The Island of Kauai
Kauai is the lushest of the Hawaiian islands, thanks to its heavy rainfall. Poipu is on the south and leeward side of Kauai and hence is sunnier and dryer than most parts of Kauai, and for that reason very popular with visitors. The north site can be pleasant in the summer but most visitors report that it rained every day. One distinguishing characteristic of Kauai is the absence of high rises. Kauai has banned buildings above four stories (the height of a coconut tree). In comparison other Hawaiian islands feature many multi story high-rise structures. As a result, the focus on Kauai is on unspoiled tropical beauty, breathtaking scenery, open spaces, and quieter vacation facilities. You can find noise and night life if you look for it -- but you don’t have to face it if you’re just looking for relaxation and tranquility.
Poipu - South Shore
The Sunny Side
Poipu has Kauai's warmest and driest weather. It's a marked contrast from other parts of the island – Lihue, Wailua and Kapaa on the east shore, Anahola, Anini and Kiluaea to the northeast, and Princeville and Hanalei on the north shore, all experience a lot more clouds and rain -- a natural result of Kauai (the "Garden Island") enjoying a very high annual rainfall which is blown over the northeastern area by the tradewinds.Some days when it's cloudy elsewhere on Kauai, people staying in other areas of the island drive to Poipu Beach to catch the sun. Princeville and Hanalei, at the extreme north end of the island, are very lush due to the enormous annual rainfall there - about 100 inches a year, compared with Poipu's 35 inches. The giant philodendrons at Ke'e Beach are a true wonder.
Lihue and Kapa'a, on the eastern shore, are afflicted by a crazy-quilt pattern of hotels, local residences, large shopping plazas, commercial strips, and condominiums. By contrast, Koloa and Poipu benefit from plantaykauaned development, where businesses are clustered in attractive settings, the plantation character of old Koloa Town has been restored, and the condos and hotels blend in with $1 million beachfront residences.
Hanalei - Princeville - North
The Cloudy Side