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
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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

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.

Cities near Koloa