SOUTHSHORE

Sun. Surf. Sand. The quintessential elements of a beach vacation are guaranteed in Poʻipu, where the weather and waves are welcoming almost year-round. Since the 1970s, huge condos and hotels have mushroomed along the shore, spawning a mass of tourists and a lively (if low-key) resort vibe. While the North Shore’s raw beauty is incomparable, the South Shore boasts two world-renowned botanical gardens, plus the undeveloped Mahaʻulepu Coast, where lithified sand-dune cliffs and pounding surf make for an unforgettable walk. The quaint, historic Koloa, a former plantation town, is the South Shore’s answer to a lively little commercial center.

© Lonely Planet

SOUT

H SH

ORE

IN TWO DAYS This leg: 9 miles

u NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN ( p167 ) On your first day, catch the morning tour of Allerton Garden, a lushly landscaped collection of tropical flora with an interesting history dating back to Queen Emma, the wife of Kamehameha IV.

v KOLOA FISH MARKET ( p161 ) After the tour, browse the shops and galleries of Koloa, then put together a picnic lunch from this outstanding hole-in-the-wall. Standouts include freshly made poke (marinated raw fish), Hawaiian plate lunches and satisfying hunks of haupia (coconut dessert).

w POʻIPU BEACH PARK ( p164 ) Laze away an idle afternoon at this convivial family spot, where you can snorkel, bodyboard or toss a frisbee − or just lie back and wait for a perfect sunset.

x CASA DI AMICI ( p172 ) This island-inspired Italian bistro is a hidden gem. Locals praise the affordable menu’s consistency.

y DIVING TOUR ( p170 ) On day two, check out Poʻipu’s underwater scene, among the is-land’s best. Shore-dive from Koloa Landing or go further and deeper on a boat dive.

U SUNSET WATCHING ( p165 ) Some of life’s finest moments are free. Sit on the stone wall near Brennecke’s Beach and watch the sun disappear over silhouetted bodyboarders and into the endless horizon beyond.

V BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT ( p173 ) Big spenders, take the ‘free sunset’ idea a step further by splurging on an oceanfront dinner at this iconic coastal restaurant. Book at least a week ahead.

ITINERARIES SOUTH SHORE

KalaheoLawa‘i

Koloa

Po‘ipu

Beach Park

Beach ParkSpouting Horn

Po‘ipu

ShoreSouth

50

520

530

Lawa‘i Rd

Ala Kinoiki Rd

(Po‘ipu-Koloa

Bypass Rd)

Koloa Rd

Hwy

Kaumuali‘i

41

12 31

11

7

5 4

6

1

3

2

01

9

8

7

54

6

1

3

2