Welcome to Poipu Beach! It’s time to switch your clocks to island time: you’re in Hawaii now. This family-friendly haven is not only one of the best beaches on Kauai but is also widely touted as one of the best in North America. Home to golden sand crescents, exciting surf spots, and incredible marine life, it’s hard to top Poipu Beach no matter what kind of beach-goer you’d call yourself.
The most difficult part of Poipu Beach is deciding how to spend your time here. You could crack open a new book and make yourself comfortable under the sunshine. Wade into the water with a snorkel set or scuba diving gear and make friends with the sea life. Swim out to the waves and boogie board or surf your way back in. Whatever you decide, you’ll need somewhere to get a good night’s rest after those busy days!
Heading to Poipu Beach soon and not sure where to stay? We’d recommend one of our favorite beach house rentals. Read on for all of our top picks.
Kuhio Shores 411 Right on The Water
Step out onto the balcony of this beautiful apartment building and you’ll gaze right out directly at the ocean. A picture-perfect vacation rental that you’ll never want to leave, this Kuhio Shores spot is one of the best in the area. With one bedroom and space for up to four guests, it’s best suited to a couple or a small family looking to experience the joys of Hawaii together. Inside, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking both the ocean and the beauty of the island, as well as airy, modern rooms filled with personal touches. Its open-plan design gives this spot an extra-comforting feel. Across the street are restaurants and bars, overlooking one of Kauai’s many great surf breaks. You’re also well located for exploring the rest of the local area’s delights.
Oceanfront Resort in One of The Most Desirable Locations on Kauai
Check in to this stunning beachfront rental and you’ll probably find yourself a little overcome with its beauty. A place where the colors seem to have been turned up a notch, you’ll gaze out at the bright blue ocean, gently swaying green palm trees and golden sand, and feel like you never want to leave. This one-bedroom apartment has space for four guests and is spacious both inside and out. Based inside a luxurious resort, it’s somewhere that you’ll probably find yourself spending most of your time in the external communal areas rather than the apartment itself. Here, spend your days relaxing in the pool, playing a game of tennis or pickleball on the courts, cooking up a feast on the BBQ or, of course, swimming in that gorgeous ocean directly in front of you.
Chic Living Steps From Surf
This incredible beachfront apartment takes oceanside living to the next level. A place bathed in sunshine from morning until night, it’s the true definition of a vacation rental with everything you need to thoroughly make the most out of your time in Hawaii. One of the coolest parts about this Airbnb is its large balcony, which offers an outdoor table for all kinds of al fresco dining occasions. Inside is just as impressive, with a large living room and fashionably decorated bedrooms. It’s all about style in this split-level villa on the edge of the Pacific ocean. Share meals cooked in your full kitchen on the private lanai or, when the night calls, make good use of the Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV. Onsite amenities include a beach hut, barbecue areas, and restaurant as well as the Poipu Beach Athletic Club, just across the street from the resort, with a pool with water slide, jet spa, beach activity center, well-equipped fitness center, and tennis courts.
Kool Kondo Kapili Oceanfront Condo
This two-bedroom condo offers a true invitation to experience luxury vacation living at its finest. A stunning spot from the moment you walk through its doors, this beachfront Airbnb offers beauty in every direction. This beautiful condo has unobstructed ocean views from the living room and master bedroom, which means you’ll wake up not only to the sounds of the water but also to the views of glistening blue waves every day. With more than 1,800 square feet of living space, three full bathrooms, and a beautifully remodeled kitchen, it’s been carefully designed to bring together everything you could need during your Hawaiian vacation. This is a place that takes the stress out of vacation planning, with a VIP concierge included as part of the rental. There are on-site tennis courts and a large pool and it’s only a few quick steps to reach the ocean.
Upgraded Condo With Lanai to Lawn
This ground-floor condo has an advantage that many Hawaii beach houses do not: it’s based on the ground floor. This not only means fewer steps between your apartment and the beach but also means you’re free to step outside into the sunshine and onto the grass first thing in the morning. This condo may only have one room but offers space for up to four guests. Enjoy coffee on the lanai overlooking manicured lawns, stroll down to the ever-so-close Poipu Beach and then, when you’re tired at the end of the day, return to paradise with dinner prepped in your gourmet kitchen. Air-conditioning, free WI-FI and cable TVs add to this spot’s homey touches. This plantation-style retreat immerses you within its 35 acres of tropical gardens, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and plenty of natural light.
Oceanfront Condo with Coastline Views, Lanai & Hot Tub
While some Hawaiian Airbnbs make use of white walls and bright colors, this one takes things back to tradition with neutral shades and traditional decor throughout. Looking a little more like a hotel than a vacation rental, it’s perfectly situated just steps away from Lawai Beach. Open the windows, cuddle up on the couch and plan your “Garden Isle” adventures in the spacious living room, or cook up some delicious meals together amongst a sea of blue in the newly updated, open-concept kitchen. Enjoy romantic dinners at the dining table while watching surfers catch a wave, or, depending on the season, keep a lookout for Humpback whales while dining al fresco on your private lanai. With the crystal clear waters and exotic botanical gardens nearby, you can soak up Kauai’s stunning natural beauty in nearly every direction you turn.
Koloa Condo: Tons of Amenities, Steps to Beach
Koloa Condo sits in the heart of Poipu, surrounded by magical views on a 24/7 basis. It’s hard to know where to start with this oceanfront Airbnb, with its oversized swimming pool, proximity to the water and homely touches in every room. This one-bedroom spot has two beds and space for four guests with plenty of communal space both inside and out. Spend your days here unwinding by the Kiahuna Plantation Resort’s pool and hanging at the on-site bar or take a trip to Spouting Horn Park and Kauai Coffee Company nearby. With its tropical-themed decor and picturesque setting, this is a place where you’ll instantly switch into vacation mode from the second you step through its doors. Traveling with a larger group? It’s also possible to book multiple apartments at this place.
Elegant & Newly Renovated South Shore Condominium
This incredible townhouse sits on the 35-acre Plantation Resort, which means stunning views in every direction and plenty to see and do during your time here. A top spot for anyone looking to make the most of Hawaii’s incredible outdoors (and underwater) world, it’s a short five-minute walk to the best beach in Poipu: known for its safe swimming and snorkeling conditions year-round. This Airbnb was designed with couples in mind for a romantic getaway or celebration, making it an unmissable place if you’re visiting for a honeymoon or other special occasion. With new modern furnishings, tasteful artwork, and an advanced culinary kitchen, it’s well equipped for all kinds of guests to enjoy. Throughout the rest of the resort, you’ve got free access to the pool, hot tub, athletic center, yoga studio, tennis courts, Cabana Bar, and grill.
'Ae Kai Le'a : Super Private Rental
This super private home is a little more authentic than many newer Hawaii apartments, in a rustic setting with plenty of homely comforts. With one bedroom and space for up to four guests, it’s one designed with a little more privacy and only the nearby sea creatures for company. This picturesque home offers a full kitchen, large full-size pool, a hot tub, outdoor bar area, grill and steps that take you right to the water’s edge. Spend your days here watching turtles play from the pool deck, or snorkel, stand up paddle, or swim with the fish only moments from the house itself. While it may seem like a pretty remote spot, it’s still fairly central and within close proximity to many restaurants, shops, beaches, and stunning walks along the coast. Nestled in the heart of Poipu, it’s hard to beat this spot.
Beautiful Apartment Only Steps from Surf With Modern Open Kitchen
You’ll probably want to spend most of your time at this apartment lazing around on the sunbeds just outside. Directly overlooking the ocean, this scenic spot is truly one in a million with views straight off of a postcard and dazzling sunshine to match. This one-bedroom condo includes charming island decor in every room along with a full kitchen, WiFi throughout, a flat-screen TV for those relaxed evenings, and a spacious bedroom with colorful designs. There’s plenty to explore here whether your vacation looks more land-based or water-based. Rent gear from the resort’s beach hut and spend your time underwater with marine life or choose your favorite sun lounger and get started on a new book. Just across the road, with free access during your stay here, you’ll find a water slide, jet spa, beach activity center, well-equipped fitness center and tennis courts.
