The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook - Poipu Kai Resort

Aerial View

350 units, 9 tennis courts with pro shop, 6 pools (though you’ll have access to only 2), 2 spas (though you’ll have access to only 1), free hi-speed Internet access, bbq areas throughout. This sprawling 70-acre resort sports lots of open ground, widely varied units and close proximity to the Hyatt, its restaurants and shops. Although many rental agents represent Po‘ipu Kai, Suite Paradise and Aston have the most units. Suite Paradise generally has better rooms at lower rack rates, but Aston deals with most of the tour package companies, which sometimes get good rates for you. If you book it yourself, do it through Suite Paradise. (Their numbers are the ones listed first.) For some reason they charge for local calls from their units.

The resort is so varied it’s hard to sum it up. Po‘ipu Kai is divided into five condo areas (and many homes) with the Po‘ipu Sands and Manualoha condos having the best beach access. Next to the Kahala condos are 8 of the tennis courts and the main pool/spa for the entire complex. Manualoha has a nice pool with a good view of the ocean. The Makanui, Kahala and Regency I areas will have the most road noise. In some “ocean view” units, the ocean is only visible if you break your neck in two places and hang it out the window, but generally, 2nd floor units will have better views. Some bedrooms at the Kahala and Manualoha condos may consist of a loft with limited privacy, so be sure and ask. The units themselves are all clean, but most are not particularly remarkable and many need updating.

Prices generally depend on view and time of year. Suite Paradise 1/1 units (approx 1,017 sq. ft.) are $148–$470, 2/2 units (approx 1,114 sq. ft.) are $167–$513, 3/2 or 3/3 units (approx 1,260 sq. ft.) are $232–$446. Price decreases if you stay more than 7 nights.

Aston 1/1 units are $289–$575, 2/2 units are $375–$629, 3/2 or 3/3 units are $495–$819. Daily maid service is included with Aston and a $10 “amenity fee” which includes local calls, coffee daily and a couple of other items.

The Parrish Collection Kaua’i (800–325–5701) also has units here. Two sections of Po‘ipu Kai called Regency II, The Villas at Po‘ipu Kai & Regency Villas are handled in separate reviews because they have a separate rental agents and are sooo different than the rest of Po‘ipu Kai.