The south shore, with its sunset view and miles of white-sand beaches, is a great place for nightlife. At the far end of Poipu, Stevenson's Library at the Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort & Spa, 1571 Poipu Rd., Koloa (tel. 808/742-1234; www.kauai-hyatt.com) is the place for an elegant after-dinner drink with live jazz nightly from 8 to 11pm. Dress in casual resortwear (no tank tops or flip-flops) for this wood-lined bar with comfy, overstuffed chairs. You can be mesmerized by the fish in the big saltwater aquarium, or engage in activities like pool, billiards, or chess. For those so inclined, tinkle the keys on a grand piano.

Also in Poipu, Keoki's Paradise, in the Poipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr. (tel. 808/742-7534), offers live music Thursday and Friday evenings from 8:30 to 10pm. The cafe menu is available from 11am to 11:30pm. Hawaiian, reggae, and contemporary music draw the 21-and-over dancing crowd. No cover.

The Poipu Shopping Village offers free hula performances every Monday and Thursday at 5pm in the outdoor courtyard.

Down the street at the Sheraton Kauai Resort, 2440 Hoonani Rd. (tel. 808/742-1661), The Point, on the water, is the Poipu hot spot. A deejay spins Top 40 hits for dancing on Friday from 9pm to 1:30am,. Saturday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30pm, local groups play contemporary Hawaiian music for a mellower mood. There's no cover charge.

Beyond Poipu, in the old plantation community of Hanapepe, every Friday is Hanapepe Art Night from 5 to 9pm. Each art night is unique. Participating galleries take turns being the weekly "host gallery" offering original performances or demonstrations, which set the theme for that art night. All the galleries are lit up and decked out, giving the town a special atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll down the streets of quaint, historic Hanapepe town and meet the local artists. Also in Hanapepe on Friday night, the Hanapepe Café, 3830 Hanapepe Rd. (tel. 808/335-5011), is open for dinner from 6 to 9pm and has live music.