Poipu Beach on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii is one of the most perfect spots on the island. Poipu (crashing waves) town has less than 2,000 residents, but the population swells each day as tourists and locals flock to the large beach area and the high-end hotels (including Sheraton, Outrigger, Hilton), shopping, and restaurants. It’s about 13 miles from the airport in Lihue.

The picture above shows Shannon and Lauren in the Poipu Beach Park. Behind them near the rock wall is what many call Brennecke’s Beach, where Body Boarding is excellent but can be treacherous. I’ve had successive waves hold me down underwater after taking a dive from my board. The experience (as surfers and boarders know) can be quite unnerving if not downright frightening.

To the photo’s right is Brennecke’s Broiler restaurant and downstairs is a snack shop. There’s public parking here and an excellent children’s play area and restrooms. There’s also a semi-enclosed beach for Keiki (children) that’s only about two feet deep with a great view and a curved beach surrounded by grass.

The main Poipu Beach area offer’s great snorkeling, a small island where Monk Seals sleep (protected – stay away!) and a long curving beach below several excellent hotels.

In the photo below you can see the first expanse of the beach and some waves out about 100 yards that offer some decent surfing. They are on the other side of the sand on the right where the beach is much longer. Keep in mind that it’s a bit of a paddle to the waves and there’s lots of coral reefs to your left as your head back to shore. Don’t go out alone!

Kauai offers a half-dozen traditional and naturopathic doctors plus the Natural Health Clinic in Lihue – near the airport.