The south shore of area of Kauai is a combination of the two Kauai counties of Koloa and Lihue. The two areas contrast greatly in purpose an offerings. Lihue is the county seat of the island and is the largest town on the island. Lihue is home to the island’s largest harbor, airport, city, county, state and federal buildings, banks, big box stores, groceries along with many local restaurants and shops. It is also home to more than half of the island residents and businesses. Lihue is a small town that is not difficult to navigate. The airport is located just makai of the center town and just up the road from Nawiliwili Harbor where several cruise ships call each year. Lihue is more of the business, government and commerce center of the islands doesn’t have an abundance of resorts and hotels The luxurious Kauai Marriott is an exception to the handful of small motels in the center of town.

Workers from adjacent communities of Kapaa and Kalaheo commute to Lihue on workdays making the traffic on weekdays mornings and afternoons slow and cumbersome. The same holds true for days a cruise ship is in port. The makai area near Nawiliwili Harbor swell with cruise ship passengers wandering the beaches and shops. Tour busses, ship support service sand other vehicles are in abundance.

However, the area of Koloa is quite different. The areas mauka or toward the interior of Kaumualii Highways are not generally not accessible to the public. The area is one of the largest forest reserves on the island. However, the area makai or toward the ocean of the highway is where all the resort fun can be found.

The area makai of Kaumualii Highway awash with wonderful beachfront resorts, almost perpetually sunny skies and a quiet setting amidst sugar cane fields and two championship golf courses. For those who enjoy exploring and nature, there is the wonderful Koloa Heritage Trail that includes several historic and natural sights. Among the more popular is the Spouting Horn Park where water rushes through a hole that is said to be where a large lizard was caught. The roaring sound is said to be lizard’s cry for help. Also along the trail is birthplace of Prince Kuhio Kalanianaole. He became Hawaii’s first delegate to the US Congress.

Poipu Resorts
Poipu, on the south shore, has many excellent snorkeling and diving sites, wonderful surf spots and even several secluded bays and beaches to discover. Poipu is also quite popular as a sunning beach for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals. The typically come ashore at Poipu or Lawai beaches to spend time basking in the sunshine.

Resorts in Poipu run the range from intimate to grand. The largest in the area is by far the Grand Hyatt Kauai. This sprawling luxury resort is large with all the amenities that one can imagine at a resort of this magnitude. The hotel boasts one of the best spas and pools in the islands along with high-end dining, tennis, golf and more.

Also in the area, the Sheraton Kauai is not as oppulent, but has one of the best beachfront locations in Poipu. The Sheraton is understated and casual with several wonderful restaurants and lounges, comfortable guest rooms and a sunny pool and desk area.

One of the more popular resorts for families is the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club. The compact resort offers large oversized accommodations, full kitchens and is quite family friendly.

The new kid on the block is the intimate Koa Kea Hotel and Resort. Located adjacent to the Waiohai, this hotel offers upscale contemporary solitude along with a beachfront location and a splendid pool and deck.

In addition to hotels, there are numerous condominium resorts that offer larger accommodations and kitchens in several price ranges. These accommodations offer a less resort oriented experience and are perfect for those are return visitors to the islands.