Resembling an over-sized waterspout from a whale's blowhole, the gusher of water from Spouting Horn has the potential to get you very wet. Swells from the Pacific Ocean funnel into this ancient lava tube, located on Kauai's southern coast. The larger the swells, the higher the spout. Think of it as the Hawaiian version of Old Faithful. Perhaps not as timely, but it is just as photogenic. Hotels and condos are available just east of Spouting Horn Park in the Poipu Beach area.
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The Kauai Adventure Inn is laid back, intimate and totally Hawaiian. Surrounded by a banana grove and tropical vegetation, this three-room property is only a five-minute walk to the beach and a mile from Spouting Horn. The inn has only three rooms, but each has its own personality. Malia Kai, which means “sweet waters,” is the honeymoon suite complete with in-room jetted tub for two. Kipu Kai, or “tranquil waters,” overlooks the banana grove. Koa Kai, meaning “coral waters,” is the smallest and the quietest. All guests have access to a shared full kitchen. Guests are invited to the property's Sashimi Sundays to try some local seafood. Kauai Adventure Inn arranges airport pickups and car rentals if needed. Kukuiula Village Shopping Center is less than a half mile away.
Walk into your deluxe oceanfront condo and come face to face with a wall of glass facing the Pacific Ocean. Slide the patio doors open to reveal a large furnished balcony and the sound of waves slapping on sand and lava rock. Whaler’s Cove offers you the extra space and convenience of condo living with the pampering of a luxury hotel. The on-site concierge will even stock your refrigerator and pantry before your arrival. Manicured grounds surround an expansive free-form pool and furnished deck area. One and two bedroom condos are also offered in both oceanfront and ocean-view categories. Located just over a mile from Spouting Horn, this is one of the closest and most decadent properties on the western end of Poipu.
The Sheraton Kauai is less than two miles east of the blowhole, sitting on its own relatively rocky beach. It is the closest major hotel to Spouting Horn. Offering 394 rooms on its 20 acres, the Sheraton Kauai offers three separate sections. The Ocean Wing and the Beach Wing are closest to the water. The Garden Wing, which has its own swimming pool, is separated from the other two by a service road and most rooms are about a three- to five-minute walk to the beach. The Ocean and Beach Wings hug the shoreline, offering mostly ocean front views. This is where the Ocean Pool and activity center are located. Also on property are tennis courts, a fitness center, an Internet library and the full service Hawaiian Rainforest Spa. Restaurants on site, all on the beach side of the property, include Shells and Naniwa Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar.
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Sitting next to the Sheraton Kauai, the Poipu Kapili is a luxury condominium complex fronting the Pacific Ocean. Work on your tan at the pool and barbecue complex or out on the tennis courts. Relax in a one- or two-bedroom condo, most with ocean views. Four of the seven buildings offer ocean-front condos with furnished patios that are just steps from the sand. High ceilings, abundant windows and tropical decor make this 60-unit property even more inviting. Walkways take you past fragrant flower and herb gardens. An on-site guest book and video library is available. The closest market is Big Save at Koloa, a little more than a mile away. If dining out is your pleasure, it is only a three-block walk to the restaurants at the Sheraton Kauai and another two to the Plantation Gardens Restaurant and Bar. For something more low key, Puka Dog offers Hawaiian style hot dogs, about a half mile away.
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