10 Things to do for Free in Poipu

Here’s a look at Poipu’s top ten free or nearly free things to do. With nearly perfect weather, the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean, lush tropical jungle, color reef fish, various ocean activities such as surfing and kayaking, beautiful beaches and majestic cliff walks, there is plenty of free (or almost free) entertainment in Poipu beach and on the South Shore of Kauai.

1. Tahitian Dance Shows

Come enjoy the wahine of Urahutia Productions, a Professional Polynesian Entertainment Company, as they sway their hips to the exotic sounds of pulsing drums as they present the enchanting and beautiful Tahitian dance. You will not be able to forget this colorful and exciting cultural presentation that captures the spirit of Polynesia and its people. Poipu Shopping Village offers Tahitian Dance Shows on certain holidays and during Koloa Plantation Days. The shows are FREE and open to the public.

2. Moir Gardens

The Moir family, builders of the elegant lava rock home that now houses Kiahuna Plantations’ front office and restaurant called it Pa’U a Laka. It honors both Laka, the Hawaiian goddess of hula, and Kuka’ohi’aalaka, the rain god. Today, the area is called Kiahuna Plantation Resort, referring both to a nearby ancient temple, and to the sugar plantation era. Hector McD Moir was the last manager of Koloa Plantation before it changed hands in 1948. He and his wife built their home in the early 1930’s on a gift of land from her father. After clearing it, the only vegetation around for miles was sugar cane, three trees, and an abundance of lava rock. Ancient Hawaiians farmed in this rocky, arid area, channeling stream water in ‘auwai, or ditches. Remnant ‘auwai remain in the garden. In the 1930’s water for hobby gardening was scarce, co Mrs. Moir switched from tropical plants that required frequent watering to orchids, bromeliads and succulents. She and the Moir’s only child, Eric McD Iki Moir, planted and watered the garden that you see today, featuring water lily-filled lava rock ponds, koi, and a variety of orchid and cactus species.

3. Spouting Horn

This natural wonder occurs when water rushes under a lava shelf and bursts through a small opening at the surface. Every wave produces another spray. Spouting Horn frequently spurts salt water 50 feet into the air. The phenomena is especially exciting at sunset when the spray becomes incandescent with the colors of the rainbow. This particular blowhole is different from others found throughout the state as another hole nearby only blows air, making a loud groaning sound. Legend states that this coast was guarded by a large mo’o (lizard) who ate everyone who tried to fish or swim here. One day, a man named Liko entered the water. When the mo’o went to attack him, he swam under the lava shelf and escaped through the hole. The mo’o became stuck and was never able to get out. The groaning is the cry of hunger and pain from the lizard still trapped under the rocks. There used to be a much larger blowhole called Kukuiula Seaplume adjacent to Spouting Horn. It shot water 200-feet into the air. However, as the salt spray damaged a nearby field of sugar cane, the hole was blasted away in the 1920’s. Do not venture out on the lava shelf and get close to the blowhole – fatalities and injuries have resulted from such acts.

4. Kauai Coffee Company

Kauai Coffee invites you to stop by their estate to learn more about how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and graded. You can take a self-guided walking tour, visit their museum, or shop at their retail outlet where you can purchase a variety of coffees, gift baskets, logo items, and Kauai products. They also offer free coffee samples and a snack bar. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.

5. Kauai Aloha Festivals

A series of events intended to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. The  Kaua’i Aloha Festivals, formerly known as Aloha Week Festivals, showcase Hawaiian music, dance, cuisine, arts and cultural practices. All events feature presentation of Kaua’i’s Royal Court and are found at different locations around Kaua’i. Some, like the Mokihana Festival and the Na Lima Hana Festival, include multiple days of activities.

For more information, http://kauaialohafestivals.net

6. Koloa Heritage Trail

Learn a bit of history and culture along the 10 mile, self-guided Koloa Heritage Trail, a series of 14 monuments located at significant historical, cultural or environmental sites. Sections may be accessed by walking or biking. Most sites may be reached by car.

7. Nukumoi Surf Co.

We offer daily surfing lessons for all ages and levels. We offer surfboard rentals, bodyboard rentals, snorkel gear rentals and beach chair rentals. We also offer a wide selection of clothing, accessories and sunscreen.You’ll also find a link to a live surf cam on our website.

8. Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula

Every Wednesday the Kauai Culinary Market is hosted at The Shops at Kukuiula from 3:30 to 6 pm. Live island music fills the air as you wander the beautifully landscaped grounds while supporting farmers and small businesses that offer a variety of fresh, locally grown produce, pies, jams, and other food products. Take a seat at the Wine and Beer Garden as you watch a South shore chefs take the stage to show their skill cooking local specialties. Fun for the whole family.

9. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

Kauai’s southern coastline, stretching from Keoneloa Bay to Kawailoa Bay, features a fascinating hike along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. This section of wild coastline is simply spectacular, with a treasure-trove of geological and cultural sites. Contact us for a free trail guide, or visit the website below.