Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii

The dreary cold rain that has been drenching our area for weeks has me dreaming of warmer climes, and what better place to turn one's attention during this gloomy time of year than sun-drenched, bright, and tropical Hawaii ... the exact opposite of what we're experiencing here!


We decided to do a little virtual travel for your benefit and ours, and ended up on the resort beach of Poipu in Kauai, Hawaii. One of the reasons we were drawn to this location in our surfing is the variety of beaches available on the island. Poipu Beach was recently listed as the #1 beach in the United States, but it actually includes a number of beaches. Secluded coves offer protection from the wildest surf and give beginners (that would be me!) a perfect place to learn to surf, or to learn to snorkel. Speaking of snorkeling, or diving in general, Nukumoi Point is the reef home of an entrancing collection of tropical fish. Snorkelers and divers can visit face-to-face with angelfish, striped damselfish, butterfly fish, tangs, Moorish idols, and more as well as sea turtles.


You can find even more nature adventure in Poipu. Shipwreck Beach is set apart from the rest of the island by a rocky coastline that is criss-crossed with nature trails. Walking along the cliffs at dawn is the experience of a lifetime. Past Shipwreck Beach you can find Mahaulepu Beach, a pristine beach perfect for enjoying nature as you explore tidepools and their inhabitants amid the wild and windswept beauty. Mahaulepu IS wild, and not generally safe for swimming with its crashing surf, but a perfect place to enjoy nature, secluded and seemingly forgotten.




Another great feature of the island is Spouting Horn, a lava tube that spews salt water up to 50 feet into the sky. Be sure to visit at sunset, when the setting rays reflect off the water to create an iridescent rainbow of wonder. This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers.





I always like to check on the realities of travel to an area, and often I am pleasantly surprised at the costs for accommodations, attraction tickets, and other necessities. Sometimes I discover dream hotels, amazing rental homes, or even castles that are as much fun to read about as the destination. This time, I found both when I searched for Poipu vacation rentals.


When I looked for Poipu Condos, I was pleasantly surprised to find units available from only $105 per night at the Waikomo Stream Villas. Not expecting much for that price, I followed the link and was surprised to find that the unit mentioned had over 1,000 square feet of tastefully decorated, sun-lit and clean interior space with a fully equipped kitchen and even a nice outdoor area furnished for outdoor relaxing and entertaining. The TV is not huge but hey, you're in Hawaii, so why are you worried about television?


Curious, I decided to check the other end of the spectrum. Where could I stay if money was no object? My choice wasn't the most expensive place available, but rather only about 1/3 the cost of the highest-priced Poipu home rentals listed. I would chose the Sunset Makai Hale for its amazingly-textured and detailed interior, including lava-rock columns and luxuriously crafted wood. Many of the walls are floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, so you can open them and BE in a tropical oasis just off the beach, listening to the waves rolling in. I even loved the driveway! A shaded pool runs the length of the lanai, and lush, tropical plants encompass the estate, adding to the feel of being tucked away in a tropical oasis. THIS must be Hawaii living at its very finest.

Now I'm ready to pack my bags and go!