Hawaii Real Estate News

Nov. 30, 2011

Must do and see places in Princeville

Princeville is a wonderful coastal town, located along the northern shore of the island of Kauai. It is an excellent tourist spot, annually attracting visitors and tourists from all across the world. Being a coastal town, there is never a moment of boredom in this peaceful town. Whether it is the wonderful golf courses, the world renowned Princeville Ranch, or the beautiful beaches, this town makes for an ideal place for a vacation. There is something to do for every member of the family, and you will never fall short of things to do.

Adventure sports

Like any other coastal town in Hawaii, adventure sports are one of the main attractions for tourists. Even residents engage in a number of adrenaline charged outdoor sports and activities.

Kayaking – For the calm adventure seekers, however ironical that might sound, kayaking is the ideal outdoor activity. Princeville has wonderful streams to go kayaking in, and take in the beauty of this town.

Surfing – Although Princeville’s Beaches aren’t particularly popular for surfing, they provide an excellent opportunity for beginners to better their skills. There are a number of trained professionals who take classes particularly for tourists.

Snorkelling – Princeville has a number of wonderful snorkelling spots that let you experience a slice of the wonderful aquatic life. Equipment can be rented at nominal rates and guides can also be hired.

Scuba diving – No trip to a Hawaiian coastal town is complete without scuba diving and swimming amongst aquatic life forms. Scuba diving gear can be rented from one of the many shops on the beach front.

Sailing – Island sails is a wonderful trip where you get to sail through the Hawaiian waters. This tour is complete with a wonderful guide, who gives you authentic information about Hawaii’s rich culture, traditions and history. With the beauty of the Hawaiian waters, and breath-taking landscapes, this tour is indeed guaranteed to be a once in a lifetime experience.

Places to visit

Ahonui Botanical Gardens – These botanical gardens are home to native Hawaiian flora and rare wild flowers. The tours are a wonderful experience as the tour guides have in depth knowledge about the different species and the history of the town. They also have excellent communication skills and do a great job of explaining the various varieties of flowers found in the gardens.

Queen’s Bath This tide pool, which is about the size of a swimming pool is located below cliffs, along the rocky shoreline. Although there might be an amount of danger that is involved, this makes for a truly amazing experience.

Princeville Ranch – Spread over 2500 acres, this ranch also hosts an 8-cable zip-line course, hiking, recreation centre, and kayaking. This Ranch is world famous for its quality and hospitality.

Napali Coast – This is indeed a wonderful place that must be at the top of every tourist’s itinerary. The views are truly breath taking, and let you experience the renowned Hawaiian natural beauty.

Makai Golf Course – This 18-hole golf course, located all across the Princeville Resort, is famous for its sweeping ocean views and tropical setting. It is affordable and the quality of service is excellent.

Restaurants and shopping

There are a number of restaurants and hotels in Princeville that specialise in local cuisines and seafood. No Hawaiian vacation is complete without trying out authentic local cuisine. Restaurants such as The Tavern and Infigo’s serve excellent seafood at affordable rates. There are also a number of small shops along the beach front that sell authentic Hawaiian handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Posted in Princeville
Nov. 27, 2011

Things to do in Poipu

Poipu is a beautiful coastal town, located along the southern shore of the island of Kauai. It is a census designated place, belonging to the Kauai County. It is an extremely popular tourist spot, attracting visitors from all across the globe. It is home to a number of beautiful resorts and high end hotels. It also has one main shopping centre, which is a haven for all shopaholics. Poipu is an ideal place for a vacation. Whether you’re looking to have a relaxed weekend at the beach, or engage in adrenaline-charged water sports, there is something to do for everyone in the family, throughout the year.

Adventure sports

Kayaking – Poipu is home to a number of calm jungle streams that are ideal for kayaking. The gear can be rented at nominal rates. Professional guides are also available on request.

Snorkelling – As with any coastal town in Hawaii, snorkelling is a popular and common outdoor activity. Poipu in particular has a number of beautiful snorkelling spots that are ideal for both beginners and experienced persons alike. There are a number of companies that offer snorkel tours, complete with expert guides and excellent equipment. Although these might be a little expensive, they are worth every penny. The guides also explain about the various aquatic life forms present in the waters around Poipu.

Scuba diving – For the more experienced swimmers, Poipu is a real treat. Scuba diving spots are littered throughout this coastal town, with equipment available at low prices.

Surfing – Poipu’s beaches are ideal for beginner surfers. There are also a number of surfing schools that have expert trainers and teach interested tourists the basics of surfing.

Hiking and biking – There are a number of tours and packages where hikes and bike rides are planned out, covering beautiful canyons and amazing landscapes.

Places to visit

Poipu Beach Park – This beach park is ideal for older and younger children alike. The beach is protected and safe. It is an ideal place for swimming and has a couple of wonderful snorkelling and scuba diving spots. All in all, it is an excellent family beach.

McBryde Garden – This botanical garden is a treat for every flower lover. It hosts the rarest of native Hawaiian flora. Its beauty is profound and this garden is part of the not for profit National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Spouting Horn – This geological formation is mainly visited to observe the water which forces its way through a lava tube. This produces a hissing sound and a plume of spray. Ensure that you don’t visit this place on a calm day, as the purpose would then be lost.

Kiahuna Golf Club – This affordable golf club provides a golf course with wonderful scenery and excellent landscapes. Although the course is not particularly great, the views are spectacular.

Shipwrecks Beach – This beautiful beach provides a spectacular view and is an ideal place to surf. For cliff divers and experienced swimmers, this is the ideal beach. However, it is not recommended that novices swim here. It is also a wonderful place to watch the sun set.

Restaurants and shopping

There are a number of wonderful restaurants in Poipu that specialise in local cuisines. Red Salt is one such restaurant that provides excellent food amidst a wonderful atmosphere. Josselin’s Tapas Bar and Grill also specialises in local cuisine and seafood. Poipu Shopping Village is world famous for its malls and excellent exhibitions of local artwork. The Polynesian Dance Show that happens at this centre must not be missed. It is an excellent place to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Posted in Poipu
Nov. 27, 2011

Real Estate in Poipu

Poipu is a popular tourist spot in the southern shore of Kauai County, in the state of Hawaii. It has a number of resorts and high-end hotels, which are of great value in the real estate market. It also has one main shopping centre. There is a total of 2.5 square miles as land area in Poipu. There are a total of 1,969 housing units spread throughout the town. Since tourism is the main industry, housing real estate is the one which is the least attractive. Real estate in Poipu, however, is all set to expand and grow.

Market trends

Poipu has perhaps been one of the towns worst hit by the real estate crisis that USA recently experienced. It has also not been able to re-establish its stance as a front runner in the real estate industry. Over the past five years, the Poipu real estate market has experienced an unfortunate downfall. The process of recovery has been slow, almost to the point of being negligible. The median sales price for homes and condominiums now stands at almost $400,000. In comparison to the previous quarter, this represents a decline of almost 16%. In comparison to the previous year, the median sales price for homes and condominiums has decreased by almost 25%. Over the past five years, there has been a decline of almost 50% in the median sales prices.

This is particularly unfortunate, considering that Poipu is an extremely popular tourist spot, attracting tourists from all across the globe. The number of sales has also decreased, after going through periods of stagnation. The average listing price is now about $850,000. This represents a decline of more than 3% in comparison to the previous week. In comparison to the previous month, this represents a decline of 2.5%.

The average number of listings has, however, increased. This is indeed a ray of hope for the real estate market in Poipu, as long as an appropriate increase is experienced in the number of sales. There has also been a decrease in the average price per square foot. It now stands at almost $300 per square foot. This is a decline of almost 9% in comparison to the previous year. Real estate in Poipu has given any investor little reason to look at it as a safe and reliable place to invest, with guaranteed returns in the future. It is recommended that you wait for a few more months, to observe the market trends, before investing.

Mortgage rates

There are a number of reliable and registered mortgage brokers, lenders and banks in Poipu that give real estate loans at varying interest rates. The annual percentage rate varies depending on the principal amount of the loan, the number of years of expected interest payment and the type of loan that is preferred. The mortgage rates currently vary from 3% to 5% depending on whether the loans are 15 year, 30 year or 40 year fixed type. The mortgage rates have increased. This is however, expected as the median sales price has gone down and the number of sales have not substantially increased.

Realtors and brokers

There are a great number of real estate agents and brokers in Poipu who provide information about homes for sales and their prices. Open houses are highly recommended.

Community

Poipu has a close-knit community, with people from different backgrounds making up the population. They lead comfortable lives. The crime rates are fairly low. 

Posted in Poipu
Nov. 27, 2011

Moving to Poipu

Poipu is a coastal town located in Kauai County in the state of Hawaii. It is an extremely popular tourist spot. It is a wonderful place to live in, especially for those seeking to spend their lives in a calm and comforting environment. It is particularly an ideal place for senior citizens to retire, providing a comfortable ad relaxing lifestyle. The amenities are adequate and the town is well connected to other parts of Hawaii.

Climate

Poipu has weather conditions similar to that of any coastal Hawaiian town. The humidity is higher than land locked regions, and the weather is sunny and pleasant almost throughout the year. There aren’t any extreme climatic conditions. The town hardly experiences hurricanes or torrential rains. The precipitation is adequate to prevent water shortages or any water problems. The weather is ideal to enjoy summertime outdoor activities all through the year.

Temperature variations between day and night are not much, being only 10 to 12 degree Celsius. The warmest month of the year is September and the coldest month is January. In September the average temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit and in January the average temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The average precipitation is 44.11 inches. The wettest month of the year is December. February also experiences a fair amount of rainfall. Rainfall is otherwise evenly distributed almost throughout the year, ensuring that no month experiences any water shortages.

Real estate

Rentals – If you are looking to move to Poipu for a short period of time, it is recommended that you take up a house or condominium on rent. There are a large number of homes available on rent. Generally, one year leases have to be signed. The rent varies depending on the locality, size of the house and whether it is furnished or not. To have a good idea about the rates of houses on rent, do a quick survey of the neighbourhood.

Property – Real estate in Poipu is going through a rough patch. The median sales prices for homes and condominiums are low, and if you are looking to move to Poipu for a long period of time, now would be the ideal time to buy a house. There are a number of real estate agents and brokers who will guide you through the process of buying a house.  Also, a little amount of negotiation will go a long way in saving a lot of money.

People

The people of Poipu form a close-knit community. They are hard working and yet lead a peaceful and comfortable life. The racial make-up is diverse, with most of the population being white. The people are extremely friendly and hospitable. They are open to different cultures and make it a point to celebrate every one of them. They are welcoming and try to ensure that new residents don’t feel out of place.

Education

Poipu is not a great town in terms of education. The elementary and high school located in the town do provide quality education but the residents often look for alternate schools in nearby towns and cities.

Lifestyle

The people of Poipu lead a peaceful life. They have a comfortable standard of living. The crime rates are fairly low and the facilities available are adequate.

Economy

Most of Poipu’s revenue is from the tourism sector. Despite this, the per capita income is as high as $35,800. The median income for a household is $62,396.

Posted in Poipu
Nov. 17, 2011

Vacation Destinations - Kilauea

Kilauea is a beautiful town located in the northern shore of the Kauai County in the state of Hawaii. It is also a popular tourist spot. It is famous for its guava plantations and active volcanoes. In fact, every year tourists from all across the globe visit Kilauea’s crystal water beaches, the Lighthouse, the wildlife state parks and the historic Mt. Kilauea. It is a haven for snorkelers, divers, surfers, beachcombers, kayakers as well as volcanologists and nature lovers. Its pristine beauty and relaxed environment make Kilauea the perfect vacation destination. There is something in store for every member of the family, whether they want to engage in water sports and outdoor activities, or spend time at the beaches and spas.

Adventure sports

Windsurfing – Windsurfing is a popular water sport in Kilauea. Its beaches can be visited for engaging in this activity. For beginners, a windsurfing school is located near the Kalihiwai Bay.

Snorkelling – The beaches and bays of Kilauea are filled with a number of beautiful snorkelling spots. Snorkelling gear can be rented from any of the various shops that are located at the beach side. For beginners, guides are available who will accompany you on the trip.

Scuba Diving – Being a coastal area, Kilauea is home to a number of popular scuba diving spots. Scuba diving is truly an experience of a lifetime. Affordable gear can be rented from the many shops that are present along the beaches.

Places to visit

Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge – Located 0.5 miles from the city centre of Kilauea, this is a great place for bird watching, whale watching and viewing wildlife. The wildlife that can be viewed differs depending on the time of the day and season of the year. The view is truly magnificent and breathtaking. There is also a lighthouse which is present but cannot be climbed.

Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens – This is a fascinating garden, which not only has a number of exotic plants and flowers, but also has detailed and unique bronze sculptures. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and the tours are well worth the money. The garden is very well maintained and a must see when in Kilauea.

Na Pali Sea Breeze – This wonderful trip is one of the best ways to see the Na Pali coast. The trip in a beautiful catamaran takes you through sea caves, sea waterfalls and beautiful valleys. The crew is extremely knowledgeable, and you can engage in activities like snorkelling. The food provided is also excellent.

Kauai Kunana Dairy Farm Tour – Kunana Dairy is Kauai’s only dairy farm. This tour lasts only 2-3 hours but makes for a wonderful experience. The owners are wonderful and knowledgeable, and provide facts about organic farming throughout the tour. It includes refreshments, breakfast, cheese and fruit tasting. The farm tours, however, are there only on Mondays and Thursdays and advance booking is required.

Kauai mini golf – This is one of the most beautiful mini golf courses that you will find on the island. The entire course is landscaped with tropical plants. It is well-maintained and the staff are extremely helpful.

The beaches – No visit to Kilauea is complete without spending time at the pristine beaches. The Anini, Lumahai, and Kalihiwai Bay are the top recommended beaches. You can engage in a number of water sports in these beaches.

Shopping and restaurants

Kilauea is filled with a number of small shops and boutiques selling Hawaiian handicrafts and souvenirs. The Kilauea Fish Market and Lighthouse Bistro can be visited to experience authentic Hawaiian cuisine. 

Posted in Kilauea
Nov. 17, 2011

Relocation Tips for Kilauea

Kilauea is touted for its beautiful waterfalls, vast tropical rainforests wild terrains and green mountains. Not only is it a perfect vacation destination, it is also a wonderful place to live in.

Weather

Kilauea is a coastal town and its climate is typical of that of other Hawaiian tropical towns. It is rainy with sunny skies almost throughout the year. There are no extremities in climate conditions. It is rarely affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. The rainfall is adequate and ensures that there are no water shortages or water problems. The average precipitation in January is 1.28 inches and in June it is 0.33 inches. February is the wettest month, with an average precipitation of 9.89 inches. The gentle weather and acceptable average temperature are suitable for year-round summer activities. In January, the average temperature is 42.6 F while in July the average temperature is 59.3 F. In terms of weather, Kilauea is an ideal place to live in.

Real estate

Rentals – There are a great number of single family homes and condominiums that are available for rent. In general, one year leases are signed. The rent rates vary depending on the size of the house, its location and whether it is furnished or unfurnished. Ensure that you go through a trusted realtor and do a survey of the neighbourhood to get an idea of the rental prices. Renting a house or condominium would be the best option if you are moving to Kilauea for a short period of time.

Property – Kilauea Real estate is going through a rough phase but is expected to re-emerge. Thus, if you’re looking to stay in Kilauea for a long period of time it is advisable to buy a house instead of renting. The median sales prices are low, and the mortgage rates are affordable. It can also be seen as a long term investment with guaranteed returns as the real estate market is predicted to grow and expand.

People

The people of Kilauea form a well-knit community. They have a strong sense of culture and heritage and readily embrace new cultures. The population is about 2,200. Most of the residents are Caucasians and Asians. The people are friendly and hospitable. They are ready to offer help and try and ensure that every new resident feels a part of the community. They lead a relaxed and peaceful life, have a high standard of living and enjoy all the comforts that a modern town provides.

Education

Kilauea has a number of good public schools which provide quality education. There are approximately 17 students to every teacher. The government spends $5,927 on every student thus ensuring that every student is provided excellent education.

Lifestyle

The people of Kilauea enjoy a high standard of living. They lead a comfortable life. The quality of life is high and the cost of living is almost 67% lower than other American states. The crime rates are fairly low. The town is very well connected and the transportation facilities are good.

Economy

Kilauea’s revenue is dependent on tourism, culture and tropical products. The residents therefore try hard to promote the town’s culture, history and art. This fragile town’s fate is often moulded by intense volcanic activity. Thus, the government is also taking measures to boost the town’s potential with respect to tourism. The unemployment rates are low.

Posted in Kilauea
Nov. 17, 2011

Why you may want to consider Kilauea Real Estate

Kilauea is a small beautiful town belonging to the Kauai County, in the state of Hawaii. It is located on the northern shore of Kauai. In Hawaiian, the name Kilauea means “much spreading” or “spewing”. It is a census designated place and shares its name with the famous active volcano, Mt. Kilauea. The total area is about 1.5 square miles. Kilauea has grown to become a picturesque town that attracts visitors and tourists from all across the globe. It is a peaceful, coastal town which serves as a getaway from busy, fast-paced city life. Senior citizens will find this quiet town to be a wonderful place to settle down after retirement to lead their life in peace, tranquillity and comfort.

Market trends

Real estate in Kilauea has been going through a roller coaster ride. Over the past five years, the median sales prices have been dipping and increasing in a random fashion. They reached an all-time low in 2009 due to the country-wide real estate market crisis. Since then, it picked up momentum only to decrease again in the second quarter of 2010. The median sales price for homes increased sharply in the first quarter of 2011, only to decrease by over 45% in the second quarter. The median sales price is now $451,500. In comparison to the previous year, this represents a decline of more than 2%. Over the past five years, however, the median sales prices in Kilauea have decreased by almost 45%.

Real estate in Kilauea is undergoing a tough period. The number of sales, however, has increased in comparison to the first quarter of 2011, which is a welcome change. The realtors have responded accordingly, and the average listing price has therefore increased by 2%. The average number of listings has also increased. The average price per square foot now stands at $497. This is an increase of more than 30% in comparison to the previous year. There is thus a ray of hope for real estate in Kilauea as the overall US real estate market recovers, which makes Kilauea an optimistically safe location for long term investment.

Mortgage rates

There are a large number of brokers, lenders, and banks in Kilauea offering mortgages at different interest rates. In general, these interest rates depend on the principal loan amount, the number of years of expected interest payment, and the type of loan. The annual percentage rates vary from 3 to 4% depending on whether the loans are 15 year, 30 year or 40 year fixed type. With the recent increase in number of listings, and expected growth of real estate in Kilauea, it is expected that the mortgage rates will decrease further. It is, however, recommended that you compare and contrast the interest rates offered by different mortgage brokers before taking a call.

Community

The people of Kilauea form a well-knit community and lead a peaceful life. They have a strong sense of heritage and culture and have a comfortable standard of living. Majority of the people are Caucasians and Asians. The crime rates are low. 

Posted in Kilauea
Nov. 12, 2011

Relocation Tips for Koloa

Koloa is a quiet, beautiful town belonging to the Kauai County, Hawaii. It is one of the very few Hawaiian towns which have remained untouched and pure. This charming town is rooted in its plantation past and is located in close proximity to the city of Lihue, about twenty minutes west. With a population of almost 2000, this quaint town is one of the most peaceful places to live in. If you’re looking to travel back in time and live in the past, this is the town for you.

Weather

The weather is similar to that of any other tropical Hawaiian town. There are no extreme climatic conditions. Koloa is not affected by hurricanes or thunder storms. There is no snowfall. The amount of rainfall is adequate to avoid water shortages and water problems. The average precipitation in January is 1.28 inches, while in July it is about 0.64 inches. February experiences the heaviest rainfall, with an average precipitation of 9.69 inches. August is one of the driest months, with an average precipitation of 0.03.

The weather is generally pleasant and the average temperature is favourable. In January it is 34.6 F, while in July it is 51.2 F. The annual temperature range is also acceptable. The climate is more or less suitable for year-round summer activities. In terms of weather, Koloa is an ideal place to live in.

Real estate

Rentals – There are a great number of single family homes and condominiums that are available for rent. In general, one year leases are signed. The rent rates vary depending on the size of the house and its location. It is recommended that the neighbourhood is surveyed and its residents are talked to, to get an idea of the kind of rent rates.

Property – Real estate in Koloa is going through a rough phase. Although the market was promising in the first quarter of this year, the median sales prices have dropped in the second quarter. However, if you’re looking to move to Koloa for a long period of time, it is a good idea to buy a house. Since the rates have decreased and are expected to increase in the future, it is an ideal time to buy a house. It can also be looked at as a long term investment.

People

The people of Koloa form a closed-knit community. They take great pride in their history, heritage and culture. This is rather evident from the historical monuments and buildings that have been preserved over the generations. The people are helpful and accommodative. They are also extremely hospitable and try to ensure that every new resident feels welcome to the community. They embrace and celebrate every culture and lead a relaxed and comfortable life.

Education

There are a number of very good public schools in Koloa run by the Hawaii Department of Education. The people of Koloa are strong believers in quality education. The city of Lihue, which is the centre of education for the island of Kauai, is just twenty minutes away from Koloa.

Lifestyle

The people of Koloa enjoy a comfortable standard of living. The crime rates are very low and the transportation facilities are good. It is in close proximity to the city of Lihue, which is the centre for transportation in the island of Kauai.

Economy

Koloa is a relatively old town, and its revenue is mainly from tourism and agriculture. The per capita income is $16,224. The unemployment rates are fairly low. 

Posted in Koloa
Nov. 12, 2011

Real Estate in Koloa

Koloa is a small, homely town on the Island of  Kauai. In 1835, one of the first successful sugar plantations was started in this quaint town. In 1948, it was rechristened as the Grove Farm. This landlocked town has a total area of 1.2 square miles.

Koloa provides a relaxed ambience, especially favoured by tourists from the cities wanting a break from their fast-paced and exhausting city lives. It is also common to find many senior citizens in this town, who have settled down to lead their lives after retirement in peace. Due to the level of preservation of old buildings, monuments and culture of Hawaii, this town serves as a great cultural and historical hub of the region, which makes real estate in Koloa a growing market.

Market trends

Over the past five years, Koloa real estate has gone through many ups and downs. The median sale price reached an all-time low in 2009, when the real estate crisis was prevalent throughout the country. However, real estate in Koloa re-emerged, with increasing value for homes and condominiums. In fact, in the first quarter of 2011, the median sales price for homes shot up considerably. In the second quarter, however, there was a decline of 8% and it now stands at $460,000. In comparison to the previous year, this represents a decrease of almost 15%.

Over the past five years, however, the median sales prices have decreased by over 35%. The number of sales, after increasing in the first quarter of 2011, has decreased in the second quarter. The average listing price, however, has increased. This is a sign that realtors are beginning to expect more from real estate in Koloa. This also gives reason to hope that Koloa real estate will grow. The number of listings, however, has decreased. The average price per square foot stands at $452. This is an increase of almost 9% in comparison to the previous year. There is hope for real estate in Koloa and it is expected that the market will expand.

Mortgage rates

There are a large number of mortgage brokers, lenders and banks in Koloa who offer mortgages at varied interest rates. The mortgage interest rates vary, in general, depending on the principal amount, number of years of expected interest payment and the type of loan offered. The annual percentage rate varies from 3-4% depending on whether the loan is 15 year, 30 year or 40 year fixed type. It is recommended that quotes are obtained from different sources to get a general idea of the kind of mortgages offered. There are also a number of websites available online that calculate mortgages depending on the city and type of housing.

Realtors and brokers

There are a great number of real estate agents and brokers in the area. They offer homes for sale at different rates, depending on the type and size of home required, and its location. To get an idea of the Koloa real estate prices in a locality, it is good to do a survey of the neighbourhood and talk to its residents. Open houses are highly recommended as you can explore the house without any pressure from the realtor.

Community

The people of Koloa form a well-knit community. The racial make-up is diverse but they lead a peaceful life. They strongly value their history and culture and take great pride in their historical monuments. The crime rate is fairly low. The standard of living is high, and the residents lead a comfortable life.

Posted in Koloa
Nov. 12, 2011

Top reasons to visit Koloa

The people that live in Koloa take great pride in the town’s history and culture. Hence, a large number of monuments have been preserved. It is homely, and has some of the oldest buildings in Hawaiian history. Tourists from all across the globe have been attracted to this town’s heritage. There are a great number of popular tourist spots. You can never be short of things to do in the quiet town. Whether you’re looking to experience a slice of history, travel back in time, engage in adventure sports or spend a holiday in a relaxed ambience, this town has it all.

Adventure sports

Scuba diving – Shops such as Seasport Divers offer excellent yet affordable rental equipment and offers tours accompanied by experienced and well trained guides. Koloa has a number of popular scuba diving spots nearby.

Snorkelling – Koloa is in close proximity to a number of secluded and pristine beaches where there are a great number of beautiful snorkelling spots. There are shops in the town which sell rental equipment at affordable rates. If required, experienced and trained guides can also be hired.

Hiking – Koloa Heritage Trail is a ten-mile long biking and hiking trail. It is completely free of cost, and provides a scenic walk and ride through Koloa’s rich culture and heritage. It is one of the best ways to explore the town’s spectacular landmarks.

Horseback riding – CJM Country Stables offer excellent horseback rides amidst Koloa’s beautiful scenery. The horses are well-groomed and the staff is well trained and extremely helpful. It makes for an ideal family activity.

Tours and places to visit

Z Tour – This fantastic tour on the south shore of the island of Kauai is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime. The guides are knowledgeable and extremely nice. Riding the raft and swimming with sea turtles truly make for amazing experiences.

Koloa’s History Centre – For a true experience of Hawaii’s history and rich culture, Koloa’s History Centre must be visited. The staff there does an amazing job of explaining the history of this beautiful town. The tour is a highly informative journey through the town’s past.

Sugar Monument – Koloa is home to one of the oldest sugar plantations in Hawaii. The Sugar Monument and sugar mills attract thousands of tourists from all over the globe annually. It has been preserved over generations and adds to the appeal of the town.

Art galleries – Art is an integral part of Koloa’s culture. Art galleries and art shows regularly showcase the town’s growing artistic talent. The artists make some truly magnificent paintings and artefacts.

Shopping and restaurants

Koloa is home to a number of old fashioned storefronts, which have exquisite collections of Hawaiian art. There are a great number of small shops selling authentic Hawaiian souvenirs. Koa Wood Jewellery and Hale Mana are speciality shops that sell, among other things, antique jewellery. To experience true Hawaiian cuisine, local restaurants must be visited.

Koloa also has a number of bars and clubs. Stevenson’s Library is a great place for tourists. It is a top-notch bar, built out of priceless and rare Koa wood. Papalani Gelato offers the best ice creams and desserts. Koloa Fish Market must be visited if you’re looking to have authentic Hawaiian food. The sushi is excellent and the service is wonderful. Tidepools is another beautiful restaurant that serves great food. The Beach House specialises in seafood and is located amidst a beautiful landscape

Posted in Koloa