Site Review: The Ko'a Kea Resort at Poipu Beach

The Ko'a Kea is the closest property to the sea on the Garden Isle.

Nestled on Kaua'i's sun-drenched south shore, the award-winning Ko'a Kea Resort offers the island's closest accommodations to the ocean, providing guests with stunning sea views. This boutique hotel is situated between the Sheraton and Marriott properties but feels like an oasis unto its own with a lush garden lawn area and pristine outdoor pool area. The resort is adjacent to Brenneke Beach, a popular spot for snorkeling and viewing Hawai'i’s beautiful green sea turtles. It is also a stone’s throw from Poipu Shopping Village, where there are many shopping and dining options. On the way, stop into the Little Fish Coffee Poipu, a local fan favorite.

Poipu's famed green sea turtles

Property characteristics & vibe

The Ko’a Kea is considered a mid-century modern landmark. Built in the 1960s as the Poipu Beach Hotel, the structure survived Kaua'i’s 1992 hurricane. Rebuilt as the Ko’a Kea Resort, the hotel features the original lanai balcony lattice work, giving it a quintessential Hawaiian feel. Refined yet relaxed, the property has a tranquil and romantic atmosphere, featuring island-inspired decor and a serene ambiance. The inviting lobby sets an overall tone exuding a casual, elegant and soft luxe vibe.

Rooms & accessibility

The resort's 121 rooms and suites boast private lanais or balconies with ocean or garden views. Each room is equipped with modern comforts such as Nespresso coffee machines and a welcome bottle of Trinitas wine (chilling in the room’s convenient refrigerator), compliments of the resort. Guests are treated to well-branded niceties such as soft robes, flip-flops and, of course, a Fora welcome note. Upon entering my room, I was delighted to find a beautiful lei, chocolates and a lovely photo frame of my family — a thoughtful touch. Property accessibility features include elevators, lift chairs at the pool and a hot tub for guests with mobility needs.

Service & property amenities

The pool scene

The spirit of aloha and mahalo define the guest experience, with dedicated friendly staff to assist with any needs. Guests enjoy personalized service in the spirit of ohana (family) with amenities such as a full-service spa (you can also have an oceanside massage in one of the resort’s cabanas!), a fitness center, fire pits and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. The saltwater pool area offers a quiet place to soak up the sun or take a dip. A lava rock hot tub is a cozy spot to relax before grabbing a bite or cocktail from the pool bar/café.

The fire pits are the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Activities

Surf lessons, anyone?

In addition to daily yoga on the lawn overlooking the ocean, guests can partake in lei making, enjoy traditional Hawaiian live entertainment or indulge in a management meet-and-greet with Trinitas wine and appetizers on Tuesdays for all guests. Hoku Watersports has a kiosk on site to purchase sundries, sign up for surf lessons or rent paddleboards, kayaks and snorkeling equipment. Kaua'i, known as the Garden Isle, offers many beautiful sites and excursions. The Ko’a Kea concierge can assist with any inquiries regarding hiking Waimea Canyon, a trip to the Na Pali Coast, Kaua'i safaris, retail therapy at The Shops at Kukui’ula and much much more!

Dining

A dinner sampling at Red Salt

The highly recognized Red Salt restaurant offers gourmet dining with ocean views as well as curated room service for those wanting to take their meal in the comfort of their room. Red Salt’s outstanding cuisine will impress discerning palates. Celebrate the morning by sampling an island mimosa flight featuring pineapple, mango and POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava) juice paired with decadent lemon pineapple souflee pancakes or indulge in some fruits of the sea at the sushi bar or dive into a sumptuous plate of lobster gnocchi. The pool bar/café also has a robust food and beverage selection while grab and go items can be found in the lobby area.

Unforgettable experience

The Ko’a Kea is known for it’s Pa’ina Dinner, a gathering party series that takes guests on a five-course culinary journey. This al fresco, oceanside experience awakens all the senses as Hawaiian culture comes to life with aroma, sight, sound, touch and taste. Local ingredients and fresh flavors create delicacies paired with rum or wine from a curated menu by the Ko’a Kea’s executive chef.

An invitation to the Pa'ina

This property is a hidden paradise that welcomes those lucky to share in its beauty.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Kaua'i page.