From shopping to snorkeling, Poipu has something to satiate every traveler’s fun craving. In fact, this south-side Kauai town has expanded so much over the years in vicinity and extra curricular, it prompted the surrounding resort community to launch a pilot shuttle service for visitors.
For an eight-week period during the 2013-2014 holiday season, the shuttle runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It follows a 30-minute scheduled route that includes, The Grand Hyatt, Poipu Kai Resort, Poipu Shopping Center, The Shops at Kukuiula, Lawai Beach Resort, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kiahuna Plantation, Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, Poipu Beach Park and the Pointe at Poipu.
Although the shuttle is not free, it is still very affordable to ride. It costs $2 per person, while children under the age of two ride of free. The Poipu Beach Resort Association chose the perfect time to launch the program; hopefully it prevents people from drinking and driving during the holidays, especially those who choose to hop from one hotel bar to the next.
Many seem to be in support of the new shuttle service. It’s very similar to resort shuttles found on neighboring islands that are offered complimentary to guests. Those have proven to work very well because the services are not only convenient but cost-effective as well.
Hopefully the Poipu shuttle service becomes a more permanent fixture beyond the holidays. The parking lot near Poipu Beach can get pretty packed no matter what the travel season. Less rental cars on the road would mean less traffic, less parking congestion and less auto break-ins.
Intra-Poipu Shuttle Service
• For shuttle schedule, visit www.poipubeach.org
