Kaua'i - Hawaii - page 982

The landing waned after the road system was built; it was abandoned in the 1920s.
Today only a small boat ramp remains. Underwater, it's another story: Koloa Landing is
popular for snorkeling and the best shore-diving spot on the South Shore. Its protected
waters reach depths of about 30ft and it's generally calm all year. See underwater tun-
nels, a variety of coral and fish, sea turtles and monk seals. The best sights are located to-
ward the west.
Surfing
Although the north and west shores get all the publicity, waves break on the South Shore
in the summer time, and Poʻipu has three notable surf breaks.
PK's MAP GOOGLE MAP - short for its nameasake, Prince Kuhio - is soft breaking
and generally good for beginners, unless a big swell rolls in. Centers is a shallower, hol-
low wave for more experienced surfers only. Acid Drop only breaks when the swell is
big because it's deeper out, but when it's on it lives up to its name. Beware the bad trip.
Experienced surfers and bodyboarders can also attempt the breaks near the Sheraton
( Click here ) , but the waters are famous for sneaky sets (rogue waves that appear from
nowhere) and the rocky coast makes it difficult to get offshore and back. Cowshead
MAP GOOGLE MAP , the rocky outcropping at the west end of the beach, is an ex-
tremely challenging break unless you know how to approach the channel. Expert surfers
can attempt offshore spots such as First Break MAP GOOGLE MAP in front of the
Sheraton, but beginners should always remain inshore. Waiohai MAP GOOGLE MAP ,
at the east end of the beach in front of the Marriott Waiohai Beach Club time-share, is
good for surfers of all levels and breaks left and right, but use caution, as the reef gets
very shallow very quickly here.
Poʻipu is a popular spot for surf lessons. We recommend the following outfits, which
all meet at the beach.
Kauaʻi Surf School SURFING
( 651-6032; www.kauaisurfschool.com ; 2hr lesson group/private $75/175; ) With 90
minutes of teaching and 30 minutes of free practice, you get your money's worth. A good
outfit for children, with a special one-hour private lesson for kids aged four to 12. Also
offers multiday surf clinics and surf escort services.
Garden Island Surf School SURFING
( 652-4841; www.gardenislandsurfschool.com ; Poʻipu Beach; 2hr lesson group/couple/private
$75/ 120/150; lessons 8am, 10am, noon & 2pm) The lesson includes one hour with an in-
structor and one hour of free surfing. Four students per group; minimum age is eight for