Are you thinking about booking a trip to Kauai? Keep scrolling to find out the best Poipu Kauai vacation rentals that are perfect for families.
This list of the best Poipu Kauai vacation rentals was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
The sunny South Shore of Kauai is home to the gorgeous Poipu region.
An excellent place to call home while on the island, Poipu has a majestic Tree Tunnel entrance, a historical Koloa town center, and numerous attractions.
The tranquil waters make it especially suitable for families, and its isolated location adds to its seclusion.
While deciding to vacation at Poipu is easy, deciding where to stay is a whole other story.
Hotels are always an option, but they might not always be suitable due to their formal setting, cramped rooms, and exorbitant charges with little to no luxury. They make even less sense if you are traveling in a large group.
Poipu Kauai vacation rentals offer a unique solution that might just be exactly what you’re looking for.
We’ve done the research and made a list of all the best Poipu vacation rentals, so you don’t have to. You’ll find all of them below, from quaint and rustic stays to grand and elegant properties.
Read on to find the perfect one for you!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Kauai.
Popular Kauai Tours/Activities
- Na Pali Coast Snorkeling Tour (this one also goes to the forbidden island of Ni’ihau)
- Kauai Helicopter Tour (this is the BEST way to see waterfalls on Kauai)
- ATV Tour to a Private Waterfall (this is a romantic adventure that feels like a secret getaway)
- Mountain Tubing (this is a low-key adventure down an old sugar cane canal)
- Luau Kalamaku (you can do a little train ride and feed farm animals before the luau)
- Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)
Favorite Kauai Resorts/Hotels
- Grand Hyatt Kauai (this Poipu resort has a luxurious pool area, romantic restaurants, and a stunning ocean view)
- Koloa Landing Resort (this is a luxury resort with an amazing pool area and truly spacious rooms)
- Royal Sonesta Kauai (we LOVE the pool here because it’s the largest one in Hawaii)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Kauai Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Poipu Kauai Vacation Rentals FAQs
Poipu is located only 13 miles away from the airport. Furthermore, its proximity to Poipu beach, the old town of Koloa, and its collection of luxury vacation homes and condos make it an ideal place to stay while on Kauai.
Koloa lies within the region of Poipu on Kauai island. This charming and picturesque community of Old Koloa town is home to the first thriving sugar plantation in Hawaii. Many South Shore Kauai vacation rentals include the name “Koloa” in their title which just means they are located on Poipu.
Castle Poipu Shores is an oceanfront property located just a stone’s throw away from the golden sands of Poipu beach. Another great option is the Kiahuna Plantation, that’s a mere 3-minute walk from Kiahuna beach and an 8-minute walk from Brennecke’s beach.
Kuhio Shores is located 3 minutes from Baby Beach and very close to both Kiahuna Beach and Poipu Beach, making it an excellent option for a vacation rental in Poipu. Aston at Poipu Kai is another exceptional choice, with Brennecke Beach and Poipu Beach located less than a mile away.
Poipu Timeshares
Kauai, on account of being a popular travel destination for tourists, gets booked up pretty quickly during peak season. One effective way for frequent travelers to avoid the headache of finding accommodation is through timeshares.
If you already own one, all you have to do is redeem your points without enduring the high costs of booking a vacation every year.
Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club
A mere hop, skip, and jump away from the beach, this resort offers self-catering rooms, a spa, and an outdoor pool with a gorgeous ocean view. It also gives you the amenities of a resort with the privacy of a quaint rental property.
The resort is a 5-minute drive from the Kiahuna Golf club and the beachside activities of Shipwreck beach. It is also less than 3 miles away from Spouting Horn Park.
While it doesn’t have a full-fledged restaurant, the poolside bar serves a variety of light dishes and drinks.
All rooms are air-conditioned with modern furnishings along with a pull-out sofa. Each room has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, kitchen utensils, and a small dining area
The Point at Poipu by Diamond Resorts
Perched very close to the beach, right at the ocean’s edge, this 22-acre property boasts views of Shipwreck Beach and Keoneloa Bay.
Apart from being conveniently located just 14.5 miles from Lihue airport, The Point at Poipu is also situated near renowned golf courses and scenic hiking and horseback riding trails, and only moments away from snorkeling and scuba diving sites.
There are fully equipped kitchens at Poipu Point, including dishes and coffeemakers. Ideal for large families or group vacations, there is also an outdoor barbecue facility, a private balcony, as well as a washer and dryer in each room.
Lawai Beach Resort
The Lawai Beach Resort, set on 7 acres of lush gardens on Kauai’s south shore, is home to 176 condominium units and one of Kauai’s best snorkeling and surfing spots.
Spectacular views from sunrise to sunset make it one of the most highly favored Poipu Beach rentals among travelers.
The resort features three swimming pools & spas, a fitness center & tennis court, a miniature golf course, a roof-top cafe, and various community barbecue points that are ideal for large families.
The resort offers two types of condos in Poipu Kauai for rent; a One Bedroom and a Two Bedroom unit. The oceanfront, spacious rooms have a one-level floor plan and a covered lanai.
Beautifully furnished with king-sized beds, pull-out sofas, and a large bathroom, give it a modern and chic look. The units also have fully stocked kitchenettes along with a washer-dryer.
Poipu House Rentals
Castle Poipu Shores
Nestled in the fantastic landscapes of South Shore Kauai, this oceanfront property is a mere stroll from the Keoneloa Bay, Shipwreck, Brennecke, and Poipu beaches. Also, within walking distance is the Poipu Shopping Village.
With all-ocean views, an ocean-side pool, and a barbeque area, this is one of those Kauai beachfront vacation rentals that is a dreamy home away from home.
Each one-, two-, and three-bedroom condo fronts the ocean and is equipped with a state-of-the-art, fully stocked kitchen, washing machine, and dryer. Ceiling fans are also included to beat the heat and humidity of tropical Hawaii.
Kiahuna Plantation
This oceanfront property is located directly on Poipu Beach on 35-acres of lush gardens.
The first sugar plantation at Old Koloa Town, Waimea Canyon state park, and the National Tropical Botanical garden are all short distances from the Kiahuna plantation.
Your stay here grants you exclusive access to The Poipu Athletic Club featuring a swimming pool with a slide, a sand bed kid’s pool, a hot tub, a sun deck with lounge chairs, and ten tennis courts.
You’ll also have access to the top golf courses and helicopter rides over the forest.
All the rooms come installed with a fully equipped kitchen, a private balcony, a living room, and ceiling fans. A coffee machine with authentic Hawaiian coffee is also available in every room.
While the property itself doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, you can find multiple shopping and dining options right across the street at Poipu Shopping Village.
Kuhio Shores
Situated just ten steps from the water’s edge, this Kauai beachfront vacation rental offers the best of the island life.
From your lanai, you can watch surfers against the backdrop of the magnificent sunset while enjoying the sounds of the ocean.
With golfing, riding stables, restaurants, and shopping centers all located within spitting distance of the condominium complex, it’s clear why the property is considered by many to be a home base for the attractions and activities in and around the island.
You’ll barely notice that the property doesn’t have a pool because of how close to the beach it is!
The balcony, seating area, and cable TV are included in the prices of both 1 or 2 bedrooms condos. A fully stocked kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and coffee machine is also included.
Aston at Poipu Kai
With seventy acres of lush green lawns and five lavish condominium communities, Aston at Poipu Kai is located very close to popular tourist attractions like Poipu Beach, Waimea Canyon State Park, and the Spouting Horn.
This kid-friendly property has various on-site amenities, including but not limited to five swimming pools, outdoor barbecue grills, and several tennis courts.
Accented by warm, modern interior design, each spacious condo comes fully furnished with a private patio and a washer-dryer. A full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, and oven complete a state-of-the-art kitchen.
There’s also a PlayStation 3, other video games, and DVDs available in the living room.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
Poipu Palms
Built right on the edge of the striking Poipu coastline, this intimate property hosts only 12 condos. The location and position allow for fantastic views of all the apartments and a majestic oceanfront pool.
Each 2 bedroom unit consists of a pull-out sofa, a seating area with a TV, a complete kitchen with a dining area, a safe, and a private bathroom.
Wake up to the sounds of the ocean and the sight of sea turtles and even whales all from the comfort of your Poipu condo rental’s lanai!
Hotels in Poipu Kauai
Sometimes it’s nice to end your trip with a few days at an all-inclusive resort. If you crave some pampering and want an experience that includes absolute relaxation, here are some of the best hotels in the region.
Grand Hyatt Kauai
Located on the white sands of Poipu, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is the epitome of luxurious living.
Seven restaurants with different cuisines offer dining with breathtaking oceanfront views. The luxurious spa provides massage therapies and other detoxifying treatments for the body and soul.
Other amenities include an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a water sports center with equipment rentals, horse stables, and a 24- hour swimming pool complex.
The resort also hosts a traditional Hawaiian Luau on Wednesdays and Sundays with a buffet, specialty cocktails, and Polynesian dance shows.
Every room features a private lanai to take in the gorgeous views of the island. Check out my full Grand Hyatt Kauai review.
Equipped with seating areas and a desk apart from the standard furnishings, the rooms also come with marble bathrooms with double vanities and bathrobes for the complete 5-star experience.
Sheraton Kauai
Located 2 minutes away from Poipu Beach at an enviable vantage point, Sheraton Resort spans 20 acres on the south shoreline of Kauai.
It provides guests with unparalleled access to all that the Garden Island offers, from spectacular beaches, lush jungles, and world-class golf courses.
The resort hosts an array of authentic Hawaiian eateries in a tropical setting offering enticing waterfront dining. Its signature restaurant RumFire boasts spectacular views of the sunset.
The beach activity center, ocean pool with cabanas, and in-house spa are all at your disposal at the Sheraton Kauai.
Modern furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and mini-refrigerators are just some of the amenities you’ll find in its recently renovated rooms and suites.
Relatively more affordable than the other resorts on our list, it gives guests the option to pick between an ocean view or garden view room, depending on their preferences.
Koa Kea
Built right on Poipu beach, this boutique resort takes total advantage of its location. If the main reason you’re on the island is for a luxury experience and watersports, this is probably the resort for you.
Its in-house Red Salt Restaurant serves a mix of Hawaiian seafood and fresh produce for breakfast and dinner. There’s also a poolside bar that serves lunch and 24-hour room service.
The luxurious guest rooms with either a balcony or a patio have a beach-chic vibe with subtle decor and high-end furnishings. The air-conditioned rooms come equipped with a TV, coffee machine, plush bathrobes, and premium toiletries.
Top Things to do in Poipu
The white sand beaches contrast with spectacular lava rock formations, creating a surreal landscape in the beautiful region of Poipu.
Whether you want to relax or are looking for an adventure, there is always something fun and exciting to do. Here are our recommendations.
Visit the Spouting Horn Blowhole
The Spouting Horn Blowhole is one of the most popular tourist spots in Kauai. The natural fountain is created by a lava tube that runs from the ocean into the rocks.
As waves crash against the rocks, water is forced through the lava tube, resulting in a spectacular geyser of water that goes up 50 feet in the air!
Go to a Luau
Music, dancing, and most importantly, food are what constitutes a traditional Hawaiian luau celebration.
The Luau at Grand Hyatt and the Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton are well known for their tropical cocktails, fantastic buffets, and Polynesian dance shows.
What’s not to love about swaying hula hips, feasting under a starry sky, and the scent of fresh flower lei?
Explore the Gardens
A trip to the Garden Isle would be incomplete without visiting the gardens! A south shore favorite, the Allerton Garden spans over 80 acres. It has also been featured in several films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Jurassic Park.
The McBryde Garden is another beautiful botanical garden that spans over 200 lush acres.
Hang at the Beach
The Poipu region consists of several beaches, namely Poipu Beach park, Kiahuna, Brennecke Beach, Baby Beach, and more. The most popular among them is Poipu Beach Park.
Whether you’re looking to lounge around with your kids or participate in the various water adventure sports, this beach has it all.
Enjoy the local cuisine
Poipu has some fantastic spots to try Hawaiian-inspired cuisine. Puka Dog and Waikomo Shave Ice are absolute crowd-pleasers.
Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, Ilima Terrace Restaurant, and Keoki’s Paradise are known for being the best family restaurants in the region.
Go Shopping
The South Shore of Kauai offers an impressive outdoor shopping experience with The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants, and contemporary art galleries can be found at the shopping center, which showcases the architecture of Hawaii’s plantation past.
Every Wednesday, it also hosts a Kauai Culinary Market that is complete with a farmer’s market, food demonstrations, and live Hawaiian music.
Best Condos in Poipu Kauai Wrap Up
The Poipu region on Kauai is an absolute treasure trove when it comes to vacation homes.
Whether it’s lavish resorts, luxurious villas, or humble condos, Poipu Kauai vacation rentals have one thing in common – the magnificent landscape of the sunny south shore.
We hope this list has given you new ideas and helped you find the perfect place to stay for your dream vacation to this island.