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Poipu

Poipu

Rural Neighborhood in Koloa, Hawaii

Kauai County 96756

$1,548,672 Average Value
$1,274 Average Price per Sq Ft
129 Homes For Sale

Coastal resort town on Kauai’s southern shore

In Hawaiian, Poipu means “crashing waves” – a fitting name for this coastal community on the island of Kauai. Full of beaches, resorts and ocean experiences along the island’s southern shore, Poipu is a popular tourist destination that draws tens of thousands of visitors annually. “The whole area is beautifully landscaped, and you have a lot more restaurants, stores and condos because it’s so close to the water. It’s a bit more of a tourist hub because Poipu is inside Kauai’s visitor destination zone,” says Carolyn Price, a Realtor with Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty. However, Price also says that there are a number of protected areas for locals to engage in cultural ceremonies and practices. Poipu Beach Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources and information regarding the area’s cultural significance and preservation efforts. Anyone planning to travel to the island for the first time should make sure to thoroughly research the local rules, practices and history of Kauai beforehand.

Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore in Poipu's beachfront homes.
Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore in Poipu's beachfront homes.
There are plenty of shade trees along the beach parks in Poipu.
There are plenty of shade trees along the beach parks in Poipu.
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Designated beach areas for safe swimming

Poipu Beach is a popular oceanfront destination that features a designated shallow water area. Snorkeling equipment and surfboards are available to rent, as this beach is a prominent surfing location. However, beginners are encouraged to take surfing lessons at nearby Kiahuna Beach, where the waves are less aggressive. Baby Beach has calm, shallow waters and a protected cove area, making it an ideal spot for young children. For a trek along the coast, hikers can traverse the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, which stretches for 2 miles along south Kauai's shoreline. A little farther inland is the historic Hapa Trail, a 1.3-mile gravel pathway that was once used to connect people from the town of Koloa to Poipu. Although Poipu’s natural beauty is visually stunning, it’s imperative that residents and visitors account for the island’s often rocky and steep landscape. Disregarding safety guidelines, ignoring hazardous ocean conditions, and trespassing on blocked-off hiking trails all pose serious risks and can lead to dangerous situations.

There's Nothing Like a Calming Afternoon at the Beach in Poipu
There's Nothing Like a Calming Afternoon at the Beach in Poipu
Poipu Beach has a sheltered cove which is perfect for the little ones.
Poipu Beach has a sheltered cove which is perfect for the little ones.
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Award-winning Beach House restaurant and Puka Dog eatery

“Poipu is a lovely blend of city and landscape, as well as great amenities,” Price says. At the award-winning Beach House restaurant, visitors and residents can enjoy a fine dining experience and Pacific Rim cuisine with oceanfront views. Beach House has been featured and praised in numerous publications, including Honolulu Magazine, Travel & Leisure and The Travel Network. Puka Dog is a popular eatery that serves Hawaiian-style hot dogs just off Poipu Beach and was named by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s top 10 hot dog stands. Farther inland, The Shops at Kukui’ula has clothing boutiques such as Tommy Bahama and several restaurants, including Merriman’s Kauai, a seafood eatery and Eden Coffee Poipu. There are also a handful of art galleries in this shopping mall, and those shopping for groceries can stop by Living Foods specialty grocer or visit the mall’s weekly farmers market on Wednesday for fresh produce.

Stop by the Beach House for dinner while visiting Poipu.
Stop by the Beach House for dinner while visiting Poipu.
The menu at Puka Dog in Poipu is simple yet diverse in flavors.
The menu at Puka Dog in Poipu is simple yet diverse in flavors.
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Annual festival celebrates culinary arts

Golfers often choose Poipu for its proximity to the semi-private Kiahuna Golf Club’s 18-hole course and the Poipu Bay Golf Course, which was designed by world-renowned architect, Robert Trent Jones II. The Kiahuna Golf Course also acts as a sanctuary for Kauai’s endangered nene birds. Several heritage sites and historic landmarks are located throughout Poipu, including Kaneiolouma Heiau. To celebrate the area’s diverse culinary scene, the community celebrates the annual Poipu Food and Wine Festival in the fall. Not only does the three-day event showcase local cuisine, which changes from year to year, but the festival also raises money for the Culinary Arts Program at Kauai Community College.

Kāneiʻolouma Heiau is an important cultural relic in Poipu.
Kāneiʻolouma Heiau is an important cultural relic in Poipu.
Poipu is a Golfer's Delight with Courses Practically Stretching from Mountains to Seas
Poipu is a Golfer's Delight with Courses Practically Stretching from Mountains to Seas
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Single-family homes can start around $2 million

“People love Poipu because it’s close to the south shore, but that also means home prices may be a bit higher than you’ll find as you head west or into the mountains,” Price says. Many single-family homes here are located in residential pockets such as Poipu Beach Estates and Kiahuna Golf Village. Surrounded by palm fronds and banyan trees, these properties often have open floorplans and wraparound porches to seamlessly connect residents with the outdoors. “You’ll see beautiful homes built in 2005 for around $2.5 million along the Milo Hae Loop in the Kiahuna Golf Village,” Price says. “They have large lots that are meticulously maintained, and many are right on the golf course.” There are also a number of apartment complexes and condo units in the area, some of which are located within resorts and offer residents access to private amenities. Condominiums start around $400,000 and rise into the millions, while single-family homes typically range between $2 million and $10 million, with some waterfront properties exceeding $12 million.

Relaxation finds its true meaning in the serene ambiance of Poipu homes.
Relaxation finds its true meaning in the serene ambiance of Poipu homes.
From cozy cottages to luxurious estates, Poipu offers diverse housing options.
From cozy cottages to luxurious estates, Poipu offers diverse housing options.
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Students kickstart their education at Koloa Elementary

The Hawaii Department of Education oversees all public schools in the state and receives an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Young learners in Poipu can kickstart their education at Koloa Elementary School, a B-plus-rated institution ranked No. 5 on Niche’s 2024 “Standout Elementary Schools in Hawaii” list. Students may then attend the B-rated Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School and later head to Kauai High School, which has a B-plus score and was ranked No. 2 on Niche’s 2024 “Best Public High Schools in Kauai County” list.

Koloa Elementary fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Koloa Elementary fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Kamakahelei Middle places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and holistic development.
Kamakahelei Middle places a strong emphasis on academic achievement and holistic development.
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Lihue Airport operates state-wide and mainland flights

Lihue Airport is an approximately 14-mile drive away from Poipu and offers flights to other Hawaii islands and the United States mainland. The County of Kauai Transportation Agency operates The Kauai Bus, which has service to Poipu via the fixed Route 30: Koloa Shuttle bus line. Kauai Bus also offers service to the Lihue Airport. In Kukuiula Bay, residents and visitors can find the Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor.

Hayley Simms
Written By
Hayley Simms
Paul Peck
Photography Contributed By
Paul Peck
Victoria York
Video By
Victoria York

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brenda Crawford, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lihue

42 min drive

Bus

Poipu Rd & Kiahuna Drive

Bus

Kukuiula Store

Bus

Poipu Bypass

Bus

Poipu Rd & Hoowili Rd

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Poipu US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,350,000
Median Single Family Price
$4,072,500
Median Townhouse Price
$5,990,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,212,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$474,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,274
Number of Homes for Sale
129
Last 12 months Home Sales
121
Months of Supply
12.80
Median List Price
$1,499,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,772
Median Year Built
1985
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,878
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,145
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,215
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
762
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454

Open Houses

  • Monday, Apr 28
    11am - 4pm

    2373 Hoohu Rd Unit B111, Koloa, HI 96756

    $1,950,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,644 Sq Ft
    • 2373 Hoohu Rd
    • Unit B111
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to The Villas at Poipu Kai – a premier luxury retreat located in the heart of Poipu, Kauai’s sunny South Shore and one of the island’s most sought-after resort communities. This fully furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom villa offers the perfect blend of island elegance, modern comfort, and unbeatable access to world-class amenities, making it an ideal vacation rental or second

    Lori Benkert Wai'oli Properties

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  • Thursday, Apr 24
    1 - 4pm

    2971 Kiahuna Pltn Dr, Koloa, HI 96756

    $4,888,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 3,404 Sq Ft
    • 2971 Kiahuna Pltn Dr
    • New 22 days ago

    Welcome to Hale Makani Kai – The Home of Ocean BreezesBuilt in 2023, this custom 3,404 SF, 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath luxury retreat offers Kiahuna Golf Course frontage, shimmering lake views, and a distant ocean horizon. Located within the Visitor Destination Area (VDA), this property allows for short-term rentals—making it an exceptional investment opportunity, primary residence, or second

    Lisa Larkin Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Rainbow Island Properties

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  • Thursday, Apr 24
    1 - 4pm

    5061 Lawai Rd Unit 203, Koloa, HI 96756

    $695,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 608 Sq Ft
    • 5061 Lawai Rd
    • Unit 203

    Ocean and park views highlight this one bedroom, one bath turnkey unit across from the beach. Prince Kuhio is well located on Kauai's sunny south shore with year around swimming and snorkeling as well as close to restaurants, shopping, golf and other activities. This unit has been upgraded, but with keeping the character and feel of old Hawaii. Guests say they feel right at home, as the unit

    Debra Blachowiak Aloha Sotheby's International - Kauai

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Brenda Crawford, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,070
Median Age
50
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
33.2%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$83,593
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$115,312

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
42.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.7%
% Population in Labor Force
64.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
66°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

28 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Poipu