Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort

Located in the heart of Kauai’s sunny south shore, Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort occupies an enviable oceanfront position next to Poipu Beach. With 121 rooms and a modern low-rise exterior, it offers an intimate feel and a modern tropical style.

The guestrooms and suites have an understated elegance, with calming neutral tones offset by vibrant Hawaiian accents. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, modern technology, and garden or partial ocean views, though it’s worth splashing out on a prime oceanfront room.

Red Salt Restaurant serves modern Hawaiian cuisine made from locally sourced seafood and produce, while the bar offers cocktails and Asian nibbles.

The swimming pool sits amid gardens with ocean views, and there’s a full-service spa with oceanside cabanas. The onsite watersports hut offers activities along with surf lessons, and the hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore, from hiking in Waimea Canyon to kayaking on the Hanalei River.