Poipu Beach & South Shore Natural Wonders
Spouting Horn on the South Shore of Kauai
Although not as spectacular as the North or West Shore of Kauai, Poipu Beach and the South Shore does have its share of natural beauty.
At the end of Lawai Road, Spouting Horn is worth a visit. Here, water from the waves shoots several stories into the air through a blow-hole in the lava rock. It’s best at high tide, and you can often see sea turtles along the rocky shore.
Souvenir shoppers can also hit the arts and crafts market in the park.
The National Tropical Botanical Gardens (NTBG) maintains several lovely gardens on the South Side. The Visitor’s Center is across from Spouting Horn. Allerton Garden has a series of garden rooms that span 100 acres from the Lawai Stream to the cliffs overlooking Lawai Beach. This was once the retreat of Queen Emma, and in addition to beautiful tropical plants, you’ll also see her cottage. Guided 2-1/2-hour tours – the only kind available – must be reserved in advance and cost $45.
Nearby, 252-acre McBride Garden, also managed by NTBG, has the largest collection of native Hawaiian plants in the world. The gardens also contain Maidenhair Falls. Tours here are self-guided and cost $20.
There are several display gardens around the Visitor’s Center that you can explore for $2. If you’re short on time, these are a great alternative because you’ll see what you came to Hawaii for – flamboyant tropical plants including heliconia, orchids, bromeliads, and wild ginger.
