Poipu Beach is a beautiful community on the southern coast of Kauai Island, in which you will find several beach parks, snorkeling areas and surf breaks, and given the popularity of this destination, it is a good idea to start looking for Poipu Beach condo rentals at least 2 months before your trip to Kauai Island because there is high demand for these properties, especially during the summer months. The main highlight of Poipu Beach is the Koloea Heritage Trail, a must-see 4-mile coastal trail that has many historical sites and beautiful beach parks. Here are the 3 top spots along the Kolea Heritage Trail.
Prince Kuhio Birthplace and Park
Prince Kuhio is one of Hawaii's most beloved members of the Royal Family because of his initiatives to preserve several aspects of Hawaiian culture that were prohibited during the advent of the Christian missionaries. The exact birthplace of Prince Johah Kuhio Kalanianaole was in Kolea, which is west of Poipu Beach and one of the most popular stops along the Koloa Heritage Trail. If you happen to visit this site during March 26th, you will see several people paying their respects to the late Prince because this day is a Hawaii State Holiday in his memory. Here you will find the foundation of his royal home, his fishpond and his Hoai Heiau. A Hoai Heiau is a Hawaiian temple that doubles as a site to provide treatment for the sick.
Kihahouna Heiau
Here you will find a walled temple that was once 130 feet by 90 feet, where locals pay their respects to several gods of Hawaiian mythology: Kane, Huukoki, Kuhaimoana and Kamohoalli. The Hawaiian god Kane was very important because he was the chief god of generation and he was the maker of the 3 Hawaiian worlds: the upper heaven, the lower heaven, and the earth. An important fact is that worshippers of Kane did not have to perform human sacrifices. Three screw pine trees (known in Hawaii as 'hala' trees) mark the perimeter of the temple. Here you will find several educational signs about Hawaiian mythology and history, and beautiful naupaka flowers.
Poipu Beach Park
Just within walking distance or just a short drive from more than one Poipu Beach vacation home, this beach park is very popular with tourists of all ages because several native species can be seen up close throughout the year. The calm waters and sandy beaches of Poipu Beach offer an attractive setting for Hawaiian monk seas, green sea turtles and humpback whales to visit. These 3 species are endangered so it is illegal to upset or manipulate them in any way. From November to May you will be able to see the humpback whales throughout several times of the day, so it is a good idea to have your cameras nearby during your visit. This beach park is not only home to several endangered species, but also plays an important part in Hawaiian history because it used to be a training camp for expert fishermen.