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Recommendations for SOUTHSIDE
TUNNEL OF TREES - "GATEWAY" to Koloa and Poipu
Maluhia Rd. – Hwy 520; Drive through the Historic “Tunnel of Trees” to get to the Sunny South.
Back in the 1800s, it was "customary" for Plantation Owners to line plantation roads and residential driveways with very tall trees. Many of them used the Norfolk Pine Tree from Europe; the owner of Koloa Plantation chose the Java Plum Tree from Australia for its sturdy wood.
Over a century later, Hurricane 'Iniki roared into Kauai on 9/11/92, obliterating the entire island and shredding the Historic Tunnel of Trees down to stumps... the Tunnel was GONE! Kauai peeps didn't think it would grow back... but Mother Nature sure has a funny way of "pruning" her Garden Island; thankfully the Tunnel of Trees grew back to its Historic reputation as the "Gateway" to Koloa and Poipu.
OLD KOLOA TOWN
Koloa Sugar Mill was the FIRST Plantation to Open in Hawaii; and the Last to Close (1999) – the Plantation Town slowly grew with the influx of immigrants who came from around the world to work and live the rest of their lives in Hawaii.
The Town has survived (2) Hurricanes; both times rebuilt with the old façade in mind. This is where plantation workers would "take care of business"; From Mail to Mom n Pop Shops . . . those were the days!
Today, you can experience some nostalgia from "those days", right in the heart of Old Koloa Town . . .
at the last of the Mom n Pop Shops, Sueoka's.
The Snack Shop located just outside the entrance to the Grocery store, is an experience in itself!
Asian-influenced cultural cuisine To-Go . . . and the "gotta try at least once" Family's Recipe Cheeseburger; ever popular with the locals.
Sueoka's is where old school locals go to shop for unusual, hard-to-find ingredients for cooking cultural cuisine; items like cow stomach, pickled pig's feet, fish sauce and "De Losa" chicken.
Check out the Food Trucks, Souvenir Stores, and My Fav: The Koloa Mill Ice Cream & Coffee Shop.
For GROCERIES: Big Save Market is where the locals shop for groceries; Hot Food Deli, Sushi, Poke Bowls.
Stop By & Stock Up Before heading to Poipu. Cooler, Ice, F&B and most important . . . Water! Water! Water!
SPOUTING HORN It’s a seaside lava tube; waves rush in and escape upwards through the blowhole; try and get a pic with a rainbow in the mist.
NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Aloha Market Thursdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fresh Produce and Artisan Crafts Hula Show @ 12:30p
Garden Tours - For More Info: ntbg.org
POIPU BEACH PARK
Travel Channel Ranked this beach The #1 Beach in the world, (2) years in a row (Mid-2000s)
Facilities are well maintained; Lifeguard / Swim / Snorkel / Surf / Fish / Kiddie Pond / Playground
Pavilions / Convenience Store… Watch all the HONU (turtle) come up on the beach at Sunset
BRENNECKE’S BEACH
Next Door to Poipu Beach Park, is THE “Go To” Beach for Boogie-Boarding and Body-Surfing
WARNING: Strong Currents & Shorebreakers -- Please Pay heed to the Safety Warning Signs!!
GRAND HYATT KAUAI
A leisurely walk through the Grand Hyatt Kauai is an unexpected treat! Valet at the grand entrance for a small fee or self-park for free; make your way thru the Tropical Aviary, which leads to the Seaview Terrace
Photo Ops on the Terrace Lanai
On one side of the stage is a pathway which leads to one of the BEST Resort Swimming Pools on Kauai!
Enjoy any of the resort restaurants For More Info: Restaurants
Day Rates Available
SHIPWRECK BEACH
Public Beach Access Parking Lot and Restroom Facilities available for Beach Goers, to the East of the Hyatt.
WARNING: I Do NOT Recommend swimming at Shipwreck Beach
It is Very Dangerous with swift riptides/undercurrents and Powerful Shore-breakers.
MAHA’ULEPU TRAIL
(2)-Miles Hiking Trail along the top of the bluff from Shipwreck Beach to Maha'ulepu Beach
Trailhead starts at the end of Shipwreck beach
No Facilities along the trail... feel free to use the facilities located at the Public Beach Access parking lot.
Ask Ms Kauai
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