The Villas at Poipu Kai

Composed of six Hawaiian plantation-style buildings, The Villas at Poipu Kai have an intimate, homey feel. So homey in fact that the hotel doesn’t even have a lobby or a reception desk. Thanks to automated key pads on each door, guests don’t even need a physical key to enter their villa. Upon check-in, guests can literally drive up and walk in to their condo. The hotel’s atmosphere is quiet and lacks the general chaos that’s often associated with the larger hotels in the area. With such large accommodations, The Villas at Poipu Kai cater to friend groups and multi-generational families. Singles and couples may find villas to be a bit too roomy.   

Located in Poipu on Kauai’s sunny south shore, The Villas at Poipu Kai are ideally situated for travelers seeking a relaxing beach vacation. Poipu is a small resort town filled mostly with hotels and restaurants. Nearby Koloa has lots of great shopping and dining options as well. Though the hotel is not located on the beach, Brennecke and Poipu, the two nearest swimmable beaches, are within a 15-minute walking distance, or about a four-minute drive. The Villas at Poipu Kai are about a 25-minute drive from Lihue Airport.  

Rooms at The Villas at Poipu Kai are nothing short of incredible. Thoughtfully designed and luxuriously appointed, villas begin at 1,600 square feet, with penthouses culminating at 2,000 square feet. The massive spaces are bright and open, with beautiful Hawaiian decor and comfortable island furnishings. Since each villa is individually owned, decor varies a bit from room to room but all villas feature Tommy Bahama furniture, plantation-style kitchens with KitchenAid and Subzero appliances, travertine bathrooms, high capacity washers and dryers, and multiple flat-screen TVs. The open concept kitchen/living/dining room serves as the main living space in each villa. A wall of retractable glass doors opens up onto the villa’s private lanai, which not only extends the living area, but also gives the space a combined indoor/outdoor feel. 

Kitchens have gorgeous plantation-style cabinetry with custom hardware and granite countertops. Kitchens feature both KitchenAid and Subzero appliances, including a full-size refrigerator, a glass top oven/stove, microwave, and a dishwasher. The huge center island has a white farmhouse sink, and four bar stools on the opposite end. Cabinets are stocked with every kitchen item imaginable -- silverware, place settings, glassware, stemware, coffeemakers, toasters, rice cookers, slow cookers, blenders, tea kettles, storage containers, pots, pans, mixing bowls, grilling equipment -- you get the idea.   

Each villa has two master bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. The first master suite boasts a king-size four poster bed, a large walk-in shower with dual shower heads, and a separate soaking tub. The second master suite, while not as decadent as the first, has a king-size sleigh bed, a walk-in closet, and a two-person shower with dual shower heads. The third bedroom has two twin beds and a shared hall bathroom.  

Design junkies and lovers of custom decor should without a doubt upgrade to the four-bedroom custom penthouse. Rich textural details, custom Koa wood furniture, and stunning local artwork set the custom penthouse apart from other rooms. Plus, the room’s four separate lanais, Tempurpedic mattresses, and private elevator entrance make it feel extra special.     

There aren’t many amenities or services at The Villas at Poipu Kai, and some travelers may feel that that nightly prices are a little steep for the hotel’s lack of features. There aren’t any poolside services, and you won’t find attendants offering you towels or fresh fruit cups. Instead, the mid-size pool remains fairly quiet throughout the day. The pool is ideal for both adults and children. One half is deep enough for swimming, while the other half features a shallow ledge for little ones to play on. There’s also a neat water fall that runs past a small hot tub and into the pool. The pool isn’t surrounded by a traditional patio, but instead by soft green turf and large stepping stones. There are a few scattered lounge chairs around the pool, and well as a few tables and chairs next to the two barbecue grills in the far left corner. The pool area is gated and is reserved solely for hotel guests’ use. Guests can find their pool key on their kitchen island upon check-in. 

Other than the pool, there is a small fitness center located in the clubhouse. The clubhouse isn’t a communal space, as much as it’s the place where guests can find hotel managers during the day. The fitness center is small, with a few cardio and weight machines, as well as some free weights. There is no on-site restaurant or spa, and the nearest swimmable beach is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Parking and Wi-Fi are free for all guests.