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    Pono Kai Resort

    3.4 (167 reviews)
    ModerateHotels
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    Updated 2 months ago

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    One bedroom unit
    Nicole W.

    The room we got was nicely done and updated. It's not a fancy resort, so weren't expecting a lot. We were pleasantly surprised. The beach in front of the resort isn't the nicest. It's full of plastics floating from the Pacific into this beach. Everywhere are shiny, multicolored pieces of plastic. In the water while you swim, all over the sand. There isn't a patch of beach not covered in plastic bits. Kinda gross and really sad. The bedroom doesn't have AC. If you use the fan in the living room and point it towards the bedroom, it will push the cold air into the bedroom. Only bad thing is you can't close the door now. Kitchen was fully stocked, outside grills in several locations were clean. The pool isn't anything fancy, but it's still nice to wind down the day. Front desk was pleasant and helpful, overall we had a nice stay.

    Gross debris all over the beach
    Rhondi S.

    Condos are a bit dated (70's), but clean, nice staff and well maintained grounds. I have to knock off 2 stars because they didn't communicate that the pool and jacuzzi were being remodeled and not available during our stay; if we're knew this, we would not have stayed here!! Oh, if you want a pool they have suggestions for $100/day and 20-45" away! Close to the beach, but not maintained!! It was gross with washed up wood, sticks, plastic crap and needless to say...yes needles on the beach - they need to get rid of the debris!!! As mentioned nice staff.

    Jeremy K.

    I wouldn't go as far as saying Pono Kai is an actual 'resort'. We exchanged our time share unit to stay here & this 'resort' has some oddities to get used to. The pool is pretty small & the towel rental policy is a bit over kill. You're only allowed four towels per day & they won't allow you to exchange them mid day. You're forced to wait until the next day to get fresh towels. So if you go to the beach & want to come back to the pool. Prepare to use the same beach towel.... The grounds are very open & well maintained. Beautiful views of the sunrise if you're lucky enough to get a unit with a view. Highly recommend getting a ground floor unit to make walking the premises easier to the beach, etc. We found some of the laundry units were not functional or did not work very well. Although we had a relaxing time here. This hotel feels closer to like an old timeshare, rather than a Hawaiian 'resort'. It does not give you that ultimate Hawaiian vacation vibe. It does give you more motivation to get out & explore however.

    Cockroach

    A mid resort, I like the size of the room and I like the luxuries of the resort. The beach right outside is nice but that's where my praises end. First of all the tv is so old you can't connect anything to it and secondly, the reason for the one star is because of the ROACHES. My mom was showering and saw a GIANT roach. The thing was genuinely the size of my hand. I managed to get it outside but I've never been more disgusted in my life. Not only that, right as I settled down on the foldout bed I saw a small brown spot on the wall and I joked that it was another roach and IT WAS. Fucking nasty

    Lucky Gecco
    Marshall G.

    Update after two weeks. We are on the second floor of three floors. Our top floor neighbor is so loud with two women in Hard shoes that clatter when they walk. After a week we complained, requesting no hard shoes. Well aloha, would have been to do so. They chose the opposite and doubled the activity, added furniture moving and all middle of the night bathroom trips. It's a lot of effort to aggravate me and it doesn't now because it's my last stay here. . In 30 years of my family being Owners at Pono Kai this would fall in the "biggest pain"category. Too bad, no bueno. Adios Baby!

    Beach outside of the hotel
    Erin P.

    My friends, husband and I stayed at Pono Kai Resort for 1 week during Thanksgiving 2022! We were very lucky to have an oceanfront, ground-level room, allowing us to have easy access to a nice beach and a beautiful view of the ocean. Then sunrise each morning was absolutely beautiful, and it was neat seeing so many people awake during and on their patios to watch it! One guest even did sunrise yoga, using the free yoga mats provided by the hotel. The hotel provided many rentals, including beach towels, robes, board games, card games, yard games, etc. They also had a pool, hot tub, a workout room with a few machines and free weights, pickle ball/tennis courts and hammocks, so there was plenty to do. Additionally, there was a running path in-between the hotel and the beach, which went on for miles. Nothing quite like running along the ocean during sunrise! There were also activities that you could do for $25 (yoga, hula dancing, lei making, etc.) Although the room wasn't incredibly updated, it fit our needs and we really enjoyed it! Also, a huge shoutout goes to housekeeping/maintenance!! Our microwave broke on Thanksgiving evening, while we were cooking food, and they were VERY quick to replace it!

    View from J306 two bedroom with loft
    Seafaring L.

    Well kept grounds and some free amenities like yard games and morning coffee in the lobby. We stayed in a two bedroom plus loft room J306. It's supposedly updated but the appliances are old, as are the pots, pans and kitchen stuff. The knives were very dull and quite a challenge to cut with. The room was nice except the west facing second bedroom has no AC so it was unbearably hot. They put an oscillating fan in there but it doesn't make it sleepable. Room J306 balcony faces east so you do get to watch the sunrise from your room and you can see a little ocean from your balcony. The Pono Kai offers activities for a fee of $25 per person per activity, which was unexpected as other resorts offer them for free. They do have a rental shop in the lobby which was quite convenient but short hours. The beach running alongside the resort was lovely and the kids had a great time playing in it. Pono Kai is located walking distance to markets, shops, dining and bakeries. There are grills and an herb garden guests may use. There is also a comfortable room where you can lounge and store your luggage with fridges so your food doesn't spoil while you're waiting for your room or a flight. The resort does provide mini shampoo, conditioner, soap, dishwashing liquid, plus all towels and bedding. You get two in room coffee packs upon arrival but if you want more you'll pay $2 per singles use pack at the front desk. You borrow beach / pool towels at the pool desk and if you don't return them it's $25 per towel. You can also borrow board games and puzzles to take back to your room.

    Can't beat location for sunrise runs/walks.
    Lin Z.

    We had a recently refurbished fab 1 BR plus loft unit on the 3d floor of Bldg F with lanai facing the ocean (via Interval timeshare trade); although just 1 bath, this unit could fit 4 very comfortably and privately (no ac in the BR tho, so could be warm in summer with BR door closed). Pono Kai is friendly w/ laid back vibe and primo location next to a coastal beach trail in Kapaa, pretty much equidistant between N and S beaches and ab an hour from Waimea canyon; really can't be beat unless you're looking to be directly on a white sandy beach or want $$$$ luxury. Went for scenic sunrise runs each morning, and could see whales breaching from our lanai. It's an older property, but very clean and kept up well. Great staff, house & groundskeepers! Mahalo!!!!

    Pretty grounds.
    Georgie H.

    Spent 3 nights here as a VI member. Didn't know what to expect but it was everything we needed for a short stay. Glad we got an oceanfront ground floor unit so the view was of the lawn and ocean, and we could walk right out. Never got up early enough to see the sunrise but the pics look great. Is it always this windy - felt like being home on Maui. Not much to complain about except minor housekeeping things but they are probably short staffed right now. The king size bed was the best. Lots of fluffy white towels. Smart TV meant we could log into Prime and more. Grounds were well kept. Big pool and spa and pool attendant to provide more towels. I like the wide oceanfront sidewalk that goes north for miles (?). The location was perfect - walk to shops and restaurants including Island Crave. Drive north or south to see all the sights of the island and return here with little effort. We'll go again when we need a small vacation.

    Entry into the resort

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    6 months ago

    The resort was terrific and all of the workers (especially the Filipina ones) were so friendly and helpful.

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    2 years ago

    This is very cozy private resort. Close to beach and walking distance from the shops.

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    2 years ago

    Loved staying here and Steven made our visiting so special we got to see him feed the fish and he was so helpful with recommendations !!!!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Pono Kai Resort

    Is this place in a good area?

    It's walking distance to shops and restaurants. But even though it's oceanfront, the beach area is not usable and there are homeless people that camp on the beach (they kept to themselves, weren't a bother). For nice beaches, you would need to drive… Read more

    How is the resort. Nice clean?

    Immaculate

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Pono Kai Resort

    :-) Every morning I was greeted with 5 cats and some roosters when I opened the door to see the sunrise.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay - Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay - Pool

    Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

    (385 reviews)

    $$

    Very middle of the road hotel for Kawaii, works in a pinch for the budget. Of note: pools are…read moremediocre at best and cold, hot tub was alright but out of service one afternoon. Nice location next to Lydgate Beach park and an amazing playground area if you have little ones. Tiki Bar is pretty meh food wise, Garden Grill has a good breakfast though. Rooms are pretty spotty. First one we got was very run down but we switched to a slightly more modern one that was better. Specifically need to shout out to their employee Curt - dude is by far the best hotel employee I've ever encountered. He was amazing, helping us with our bags, then helping again to switch rooms, entertaining my 2.5 year old, giving him multiple presents for no reason and allowing him to feed the fish. He was so kind and funny and just the best. Without him, our experience would have been much less memorable.

    4/29/26: Weeeellllll, this place ia the motel 6 of Hiltons. This hotel should NOT be classified as…read morea "Hilton" property. We were locked out of our room (cottage 3121) for forty five minutes yesterday, because the battery to the outside door lock died. Then, later that evening, we had to call maintenance again because the inside lock is broken. 4/30/26: we decided the price was not worth this crap hole. When we went to check out and cancel our week reservation, they didn't even try to remedy any situation. We are Diamond Hilton member's and there are pretty much zero perks for us loyal customers. Still had to pay $25 a day for parking! Like....come on. Pro: bed was comfy We ended up booking a airbnb instead. So we'll be paying a little more for our trip, but its worth it. I would seriously avoid this property if you can. But if you are on a budget, it might be okay. Make sure to look at all of the reviews!!!!

    Kauai Shores Hotel - 2 beds suite

    Kauai Shores Hotel

    (350 reviews)

    $$

    Everything about this hotel was great except for the parking…read more The lot is very small and if you come back after 7pm, you probably won't find a parking spot. The valet is free though. They just encourage you to tip the valet every time. The rooms were spacious and clean. The lanai (balcony) was great also. We stayed on the 2nd floor and my kids would sit and eat outside thanks to the amazing Kauai weather. I like the filtered water dispenser machines throughout the property. We didn't have to buy water because we re-used the water bottles they gave us. There's a restaurant on the property that we did not get to try. The hotel is located on the beach also. Too bad the waves were too rough so we did not go in the water there. There are 2 pools and 1 hot tub. You can also rent free bikes to bike around the property. The front desk person said there's a bike trail we can bike for a few miles. This hotel is only about 10 min from Lihue Airport also.

    Overall: 9/10…read more PARKING: The lot is small, but they have complimentary valet, so it's no issue. They even have a free text message program where you just click on the link to retrieve your car, they will get it for you while you are walking to the valet circle. Reduces time and inefficiency, great perk!! HOTEL: It is not a part of a larger hotel chain or corporation. The buildings are old and retrofitted, but honestly I am picky with hotels, and this place is great. It is on the beach, maybe not a good idea to go for a swim on that shoreline, but just being so close to the ocean is wonderful. Each room has a quiet AC unit, and a ceiling fan. They offer Kauai Coffee K-Cups to use in the Keurig in your room. Includes disposable hot cups, little creamer cups, and sugars. All rooms have mini fridges. They have a handful of kitchenette rooms if you needed a sink, bigger fridge, and microwave. All rooms have a lanai, the 1st floors have a lanai that leads directly to the lawn or pool area outside your building. There are 2 pools, 1 hot tub, and fire pit, lawn games, and beach cruiser bikes you can borrow (for free!!) to cruise around by the hotel. There are free filtered water stations around the property. There is even a free photo booth in the corner of the lobby, and it prints out 2 strips of 3 photos, so retro! The Lava Lava Restaurant is on site, and a good option. NEARBY: The hotel is also located next to Coconut Marketplace which includes a large general store (it's the same company as ABC stores) but they also have prepared foods, coffee bar, and smoothie bar. There are also restaurants over there to choose from, and small shops to browse. Just past that shopping center, there is also a Long's Drugs (aka: CVS) if you want to go for a long stroll.

    Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa Kauai by Outrigger - Sunrise Greeters

    Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa Kauai by Outrigger

    (179 reviews)

    This was our first visit to the island of Kauai and wanted to stay in an area on the east side of…read morethe island. After looking at prices and reviews we decided on this location. We arrived early in the day so we're not able to get into our room but the staff held our luggage and recommended a few places to eat and watch football. Once able to get into our room which was on the 3rd floor looking over the pool area but far enough away from the noise. The room was quite large with a great kitchen area with granite counter tops and nice appliances. Also a large bathroom with tub and separate shower area as well as two toilets. It was a one bedroom. There was a small lanai off the bedroom and you could open the sliding door from the living room. There was also a washer/dryer in the room. The view from the room looked over the whole pool area which has a winding pool that you can walk around over to the main pool. They also had gas grills to use and many people did. One note is if you open the sliding door in the living room area and don't match up the line in the top of the doors, the air conditioning doesn't go on. We thought the air conditioning quit. After calling the front office someone came within an hour. Told us about the line. We also had an issue with the washer and after a call to the front desk a maintenance person was there within an hour. The staff we interacted with were very friendly and very helpful. Giving us recommendations for a place for fresh fish to grill. There is also a small restaurant which we tried a few nights for some drinks and appetizers. The views of the ocean are great. There are also chairs to sit on the beach area and enjoy the water. The beach is not large but very clean and nice to relax at. There is a shopping center across the street to buy things for the condo. We will stay here again next time in the area.

    Beautiful, spacious condo with two master suites and 3 bathrooms. Views are gorgeous from the…read morebalconIES. It's a newer 2005 property that is well-maintained and our condo G302 had access to the most gorgeous sunrises. Beach is not recommended for swimming, but the complex has a beautiful pool that the kiddies will love. I appreciate having a well-appointed kitchen that gives you a lot of flexibility in planning your day. Safeway is conveniently across the street.

    Waipouli Beach Resort - Hibiscus in the garden

    Waipouli Beach Resort

    (97 reviews)

    This is the beach to catch the most amazing sunrises!…read more The sounds of the waves plus the picturesque scenery makes the place ideal.

    I wish I could give zero stars…read more Our stay started off on the wrong foot, and unfortunately, it set the tone for the rest of our trip. We checked in, and right away, the room wasn't impressive. There was a strange scent lingering in the air--like something was being covered up with multiple plug-ins. Everything felt dated: the furniture, the decor. The kitchen looked decent with updated appliances, but that was about it. We tried to brush it off and went to the pool (which looked much smaller in person than in the photos), then came back to the room. That's when the real nightmare began. My youngest daughter went to take a shower in one of the bathrooms. Moments later, I hear screaming. I run in and see sewage--yes, actual dark, smelly sewage--coming up from the shower drain. My daughter is crying, I'm shaking, and the stench is overwhelming. We immediately called the front desk, and someone was sent to "unblock" it. I begged the manager to move us to another room due to the smell and potential health hazard, and all he said was: "There are no rooms. You can check out, or stay and we'll send housekeeping." Excuse me? This isn't a spilled drink--they're talking about cleaning up sewage with a mop? I asked if they planned to professionally decontaminate the area, and the answer was no. Just their regular housekeeper. It wasn't until I was clearly desperate--three kids, nighttime, a trip we booked months ago--that they finally offered to send us to their sister hotel for one night. But we'd have to pack up, drive there, then return the next day--basically waste precious time and energy. This was a special occasion trip. We paid extra for an ocean view, and it was supposed to be an anniversary celebration. And to make things worse, nobody seemed to care. The manager responded with a condescending tone like I was overreacting. He actually said, "These things happen once in a blue moon." Okay--then have a plan for when they do! It honestly felt like he thought he was doing me a favor by offering a one-night refund or a small room at a different hotel. No real apology. No accountability. Just a lot of shrugging and gaslighting. We ended up staying, but were only refunded for one night. The second bathroom was out of commission (we didn't feel safe using it), so our whole family had to share one shower for the rest of the trip. The awful smell never fully left the room. Also--the in-unit washer and dryer? The washer smelled horrible, was full of sand, and looked like it had mold in the plastic lining. Just gross. This whole experience left a horrible taste in our mouths. I honestly don't understand how this place is being managed. If the rooms are owned by individuals and managed by this hotel group, do the owners even know how badly things are being handled? What was supposed to be a beautiful anniversary trip with our kids turned into one of the worst travel experiences we've ever had. Stay far, far away from this place!!!

    Pono Kai Resort - hotels - Updated May 2026

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