Some of the best Kauai vacation rentals are on the sunny south side of the island, around Poipu. There are plenty to choose from, and they’re available in all price ranges.

Most Poipu vacation rental units are individually owned, so quality and amenities may vary a lot, even in the same complex. Check out the photographs of the unit, but don’t take anything for granted. Ask lots of questions before paying a deposit.

Poipu vacation rentals near Lawai Beach.

There are two nice vacation rental properties on Lawai Road. Both are convenient to Spouting Horn, the Botanical Gardens, and good snorkeling at Lawai Beach.

Prince Kuhio is just across Lawai Road from the beach. The vacation rentals here range in size from small studios to 700-square-foot one-bedroom units. Amenities at the property include a pool and barbecue area, and a laundry. And the complex is conveniently located. It offers solid value for money in an area where the weather’s nearly always pleasant.

For lunch, the Savage Shrimp truck is usually parked nearby. And The Beach House across the street is one of the best restaurants on Kauai.

Prince Kuhio vacation rentals are available through several property management companies. You can find them online. Some have a 5-night minimum, others only require 3.

On the beach side of Lawai Road, Kuhio Shores is right on the water. Many of the units here have fantastic ocean views — corner units have the best. In addition to one-bedtoom units, Kuhio Shores also has two-bedroom, two-bath vacation rentals with up to 1,200 square feet. There’s a barbecue area and laundry facilities on every floor. No swimming pool, but easy access to the beach.

One of the nicest Poipu vacation rentals – and most expensive — Whaler’s Cove has 39 one- and two-bedroom units in two circular beach-front buildings. There’s also daily maid service, in-room safes, and high-speed Internet access, with WIFI in most units. The nicely landscaped grounds have a beautiful heated pool and spa. Service here is first rate – they’ll even stock your fridge in advance if you’d like. Many of the units have koa wood doors and trim, as well as whirlpool tubs with ocean views. The units are individually owned, so they’re all different, but most are of a very high standard.

Poipu vacation rentals on Poipu Beach.

Although Poipu Kapili isn’t right on Poipu Beach, it’s a short stroll away. It’s a very nice complex with 60 units in seven low rise buildings across Kapili Road from a rocky beach. Spread across five acres, Poipu Kapili has an on-site management company you can rent through and there’s an activity desk. Each of the units has an ocean view and lanai, and you can choose from a simple one-bedroom or a two-story townhouse, which is a great value. Most of the two-bedroom rentals have washers and dryers in the unit. There are two tennis courts, a pool, a laundry, an herb garden, and barbecues on the property. It’s close to Poipu Beach shops and restaurants. Depending on the unit, Poipu Kapili is often less expensive than other Poipu vacation rentals.

Although Kiahuna Plantation has 333 units, you’d never know it because they’re divided among 42 low-rise building spread out across 30 acres that was once an old plantation. The lush grass lawn with mature tropical plants leads right down to the beach, where you can rent water sports equipment. And what a beach it is – broad, and sandy, perfect for swimming, sunning, or surfing. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom units available, and the beach-front rentals really are right on the beach. It’s a short stroll to the bars and restaurants of the Sheraton Kauai or Poipu Village shops.

Prices vary widely depending on the location of the unit and its views. Most have private lanais.

Kiahuna Plantation rentals are available through both Outrigger and Castle.

Located between Kiahuna Plantation and the Hyatt, Poipu Kai Resort is a 350-unit complex with nine tennis courts, seven pools, and a spa. The 70-acre property has six subdivisions. You can choose virtually anything from a cottage to a house to a five-bedroom condo. Vacation rentals are categorized as deluxe or ultra-deluxe, and prices are based on location and view. Rentals on the west side have better access to sandy Poipu and Brennecke’s Beach. On the east side, it’s a short stroll to Shipwreck Beach, which is not safe for swimming. You can rent bikes, golf clubs, and water sports equipment from the concierge desk. Poipu Kai is also close to the shops and restaurants in the Hyatt.

Several management companies represent Poipu Kai, but Suite Paradise has the most biggest selection.

For more options, see our recommended Poipu hotels here.