Koloa Town on Kauai's South Shore is a charming destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Established in 1835, it is renowned for being the site of Hawaii's first successful sugar mill, which significantly influenced the island's agricultural history. Visitors can explore the town's rich heritage through numerous educational stops, shop a variety of quaint shops and galleries housed in historic buildings, and stop for a bite to eat at a handful of great dining options. Below we have prepared our top things to do when visiting Koloa Town.
Koloa Heritage Trail
This 10-mile self-guided tour explores the rich history and cultural significance of Kauai's South Shore, featuring 14 stops at historical, cultural, and geological sites such as the Spouting Horn, Prince Kuhio Birthplace, and the Sugar Monument. This trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Kauai's diverse past, from ancient Hawaiian temples to the impact of the sugar industry, while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
Koloa History Center
This small, open-air museum chronicles the town's transformation from a humble fishing village to a thriving sugar plantation hub through photographs and historic artifacts such as old barber chairs and kerosene dispensers. Located in the heart of Old Koloa Town, the center offers visitors a glimpse into the town's rich past, with exhibits that highlight its evolution and multicultural roots, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
Window Shopping
Shopping in Koloa Town on Kauai offers a charming experience with unique boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops along Koloa Road, where visitors can find everything from local spices and handmade crafts to surf gear and historical souvenirs. Nibble on snacks like flavored macadamia nuts and sip on drinks from Kauai Juice Company or Ali’i Coffee Co. as you explore the town.
Kaua’i Island Brewing Company
Looking to sample a locally brewed beer? Stop in at the new Kaua’i Island Brewing Company taproom and whiskey saloon located in the Koloa Village Shopping Center. In addition to dozens of beer and whiskey selections, browse through a menu of pizzas, burgers, and other mouthwatering dining selections.
Koloa Zipline
Offering Kauai's longest ziplining course, Koloa Zipline features eight lines that span over a mile and a half, allowing participants to soar through lush jungles and over scenic waterways. The tour includes unique features such as the patented Flyin’ Kaua’iian Harness, which enables hands-free and aerobatic ziplining experiences, making it an exhilarating adventure for thrill-seekers visiting Kauai's South Shore.
Koloa Plantation Days Festival (once a year)
This vibrant ten-day festival held annually in July, celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Hawaii through music, dance, costumes, and food, honoring the blended cultures that contributed to the island's sugar plantation history. The festival features a wide range of events, including live music performances, cultural exhibitions, craft fairs, culinary demonstrations, and a historic parade.
Other Places to Explore Just Outside Koloa:
Spouting Horn
A captivating natural wonder where ocean waves force water through a lava tube, creating a spectacular spout that can reach up to 50 feet high, accompanied by a distinctive hissing sound. This site is steeped in Hawaiian legend, with tales of a giant lizard once guarding the area, and it offers breathtaking views, especially during sunset, making it one of Kauai's most photographed attractions.
Shops at Kukui’ula
A premier shopping and dining destination featuring dozens of unique boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and contemporary art galleries. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including the weekly Kauai Culinary Market on Wednesdays, which offers local produce, chef demonstrations, and live music.
Moir Gardens
Moir Gardens, located within the Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu, is a 35-acre botanical garden renowned for its extensive collection of rare cacti, succulents, bromeliads, and orchids, which thrive in the area's dry climate. Established by Alexandra Moir in the 1930s, the gardens have been open to the public since the 1950s and offer a serene and free-admission experience, featuring beautiful water lily and koi ponds amidst mature trees and tropical flora.
Poipu Beach
Arguably one of the most popular beaches on Kauai, Poipu Beach is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, offering a crescent-shaped beach with calm waters protected by a barrier reef, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is also a popular spot for spotting marine life, including Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles, and provides amenities such as lifeguards, picnic tables, and nearby surf and snorkel rentals, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors