Sometimes you want a quiet night, with just the surf for aural company. Sometimes you want exemplary service sans someone standing over your shoulder at every moment. Sometimes you want to relax poolside without being splashed by a child perfecting cannonballs. Many resorts promise contemplative nights, unobtrusive service and kid-free solitude but few really deliver. Koa Kea Hotel & Resort on Kauai accomplishes all three, and more.
Situated on Po’ipu Beach on the island’s south coast, Koa Kea, which means white coral in Hawaiian, is strategically positioned to offer guests a fun-filled yet relaxing vacation. The hotel has 121 rooms and suites, all with private balconies, some with spectacular ocean views, perfect for watching the sunset or sunrise. Rooms are decorated in neutral tones with pops of sea blue, red and coral on beds and bolster pillows. Bathrooms have marble floors, large showers with ledges for shaving and modern fixtures. Sleep away the sightseeing on the comfortable king sized bed but beware of the sharp edges of the frame if you get up in the middle of the night.
The hotel is one of only a two on this side of the island. The boutique property is on a small plot of land, making it easy to get to and from the valet or the beach. Koa Kea sets itself apart from other properties due to it’s adult-only policy. This makes for a calm dining experience at Red Salt, the hotel’s signature restaurant, and an even more relaxing time by the large saltwater pool and hot tub. You never have to worry that you may run over or be run over by an excited child. The beach is small but perfect for snorkeling. Head a little further down the stretch of sand for some great surf.
Red Salt restaurant serves affordable Continental cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Menu standouts include the Roasted Kalaheo Beet Salad, the Togarashi Crusted Ahi Tuna in an orange reduction and Pan Seared Ono with sake coconut broth.
Rates start at $445 for garden view rooms and $1625 for suites.
Contact www.koakea.com
