The Koloa Tree Tunnel on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was severely damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Still, within a few years, it was back to providing an incredible, graceful canopy over the road to Koloa and Poipu Beach from Highway 50. Today, unlike this photo from 20 years ago, the trees are full, and the drive is safe but much darker!

Koloa (long cane with a crook) has a population of about 2,000. To the south, the community is bordered by Omao and Poipu. Hawaii’s first successful sugarcane plantation was located here in 1835 at what became Grove Farm in 1948. 

Born in Koloa at Ho’ai, Kuualu, Hawaiian heir to the throne, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi made his home in the area and served as the US Congress Republican delegate in 1903. He was a proponent of traditional Hawaiian healing methods, known as lāʻau lapaʻau, which have been an integral part of Hawaiian culture for centuries. His own history is legendary.

Today, Koloa town is quaint, with several churches, including the oldest on the island – Saint Raphael Catholic Church. Shopping at several restaurants, such as Sueoka Market and Fresh Shave Hawaiian Shave Ice, is fun. Banks, the Koloa US Post Office, and the road (Highway 520 – Koloa Road) leading to Poipu are nearby.

Some highlights you might enjoy, including Poipu Beach, Makauwahi Cave, and Kaneiolouma Complex, are close. Spouting Horn is nearby, and the outdoor market has many arts and crafts booths. For golfers, Poipu Bay Golf Course is highly rated along Poipu Road.

Poipu and its Keiki Beach are excellent, as our daughter was found at two and a half years of age!

There’s also plenty of shopping at Poipu Village!

Enjoy!