Max H.
Yelp
We decided to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary (02-02-02 -- 2-2-22) on Kaua'i. Using a variety of online searches for a condo on the South coast, we settled on Poipu Plantation Resort thanks to reviews like this. I don't think we could have made a better choice. We were here 2-1-2022 to 2-08-2022.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Maddy and Pete (the owner), and informed that we would be staying in "Norfolk" -- a beautiful, 1-br ocean-view unit (instead of "Mango" -- a partial view unit -- which I had booked, and which was directly below). The 23-steps up to the unit were well worth the effort. The view from the balcony is perfect for watching the sunset each day.
The unit itself was a delight. Nicely decorated, plenty of windows to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the unit, and very well supplied with tableware, silverware, and glasses (in wine, highball, and old fashioned varieties), cooking utensils, drip coffee maker (plenty of filters) and coffee cups, and, most important of all, SHARP knives by Sabatier (as a mostly-retired caterer, these were a true pleasure!). We stocked up on some fresh NY strip steaks, wild caught marlin and ahi steaks, eggs, salad mix, some veggies, OJ, and soft drinks at Costco after arriving at Lihue and before making the 20-minute drive to Poipu. The full-size refrigerator accommodated it all (Safeway and Big Save markets are much higher priced, but necessary for some small quantities of items you might need). The bedroom dresser and closet (full of wood hangers) held all our folded and hanging clothes with ease. The queen bed was a joy to sleep on each night. The bathroom includes a large shower with handheld adjustable sprayer and body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. The only thing missing was a hair dryer. Large flat-screen LED TV was ROKU connected, but sort of missed being able to watch the news. I grilled our steaks and fish on the Weber BBQ in the gazebo downstairs.
As a "base of operations" for visiting all the island has to offer, South shore is ideal, as is Poipu Plantation. The resort is walking distance to Poipu Beach, but we chose to drive. The unit comes complete with deck chairs and beach towels, so no need to bring your own. Early mornings are the best time to go . . . before the crowds arrive around 11am. We found six turtles on the West end of the beach one morning. From the resort, you can get to your choice of Waimea Canyon State Park on the west coast or to Hanalei and Princeville on the North coast in about an hour -- and you definitely need to visit both. There is a farmer's market in Poipu on Wednesday afternoons, and a large farmer's market in Lihue on Saturday mornings.
The grounds here are well-manicured. The songbirds love the place -- plenty of plumeria trees (unfortunately mostly dormant this time of year), and although you can find them just about anywhere you go, there aren't any chickens on the property.
Owner Pete is a real gentleman! After checking out and driving to Lihue for our 1:30pm return flight to LAX, my wife discovered that she had left some cash in the complimentary safe in the unit. We called the resort and Pete found her cash and it was in my PayPal account before we landed. It doesn't get better than that!
With so many other places in the world we haven't seen, we might not get back to Kaua'i, but if we ever do, we will surely come back to Poipu Plantation Resort.