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Legend has it that Kauai's southern coast was once guarded by a giant lizard goddess named Kaikapu.
And it's not hard to see why she — or anyone — would be so drawn to the place. While much of the rest of the island is known for dramatic cliffs, rugged mountains, and thick rain forests, the south shore is marked by a series of relaxing cove-like beaches with gentle, reef-protected waters. Once rated one of America's best beaches, Poipu Beach Park attracts surfers in the summertime and snorkelers during the winter months, a twist on the average Hawaiian surfing cycle thanks to strong summer winds.
But it's not just human visitors who enjoy this area. The coastline also attracts humpback whales and endangered Hawaiian monk seals, as well as the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. And what happened to Kaikapu? According to local lore, she got trapped in a lava tube along the coast while chasing an area boy who was trying to trick her, and she now roars and sprays water out of the rocks at the famous Spouting Horn blowhole.
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Kauai's southern coast is home to two National Tropical Botanical Gardens, which burst to life this time of year. McBryde Garden is home to the scenic Lawa'i Stream and the largest collection of Hawaiian plants on the island, while Allerton Garden is best known for its dramatic rain forest landscape. And if that huge, twisted banyan tree looks familiar, you might recognize it from the background of Jurassic Park!
Pay homage to Kauai's plantation past with Koloa Plantation Days, a 10-day festival in July that features coastal hikes, a grand parade through the streets of Poipu and Koloa, and a traditional paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) cookout and rodeo at CJM Country Stables.
Mid-October through early December is peak harvesting season at the Kauai Coffee Company in Kalaheo. Take a guided walking tour of the estate and learn all about how your java gets from bean to cup. The best part: You'll get a chance to taste the estate's many coffee flavors, from dark-roasted peaberry to chocolate macadamia nut.
While the majority of the country is bundled up for winter, Kauai still sits comfortably in the high 70s — perfect weather for a round of golf! The Poipu Bay Golf Course played host to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006, and its 18 holes offer amazing views of Poipu Bay on one side and lush tropical mountains on the other. Keep an eye out for native Hawaiian nene geese, monk seals, green sea turtles, and even humpback whales as you tee off.