Get to know these neighborhoods on the sunny south side of Kauai
Many people know the south side of Kauai as Poipu. The portion near the ocean is known as Poipu however there are many other residential areas nearby. I love the south side of Kauai for its weather, sunsets, central location with a quick drive to Lihue and more.
Like most of Hawaii not all homes are in ‘neighborhoods’ often homes are scattered around the town and random roads. Here are the neighborhoods on the south side of Kauai.
Poipu
There are a lot of vacation rentals and hotels in Poipu however there are a lot of residential homes. Along with beach front property. The general rule of thumb for vacation rentals in Poipu is that everything left of the round about in Poipu is allowed to vacation rental and is in the Visitor Destination Area (VDA). However there is an exception to Weliweli track which is an older subdivision. This neighborhood does not allow vacation rentals and was originally built to be worker housing. Now homes sell well over $1M in the area.
A few neighborhoods are Weliweli track which are older track homes. However homes in this area still go for over $1 Million dollars. This area does not allow for vacation rentals. This subdivision has some charming older homes and a park up top. Its also possible to walk across the m
Poipu Kai these homes are vacation rentals and have an HOA. There are residential homes in Poipu Kai along with condo projects.
Poipu Aina Estates is a cute little subdivision with a great central location in Poipu. Homes here can be vacation rented.
Kiahuna Plantation where homes can be vacation rented. I’d say the majority of these homes are not being vacation rented tho.
Kukuiula is a very high end neighborhood on Kauai. In fact it’s about as high end as it can get on the South side of Kauai. Homes in this neighborhood are very expensive and are custom built. They must have a plantation style flare which I love that rule. This community also has a fairly high HOA payment over $2,000+. However that $2,000+ does cover a lot and helps to maintain its beautiful club house and pool. The wealthy must not have time to swim because whenever I am there the pool is never crowded. The spa there is also lovely.
has their own set of rules regarding vacation rentals. Certain areas are allowed weekly vacation rentals others are allowed monthly rentals.
Koloa
There are a few neighborhoods in Koloa. Koloa is inland of Poipu where Koloa town is located. In Old Koloa Town you can find grocery stores like Big Save and Sueokas store. Along with lots of restaurants and shops to name a few Kauai Juice Co., Kenji Burger, Brianne and Co. The local post office is located in Koloa town along with a few coffee shops!
The joy of having a home in Koloa is the easy access to walk into Koloa town and of course being close to Poipu. Koloa is not located in the VDA so you will not find many vacation rentals here. Kauai does have a few vacation rentals scattered in residential non VDA areas. These have been grandfathered by the county or are illegal.
Search for Koloa and Poipu Homes Here
Omao
Omao is located above Koloa and is not located in the VDA, so no vacation rentals allowed. The weather in Omao and Lawai is a lot wetter compared to Koloa and Poipu. Omao named after the color green in Hawaiian ‘oma’oma’o. It is often raining in Omao where the grass is always green. Omao is a 5 minute drive down to Koloa and a 15 minute drive to Poipu. Homes in Omao vary greatly. Big homes, little homes, new homes, old homes.
There is a cute neighborhood park in Omao, a church and aside from that mainly residential homes.
Lawai
Lawai is directly west of Omao. It has a similar feel to Omao and similar weather. There are quite a few businesses and eateries in Lawai along with the Lawai post office. There is a 7-11 store, Adventist Church, The shops at Warehouse 3540, Lawai Market, and the Lawai trading post. Lawai is also a very quick drive to Poipu. There are different areas in Lawai the main ones being Lawai Hillside and Lawai Valley Estates. Lawai like Omao is a great central location. It’s close to beaches and eateries and close to the highway for quick access across the island. Here is one of our latest listings for sale in Lawai Hillside.
Kalaheo
Kalaheo is on the South-Western side of Kauai. Many people enjoy Kalaheo for its cooler weather and quick access to the west side of the island. Many people who have to work on the west side of the island like at the Pacific Missal Range or the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital will choose to live in Kalaheo. This neighborhood is not located in the VDA.
Kalaheo is mainly a residential area however there are some great restaurants! Like Brick Oven Pizza, Kalaheo Cafe, The Right Slice and Kauai Cookie restaurant.
There are a few different subdivisions in Kalaheo. One of the newer ones in Kalaheo are the homes of Kekela Makai. Kekela Makai is an HOA subdivision with a club house and pool. Kalaheo is very hilly and therefore boasts lots of ocean views. Kekela Makai has an ocean view from just about every property in the subdivision.

View from Kekela Makai Subdivision