POIPU BEACH PARK, KAUAI

Head to the south shore of Kauai to visit one of America's best beaches (The "Travel Channel" once named Poipu America's Best Beach). The inviting waters of Poipu make it very popular with visitors, locals, and even with local marine life. From November through March, it’s not uncommon to spot humpback whales spouting off shore. Large green sea turtles also swim in these waters.

But Poipu Beach is most famous for being a place where the endangered Hawaiian Monk seals sometimes sunbathe unabashedly on the shore. There are roughly only 1,300 Hawaiian Monk Seals remaining and about 20 swim in the waters of Kauai. The law requires that you give these endangered animals plenty of space on land and in sea.

Snorkeling in Poipu reveals a variety of colorful fish including the state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Or if you just want to relax, simply pack a picnic and spend the day with the family. There's no better way to end your day in Kauai than watching a stunning sunset in Poipu.

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