James Pycha
Overview
Koloa (and Poipu) as one of the districts that make up the sunny south shore of Kauai, is a community steeped in history. Hawaii’s first successful sugar plantation opened here in 1835, paving the way for the sugar era which brought forth a wave of immigrants whose descendants make up Hawaii’s multicultural population today. A stunning natural tree-lined gateway serves as the entrance that welcomes visitors and residents alike to Koloa/Poipu. The Maluhia Road Tree Tunnel is a beautiful mile-long canopy of eucalyptus trees that were planted a century ago. The Tree Tunnel started out with 500 trees that were planted by pineapple baron Walter McBryde in 1911.
Beaches
A favorite family beach, Poipu Beach Park is a series of arcs of golden sand and crystal waters. Great for snorkeling, wading, boogie-boarding and surfing – you can watch the watermen every day from dawn – it also has every facility, from lifeguards to picnic facilities, showers and pavilions. To the East is a long stretch of golden sand great for strolling, walking, wading and connecting to a spectacular shoreline trail that extends a few miles. Once hidden, Shipwreck Beach is now home to a resort, The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, ideal for refreshments after beach combing.The narrow lagoon-like area between the beach and the near-shore reef of Baby Beach make it perfect for small children – hence the name. This strip of shoreline on the south shore of Kaua`i is a great place to meet other visitors and locals with small kids.
Koloa Homes for Sale, Condos and Vacation Rentals
A number of residential home options are available once you decide to take that leap and invest in real estate in beautiful Koloa and Poipu. Whether it’s a luxurious single-family home surrounded by many coconut trees or an oceanfront condo unit overlooking the majestic waters of the Pacific, it doesn’t get much sweeter than a life spent living in this community with a rich sugar plantation past.
Must-sees
Residents can take a leisurely walk and admire old-fashioned storefronts while browsing for unique gifts or looking for a restaurant at Old Koloa Town. A link to Koloa’s vibrant plantation past, the shops and restaurants were once plantation buildings that have now been meticulously renovated and restored. A trip along Koloa Heritage Trail either by foot, bike, or car will lead you to such historic marvels such as the Puuwanawana Volcanic Cone, the Sugar Monument, the breathtaking Spouting Horn Geyser,the many different archaeological sites at Keoneloa Bay, and the remains of the walled temple of Kihahouna Heiau. And if all you want to do for the weekend is relax and unwind, you can always do so by playing 18 holes of golf at the nearby Kiahuna Golf Club or snorkeling in the inviting waters of Poipu Beach, one of the most popular and safest beaches in Hawaii.