Hawaii State Public Libraries
There are six libraries on the Island of Kauai: Hanapepe, Kapaa, Koloa, Lihue, Princeville, and Waimea, and 50 branches in the State of Hawaii. What is unique about the Hawaii system is that you can borrow a library book at any library in Hawaii and return it to any other and this includes other islands if you’re exploring beyond Kauai. Non-residents can get a library card for 3 months for $10 or 5 years for $25. For information please click here.
The Hawaii State Public Library System offers free Wi-Fi access to cardholders in all of its branches.
The Hawaii State Public Library has a mobile app. The app can be used to browse the HSPLS catalog, scan a barcode from a book, DVD, or CD to check availability, view a list of checked-out items and renew items, view a list of reserved items and place and cancel holds, and check account information such as items borrowed due dates and fines.
It is a fantastic system.
Kaneiolouma
Kaneiolouma is a historic site located in Poipu. It is believed to be the last remaining ancient Hawaiian village that has not been fully excavated or developed. This sacred land holds great significance for the Hawaiian people and is considered to be a cultural treasure. Kaneiolouma was once a prosperous agricultural and fishing village that was home to hundreds of Hawaiians. It is believed to date back to the 1400s and was occupied until the late 1800s. The village consisted of several large heiau (temples), houses, and fishponds.
Despite the importance of Kaneiolouma to Hawaiian history and culture, the site has faced significant threats over the years. The land was initially damaged by cattle grazing and agricultural practices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
More recently, development pressures have also posed a threat to the site. In response to these threats, a group of concerned citizens formed the Kaneiolouma Heritage Trust in 1995. The trust was formed to protect and restore the site and to share the history and culture of Kaneiolouma with the community. Thanks to the efforts of the Kaneiolouma Heritage Trust, the site has been partially restored and is now open to the public for guided tours.
Visitors can learn about the history and significance of Kaneiolouma while exploring the existing heiau and fishponds. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who are well-versed in the history and culture of the site. In addition to the guided tours, the Kaneiolouma Heritage Trust also hosts cultural events and educational programs. These events are designed to share the history and significance of Kaneiolouma with visitors and to help preserve and protect the site for future generations. A visit to Kaneiolouma is a must-see. It offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the Hawaiian people and is a testament to the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
Lawai International Center
Nestled in Lāwaʻi Valley on Kauaʻi’s South Shore, the Lawai International Center is a unique cultural sanctuary featuring 88 miniature Buddhist shrines modeled after Japan’s famous Shikoku pilgrimage. Established by Japanese immigrants in 1904, the site reflects both Japanese heritage and the valley’s longstanding significance in Native Hawaiian spiritual traditions. Today, visitors can explore the shrines, admire the Japanese-inspired Hall of Compassion, and learn about the center’s remarkable history on a guided tour.
For guests staying in Poʻipū, Kōloa, or Kalāheo, the center offers a memorable cultural excursion just beyond the beach. Pair your visit with a leisurely lunch in Old Kōloa Town or an afternoon exploring the South Shore, then return to the comfort of your Koloa Kai vacation rental. With thoughtfully appointed homes serving as your island home base, Koloa Kai Vacation Rentals & Management makes it easy to balance Kauaʻi’s beautiful beaches with its rich history, local culture, and hidden gems. Tours typically take place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, and reservations are required. Visit lawaicenter.org to plan your visit and start building your Kauaʻi itinerary.
Location: Lawai (4 miles from Poipu)
National Tropical Botanical Gardens
The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) is a nonprofit dedicated to conserving tropical plants and ecosystems, with five gardens across Hawaii. Its popular Poipu location spans over 200 acres and features more than 1,500 rare and endangered tropical plant species across diverse habitats, including swamps, forests, and waterways. Visitors can explore through guided experiences, including Behind the Scenes tours and peaceful Sunset Tours.
The gardens also host special activities, including Wednesday yoga classes and the weekly Aloha Market on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring local vendors, handmade crafts, food, and free hula performances. The gardens offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about Hawaii’s unique botanical heritage while enjoying its lush tropical scenery. Whether you’re interested in conservation, nature walks, or local culture, NTBG offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Location: Poipu
Pau a Laka Garden – Moir Gardens at Kiahuna Plantation
Kiahuna Plantation Resort in Poipu occupies the former estate of the manager of Koloa Plantation, Hawaii’s first sugar plantation. The historic manor house, built in the early 1930s as a wedding gift to Alexandra “Sandie” Knudsen and Hector Moir, now serves as part of the resort’s front office. Hector became manager of Koloa Sugar Company in 1933, and the couple’s home soon became a center of elegant social life on Kauai’s south shore.
Sandie Moir developed the estate’s renowned Paʻu a Laka Garden as a hobby, filling it with exotic cacti, succulents, orchids, bromeliads, and tropical trees, alongside lily ponds, cascading pools, and lava rock features. Named for Laka, the Hawaiian goddess of hula, the garden gained international recognition by 1948 as one of the world’s finest cactus and succulent gardens. After the Moirs retired in 1968, the property was leased and eventually developed into Kiahuna Plantation Resort, preserving a unique piece of Kauai’s plantation history.
Kauai Rodeos
The Koloa Plantation Days Rodeo is hosted by CJM Stables and is part of the celebration of the good old days of the plantation era. As mentioned on their site, the rodeo includes Hawaiian classic events such as poo wai u which is an event simulating wild cattle of the old paniolo days, double mugging, along with team roping, women`s barrel racing, and wahine steer riding.
The Waimea Round Up Rodeo is the largest traditional rodeo in all of the Hawaiian Islands and helps celebrate the history and community of Waimea. The rodeo takes place at the Friendship Do Ranch, right between that stretch from Waimea to Kekaha. You can expect very much of the same type of events but the fun extends into two days.
Koloa Heritage Trail
The Koloa Heritage Trail is an excellent way to explore the rich history and stunning beauty of Kauai. This trail features several must-see landmarks such as:
1. Spouting Horn Park: This park is home to one of the island`s most famous natural wonders, Spouting Horn. The waves rushing into a lava tube create a large spray of water that rises high into the air, providing a magnificent spectacle.
2. Prince Kuhio Birthplace and Park: This park is named after Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole, who was born on this site in 1871. Prince Kuhio`s birthday, March 26, is a state holiday, and a celebration is held each year at the park. Keep an eye out for the remains of a heiau or temple, fish pond, house platform, game field, or taro terraces.
3. Hanakaape Bay and Koloa Landing: This picturesque bay was once an important landing place for sailors, traders, and fishermen. Today, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery, including a natural bridge and a small beach that is home to sea turtles, snorkelers, and divers.
4. Pau a Laka (Moir Gardens): This botanical garden was named after the founder, Alexandra Moir, who began collecting rare plants in the early 1930s. Pau a Laka has grown to include more than 30 acres of lush flora and fauna.
5. Kihahouna Heiau: This ancient Hawaiian temple was built more than 400 years ago and was used for religious ceremonies, including human sacrifices. Today, visitors can see the remaining lava stones and learn about Hawaiian spirituality.
6. Poipu Beach Park: One of the most popular beaches on Kauai, Poipu is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching sea turtles and monk seals.
7. Keoneloa Bay: Also known as Shipwreck Beach due to a wrecked vessel on the shoreline, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the ocean, surfers, and surrounding cliffs here.
8. Makwehi and Paa Dunes: Kauai`s sand dunes are a unique and beautiful feature of the island. Visitors can hike through the dunes and enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean from the top.
9. Puuwanwanwana Volcanic Cone: This stunning peak is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the island. Visitors can hike to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Poipu.
10. Hapa Road: This small road has a rich history, serving as a site for Hawaiian homes, Chinese sugarcane plantations, and Japanese farms. Today, visitors can see the remains of these diverse cultural influences.
11. Koloa Jodo Mission: This historic Buddhist temple was built in 1910 and is now a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the Japanese immigrants who established this temple.
12. Sugar Monument: This monument honors the workers who labored in Kauai`s sugar cane plantations. It is a reminder of the critical role these workers played in shaping the island`s history and culture.
13. Yamamoto Store and Koloa Hotel: The Yamamoto Store and Koloa Hotel were established in the late 1800s and are two of the oldest buildings in Koloa. Visitors can learn about the town`s early development and see these iconic buildings.
14. Koloa Missionary Church: This church was established by American Protestant missionaries who traveled to Hawaii in the early 1800s. It is now a beautiful landmark and an excellent place to learn about Hawaiian Christianity.