing of these water enthusiasts at play.

The National Tropical Botanical Garden also known as “Allerton’s Gardens” features waterways, pools, waterfalls, fountains, statues and more botanical specimen than one could ever count, including palms, heliconias, ginger and Morton Bay Fig trees. Daily tours are offered; some include a tour of Lawai Kai, a secluded white sand beach and bay where turtles frequently come ashore to lay their eggs.

Spouting Horn is another popular tourist attraction, featuring a partially submerged lava tube that blows giant sea water plumes into the air depending on the size of the surf. Many local vendors and retailers sell Hawaiian made jewelry and gift items in the parking lot at Spouting Horn. The Kukuiula Boat Harbor, not far from the Spouting Horn, is the launching place for evening sunset sails (weather permitting) along the Southern coast of the island. Serenaded by Hawaiian music while sipping tropical cocktails, visitors can bask in the brilliant hues of a south shore sky while the sun slips gently below the horizon.

There isn’t anything more romantic than an evening stroll along the beach however, The Beach House, a beachside restaurant at the waters edge near Lawai Beach Resort, faces a popular surf break and snorkeling area and provides a beautiful sunset ambience for romantic dinners. Known for its open air, incredible views and exceptional island cuisine, is another “must do” on the list of things to do while in Poipu.