Most folks head to the southern side of Kauai for three reasons: sunshine, sand and sea.

The beaches are certainly a worthwhile attraction, ranging from the rugged sea cliffs of Maha’ulepu to the playground equipment and “baby pools” at Poipu Beach Park.

Body surfers love the shore break at “Brennecke’s,” sightseers thrill at the saltwater geyser spewed from the “Spouting Horn Blowhole,” surfers worship the waves at “PK’s” and divers appreciate the clear waters of Koloa Landing, Kauai’s first port.

Yes, Kauai’s southern shore beaches are a very big draw, and a great place to spend hours of your vacation time. Still, they aren’t the only reason to visit a region steeped in history. To reach Kauai’s southern shores, turn left from Kaumualii Highway onto Maluhia Road. It’s also known as the “tree tunnel” for the shady canopy formed by trees planted on both sides of the road.

It will deliver you right into downtown Koloa, a cute little town that has retained its authenticity and appeal while shifting from sugar to tourism. You’ll find many enjoyable boutiques and restaurants occupying the old, wooden buildings along the main street.

This is where Hawaii’s sugar industry was born, the site of Kauai’s first plantation. You can still spot the tall, rusting smokestack of the old mill on the outskirts of town.

Although the sugar fields are gone and have been replaced by pastures, corn, golf courses and luxury homes, the agricultural heritage remains. It’s celebrated each summer with Koloa Plantation Days, a week-long festival packed with activities and events.

Small as it is, Koloa is bigger than Lawai and Omao, the other two towns along Kauai’s southern coast. They also have agricultural roots—pineapple was grown and canned here—and some people still grow tropical flowers or run small vegetable farms.

The hilly landscape is green and rural until you hit the coast, where it becomes dry, almost desert-like, except for the lushly landscaped grounds of the many hotels and condos strung all along the shoreline. This is Poipu, the largest resort community on Kauai. This is the place to watch a picture perfect sunset.

The climate and coastal views appeal to golfers, who can play at several first-rate courses, following in the footsteps of Tiger Woods. You can also tee-off at resort links, even if you’re not a guest. If you’d like to spend some time among tropical plants and flowers, visit the McBride and Allerton Gardens, which are managed by the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Self-guided and guided tours are available, giving you a chance to see tropical plants collected from throughout the world, including some of Hawaii’s rare natives. Allerton is a former private estate, with reflecting pools and statuary tucked among the landscaping.

Best of all, the “southside” is small enough that you can check out the sights, and still have plenty of time for the beach. Remember the sunscreen!