Koloa

Koloa is a historic South Shore town known for Old Koloa Town, sugar plantation history, shops, food stops and its location near Poipu beaches.

View overview Plan Your Visit
Koloa

Koloa, Kauai

Koloa, also known as Old Koloa Town, is a fast growing tourist destination located 12 miles (19.3 km) from Lihue and 3 (4.8 km) miles from Poipu. In 1835, King Kamehameha III leased the land to Ladd and Company, which made Koloa the first sugar plantation town in Hawaii.

A visit to the Koloa History Center and a tour of the nearby Koloa Heritage Trail will give you an insight into the sugar industry. Here you can also see the remains of an old sugar mill.

Key Features

Historic South Shore town inland from Poipu
Old Koloa Town has shops, food stops and plantation-style storefronts
Known for Hawaii's first successful commercial sugar plantation
Tree Tunnel Road is the scenic approach from Kaumualii Highway
Close to Poipu Beach Park and Kiahuna Beach
Spouting Horn, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden are nearby
Good stop for a short walk, meal or shopping break
South Shore location makes it easy to combine with beach time
Plantation history remains a major part of the town identity
Population: 2,348 at the 2020 Census
ZIP code: 96756

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Koloa mean?

Koloa is the Hawaiian name for the native Hawaiian duck. The town name is also closely associated with Kauai's early sugar plantation history.

Why is Koloa important in Hawaii sugar history?

Koloa is known as the site of Hawaii's first successful commercial sugar plantation, established in 1835. That history is still reflected in the town's old buildings, plaques and plantation-era character.

What is Old Koloa Town?

Old Koloa Town is the walkable historic center with shops, small restaurants, plantation-style storefronts and local displays connected with the area's sugar history.

How is Koloa different from Poipu?

Koloa is the inland historic town with shops, food stops and plantation roots. Poipu is closer to the ocean, with beaches, resorts, vacation rentals and south-shore visitor services.

What nearby places are easy to visit with Koloa?

Poipu Beach Park, Kiahuna Beach, Tree Tunnel Road, Spouting Horn, Allerton Garden and McBryde Garden are all close enough to combine with a Koloa town visit.