Sometimes you just need a vacation, and no, I don’t mean a vacation where itineraries are so jammed packed that going over your step count is a guarantee—I mean a vacation where the hardest question is, should I lounge by the pool or by the ocean?
Well, if this kinda thinking sounds like it’s just what the doctor ordered, then a visit to the Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach is most certainly recommended. Located on the southern tip of Kauai, the intimate resort is a must if you’re in serious need of some proper rest and relaxation. Founded in 2009, the boutique property is an oceanside retreat for stellar service, farm-to-table dining and spa services that all tap into the spirit of aloha—what more could you want?
Why stay at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach?
The purpose of a visit to a Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach is a simple one: to relax. And it is quite easy to accomplish that, just one look at the outdoor courtyard and you’ll soon be transported. The lush communal area is a welcoming sight, peppered with all manner of flora and fauna and swaying palm trees. It centers around a curved pool decorated with realistic-looking lava rocks and a hot tub, circled with a mix of lounge chairs and cabana beds. It’s easy to grab one and post up for the day, only taking a break to saunter over to the tiki-thatched hotel bar for drinks and bites. And if said sauntering is too much of a trip, you can always order tableside thanks to handy QR codes found at each chair.
However, the best view is perhaps found at the edge of the property as the resort is brushed up against the breaking shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. Finding a lounge chair on the turf and drinking it all in is nothing short of heavenly.
What are the rooms like at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach?
One hundred and twenty one rooms sit on the property, several of which look straight out onto the ocean beyond, but even in the Partial Ocean View Guest Room where I stayed, I only had to walk to the patio door for a look at the waves brushing the shore.
This suite was comfortably spacious enough for one, with a large king bed fashioned with a coral and capiz shell headboard, a desk area with a wicker chair and a small chair in the corner for lounging. The marble-heavy bathroom had a walk-in shower and a built-in seat, plus two shower functions, including a rainfall shower head. Each room houses a Nespresso coffee maker, plus a mini fridge (which comes with a bottle of wine on the house, if you’re of age, of course).
Every room also has a small patio or lanai space off the sliding door. It isn’t necessarily private, but it is an ideal spot for a morning breakfast or a landing place for quiet contemplation.
While the yellow, brown and gold color palette nods to the scenery found among Kauai’s gardens, the room does read a tad outdated. The sandy carpets paired with dark and heavy woods, including a massive wooden structure where the TV is mounted, make the room appear smaller than it is. But that doesn’t prevent it from exuding a sense of calm sanctuary mirroring the nature outside.
Where are the best places to eat and drink nearby?
Named after the red-tinged salt that’s sourced strictly from Hawaii, The Red Salt is the property’s classy restaurant. Here, it stays true to the rhythm of the island, sourcing goods from the spices grown in the fields to fish plucked from the surrounding waters. Chef Cary Roy runs the ship here, whipping up benedicts supplied with plenty of plump lobster in the morning to selections from both land and sea served at dusk. The restaurant also leans on the flavor of Asia with a separate sushi menu, which features spicy dishes like nigiri and handrolls.
But, if you happen to time your visit, you can reserve the monthly dinner, Pa’ina Dinner Series. Served on the first Thursday of the month, chef Roy showcases what’s fresh in the season all served near the water’s edge in a beautiful private cabana. A recent visit yielded uni toast with black pearls of caviar and two preparations of hamachi—one prepared as sushi, the other a delicate and grilled cut from the meaty jowl of the fish. Each course gets a pairing, for my visit, neat pours and cocktails only using Macallan scotch was on the docket. The intimate experience does provide an even closer connection to it all—the guests, the chefs and the ocean (but it will set you back $295 per person).
After something more casual? The pool bar has just the thing to stave off any hunger. Think refreshing bites and entrees like poke bowls with pink chunks of ahi tuna and blackened mahi mahi tacos. Of course, cocktails by the water are most certainly a thing with mai tais and pina coladas, next to wines and Hawaiian-based beers on order.
And if you’d rather leave the property for the day, just a short drive away is Merriman’s. It’s nestled inside The Shops at Kukui‘ula shopping center and is all about locality, as its walls are dedicated to farmers and ranchers who supply it. Visit at sundown to catch live music playing out to say farewell to the sun over the water.
What is the service like at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach?
Friendly and warm, almost like returning home. It was a common occurrence for staff members to recognize repeat guests (some of whom, I discovered, have stayed at the hotel three, four and five times over). The staff is always quick to be kind, offering a free sample of smoothies at the pool or shaking up an extra coffee if they overhear you’ll be on the run all day.
What amenities are offered at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach?
Early risers can start the day with movement as the hotel hosts free sunrise yoga and pilates classes right on the turf. On the second floor of the property, you’ll find a full gym with free weights, machines and a Peloton bike, but if you’d rather work up a sweat in your room, the resort also offers a free 30-day membership to Alo Yoga so you can practice long after you’ve packed your bags.
Koʻa Kea Resort is also home to a full-service spa with facials and massages that utilize hot stones, CBD and Hawaiian botanicals. For the ultimate relaxation, you can book an oceanside massage, perfect for a solo session or for couples. Keep in mind, the cabana is semi-secluded, as an entryway to the beach is only a few feet away.
But speaking of the beach, Hoku Water Sports also resides on the property: start your day on the sand with surfboards, snorkeling gear and paddleboards for rental. If you’re looking to get a little adventurous but don’t have the pedigree, the one-stop shop also offers semi-private and private surf lessons right at the resort before hitting the water.
What’s the area like around Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach?
While it’s a lively scene, Poʻipu Beach still retains a sense of calm with kids playing in shallow waters on boogie boards and surfers catching waves in the breaks beyond.
Even the ocean’s sealife finds the beach to be a draw, as it’s common to find sleeping sea lions right off of the lifeguard stand. At night, sea turtles also find their way to shore, finding much needed rest until sunrise. Keep in mind: these animals are wild and protected by the people of Hawaii, so mind the partitions and be respectful.
Why should you book a stay at Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach?
If rest and relaxation are on the agenda, Koʻa Kea Resort is the place to find it. With such romantic views, the hotel is an easy magnet for newlyweds and anniversaries, but families of all kinds are also welcome to soak it all up.
DETAILS
Address: 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Price per night: $671 per night, varies by season
Closest transportation: Flying in from Lihue Airport, a drive to the resort is about a 30-minute scenic ride.
Book now: via Booking.com
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