Koa Kea
Kauai, Hawaii, United States of America
At a Glance
Boutique hotel located right on the ocean front at Poipu Beach
Contemporary and stylish hotel, recommended for adults and older families
Home to one of the best restaurants on the island, Red Salt
Chic suites with direct ocean views, ideal for whale watching in season
Easy reach of local shops and restaurants in the Poipu area
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Kauai is a year round destination with a tropical climate, with the very best months being April to September. Temperatures are high throughout the year but never excessive, as humidity levels are manageable. There is a rainy season from December to March which is also ironically, the tourism high season, when the scenery is at its most lush and long, hot days break up the rainy spells.
Insider's View
Try the lemon soufflé pancakes at breakfast, well worth the 25 minute preparation wait
The Ocean Front Suites are the perfect place for whale watching in the winter; go for the second floor suites for the best views
Call us on 020 3993 8245 to start planning your holiday to Koa Kea or take a look at our itineraries to United States of America
Description
Koa Kea is set on the water's edge in the pretty beach area of Poipu on Kauai's South Coast. It is one of the smallest luxury properties on the Hawaiian islands and offers a contemporary feel and relaxed intimacy, ideal for couples and older families.
Tucked away in a semi circle to make the most of the ocean views and spilling out on to spacious lawns, perfect for sunbathing, Koa Kea offers a relaxed and tranquil experience in this pretty area of the South Coast of Kauai.
Although not set directly on the beach, this boutique hotel offers direct ocean views and is often a prime spot for whale watching from its ocean front balconies during the winter months. A short climb across the rocks on the Western side of the hotel brings you to Poipu Beach, one of the most swimmable and popular beaches on Kauai and a prime spot for keen surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
Within the gardens, a pleasant freeform pool is perfect for a refreshing dip and the pool bar is a welcome meeting spot for guests to socialise and enjoy sundown cocktails or lunchtime snacks.
Set back behind the pool, the stylish and modern lounge is a tranquil space to relax in the evening and the superb Red Salt Restaurant offers imaginative and tempting cuisine next door. It's considered to be one of the best restaurants on the island with it's tantalising flavours.
For guests looking for a more intimate environment who don't require the full facilities of a resort hotel, the Koa Kea is a little gem of a hotel, with modern comforts and a home from home feel, right on the ocean's edge.
Accommodation
There are 121 contemporary styled rooms set with either partial or full ocean views. The Ocean Front rooms are particularly desirable with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The Oceanfront Suites are the most lavish of the accommodations with two private balconies and a separate lounge and King bedroom.
All rooms are designed with refreshing colours and a modern feel. Each features a flat screen TV, air conditioning, safe, bath robes, nightly turn down service and complimentary WiFi.
Childcare
Children are welcome at the hotel, however, there are no particular facilities in place for them and the feel of the property is definitely more adult orientated. Connecting rooms are available, however cannot be guaranteed in advance. One child can share with two adults in the Oceanfront Suites.
Facilities
There is a lagoon style swimming pool surrounded by terraces and lawns with plenty of sun loungers. A poolside bar offers drinks and snacks throughout the day and there is also a watersports hut where guests can rent snorkel gear and water sports equipment. There is a fitness centre and the Spa at Koa Kea offers soothing and rejuvenating treatments in it's treatment rooms, on the oceanside or in room.
Red Salt restaurant offers fine dining in the evening and a sumptuous a la carte breakfast each morning. The lounge is a relaxing space to enjoy at any time of the day.
Valet parking is available and is included in the resort fee.
Activities
The hotel is just a short stroll from Poipu Beach and surfing lessons and equipment rental can be arranged for guests. There are a number of excellent kayaking routes close by, including the popular Poipu to Port Allen course with a stop in Lawai Bay or the Napali Coast. Catamaran trips to the Napali Coast and deep sea fishing are available. From November to May, whales inhabit the waters around the island and this is a prime time to go whale watching or simply view from the shore. There is also excellent snorkelling and scuba diving around the island which can be arranged from the hotel.
Reviews
Anna Bleasdale (Staff)
If you're looking for low key contemporary style in a beautiful setting, this is the place for you. Koa Kea is about as close as you will get to a boutique hotel on the island. With only 121 rooms and suites, it's certainly one of the smallest and has managed to retain personalised and friendly service too. It's right on the ocean and the ocean front suites are definitely the way to go if you would like the most comfort and space whilst also be able to gaze right out to the horizon. Come in whale season and this is the best place to see these incredible creatures breeching and blowing pretty close to land. Despite the location, the hotel isn't right on the beach, large boulders are beneath the sea wall for the waves to crash on to and guests wanting to feel the sand between the toes must head down to one side of the property to climb over a few of these boulders first. Once there though, you have a lovely stretch of sand to enjoy and warm water to paddle in. Once again, swimming here is subject to the wave conditions. Back at the hotel, there's plenty of gardens to relax in as well as an attractive pool and a poolside bar which is always a sociable spot. Whilst the hotel is happy to take families, it is definitely more adult orientated with no particular children's facilities; it's more about pool time, a cocktail or two and fine dining at the superb Red Salt restaurant, Koa Kea's in house option, particularly popular in the area. All in all, if you don't need the 5 star trappings of a resort hotel and are happy to have a relaxed environment and a great base for exploring Kauai, this could be just the place for you.
Experiences
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Jurassic Falls Helicopter Adventure
Take to the skies on an incredible 25 minute helicopter adventure which allows you to see Kauai from the air as most is inaccessible by land including Hawaii's most famous waterfall, featured in the movie Jurassic Park.
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Kuilau Ridge Trail
Located just north of Lihue, no other trail on the island offers so much and asks for so little. Easy enough that children can enjoy it, this 4.5mile trail offers glorious views of the Makeleha Mountains and beyond. Pack a picnic and spend the day here.
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Mountain Tubing Adventure on Kauai
This fun adventure takes place in the old irrigation ditches of a plantation in Lihue and is the only tubing experience in Kauai. A great activity for the family, float through beautiful scenery, flumes and tunnels on a 3-hour journey.
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Na Pali Coast Boat Trip
Explore the stunning Na Pali coastline on a 65 foot Gold coast Yacht Luxury Sailing Catamaran. Spend the day onboard or making the most of swimming or snorkelling in the sparkling blue water.
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Na Pali Coast from the air
Take one of the world's most thrilling helicopter rides along the Jurassic Coast on Kauai.
Fly over lush valleys dotted with waterfalls, Waimea Canyon and the impenetrable Na Pali coast known for its towering razor sharp cliffs and secluded beaches
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Saddle up on Kauai
Enjoy a spectacular horseback ride on a working cattle ranch taking in views of the famous Hanalei mountains with the striking blue Pacific in the distance. Learn about Paniolo cowboy history and Hawaii’s magnificent flora and fauna.
Holiday Ideas
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Essential Hawaii
Oahu, Big Island, Kauai
from £4000 pp inc flights & transfers for 5 nights
- Visit three different islands to get a taste of Hawaiian culture and lifestyle
- Experience the iconic Na Pali coastline from a luxury catamaran
- Take a private guided tour of Pearl Harbor
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Hawaiian Islands for Teenagers
San Francisco, Kauai, Big Island & Los Angeles
from £5100 pp inc flights & transfers for 14 nights
- An itinerary that can be enjoyed at any time of the year
- Enjoy adventures galore from snorkelling with manta rays to helicopter flights over volcanoes, surfing and river tubing
- Stay at fun and family-friendly accommodation throughout with plenty of facilities for the whole family
Location & directions
Kauai, Hawaii, United States of America
Oceanfront location on Poipu Beach(although not directly on the sand). Koa Kea can be found to the south of Kauai.
How to get there
10-hour direct flight from London to West Coast America then 5-hour 30-minute direct flight over to Lihue on Kaua'i. It is a further 15-minute drive from the airport to Koa Kea.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator
Stay on the UK site
Go to the USA site