Jodi S.
November 2023
Very nice, plenty of room, enjoyed sunrises
Madelyn G.
September 2023
Convenience to everyday needs
Kathryn W.
September 2023
We enjoyed our first stay in C209 a couple of years ago, and were excited to see the unit was available for this trip.
Pono Kai has a great location-- halfway between the north and south shore, it makes getting to either side of the island easier. Shops and restaurants in downtown Kapa'a are within walking distance, which is a plus. (Make sure to get the manapua or malasadas for breakfast at Pono Bakery, and a plate lunch from Pono Market. And if anyone in your group sews, make sure to visit Vicky's Fabrics and maybe even take a class if something on the calendar catches your interest.)
C209 is a great unit. With no one above you, and no windows overlooked by walkways, it feels very safe and private (and yes, there is an elevator for anyone with mobility issues). Oceanfront, so we could sit on the lanai and watch the sunrise in our pjs, and later in the day could people/dog watch everyone enjoying the path along the ocean (or quick access to enjoy it ourselves).
The in unit washer/dryer meant no lurking around the laundry facilities trying to snag an open unit. And while the unit has AC, we never needed to use it due to the trade winds and the great cross ventilation of the unit. We also loved the ample seating where everyone could stretch out and it didn't feel cramped, and that we could still enjoy the views of the ocean from the living room couches.
We thoroughly enjoyed our second stay at this unit, and hope to again in the future!
Francine H.
July 2023
We had a great time in C209. The property had everything we needed. The view was beautiful and the property was close to everything we signed up for during our stay. Aside from rust here and there, due to the salt water, everything was well groomed. The full refrigerator may need to be looked at for leaks, but still worked to store our food. The resort was beautifully manicured and had several activities that were fun for the family when we needed a break from the beach. The pool, ping pong, and volleyball net were great additional activities for our family. Also, the washer and dryer accessibility in the unit was also a great supplement. Lastly, the balcony view was peaceful and a great place to take in the views.
David H.
June 2023
We really enjoyed our stay even though the Air Conditioner was not working. We had a great time.
Dawn L.
June 2023
The condo worked out perfect for our week in Kauai. The location is amazing. The amenities were an added bonus. Loved the view! Walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Couldn't ask for a better location. And Bryan was quick to respond to all inquires! Would definitely stay here again!
Melody B.
June 2023
Property was right on the beach and centrally located on the island. The apartment met our needs very nicely and I would stay there again.
Dianne M.
April 2023
The Pono Kai Resort is in a great location on the island. It is very easy to get anyplace from there if you have rented a car. It is about halfway between the north and south shores. If you choose not to rent a car, the beach is right in front of the condo, as well as a paved walking path several miles long. You can also walk out to the main road and walk into town. There are lots of cute shops and great restaurants!
We were very pleased when we got to the resort. Check in was very easy and there was plenty of parking near the condo. There is an elevator to help with getting your luggage up to the 2nd floor. The condo was pretty much as pictured on VRBO. The one thing that surprised me is that there is not a TV in the main bedroom. The view outside from there is beautiful, but I do like to watch a little TV when I go to bed at night. The 2nd bedroom does have a TV. There were plenty of beach towels, beach chairs, toys, ect. We actually only used the towels when we went to the pool. We had a couple of things come up and we called Monica, the condo manager, and she always responded right away and took care of it. The grounds of the resort are well maintained, so pretty and very relaxing. The pool and hot tub were very nice as well. We would highly recommend staying here. We had a great time and if we are ever able to we would stay here again.
Allan P.
January 2023
This unit totally exceeded our expectations! The views, especially the sunrises were spectacular.
The pool and hot tub was so convenient and enjoyable. We also made good use of the available games equipment. We played table tennis, croquet, corn hole and jenga. That equipment was unexpected but really appreciated.
The in-unit laundry was a real treat. It was so nice to be able to do laundry while visiting in the evening instead of having to go the laundry room.
We will definitely come back here!
Charlene P.
January 2023
Host very helpful! Property clean, comfortable and conveniently located.
Becky W.
September 2022
The property was in a great location, we could walk to shops and restaurants. Unfortunately, most places nearby closed very early or were closed. We learned that most restaurants closed on Wednesday. The unit was older and showed it’s age, but nothing that kept us from enjoying our visit.
Angela M.
August 2022
The best part of this condo is the balcony view. I watched the sunrise every morning! The condo does not look 100% from the photos presented as furniture, fixtured and appliances have change. The AC worked...it did not get super cold, but it was helpful in the living room...but not in the spare bedroom. It stayed pretty warm for our kids. The appliances were dated and not in the best shape. Paint was peeling throughout the condo. Check-in was super easy. We did not have any communication with management, as we really did not have any major issues. Parking is plentiful and being able to go right out and walk the beach was fabulous. You could easily walk to nearby stores. We were excited to try and use the hospitality suite since we had a very late flight, but it was super small and not enough room for our family of 5 plus other visitors. Pono Kai was super busy with other tourists. We would not recommend staying here is you want a more local feel. The pool got very crowded and loud. We enjoyed staying in Kapaa. It was easy access to most of the island and we love getting to talk with locals.
Eric T.
August 2022
Stayed for 5 days while exploring Kauai.
Maryanne H.
June 2022
So happy that we stayed were we did. The view is absolutely amazing, location of condo is close to walking distance to eat, night life if your wanting to go out ( which is minimal everything closes early) and shopping. We would definitely stay here again if we return to Kauai.
John G.
March 2022
Easy walk to the shops, and right on the Kapaa pathway.
Shridharan B.
January 2022
Positives: Centrally located. Ocean view. Nice clean rooms. Good play facilities. Wake up alarm every morning at seven from a moa.
Negatives: had minor plumbing issues during stay. TV and DVR needs a PhD to operate - did not get to watch anything during stay. kitchen could be better stocked.
Kathryn W.
October 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at C209! While we have stayed in several different units at Pono Kai over the past 18 years, this was our first stay in this particular unit.
This unit is great! Very clean with nice tile floors (so much better and more practical being this close to the ocean). Everything we needed was provided-- including a washer and dryer (so nice not to have to go down to the first floor coin laundry). There was even AC in the bedrooms and living room, but we never had to use it since the trades were blowing and it was comfortable without it. We loved sitting out on the lanai watching the ocean, and people watching everyone along the bike path. And we loved that there were two comfortable futons in the living room, so no fighting over who got to stretch out.
C209 is the biggest floorplan we've ever stayed in. As one of the units on the end, it feels very safe as it is one floor up, and there are no windows overlooked by outside walkways, etc. We felt very comfortable leaving our windows open while we slept so we could continue to enjoy the sounds of the waves even in our sleep. And being able to watch the sunrise from the master bedroom was a plus.
We love staying at Pono Kai due to its proximity to Kapaa. It's nice to be able to walk to many shops and restaurants without having to get into the car. It's also centered on the east side of the island so it's easy to go to either the north or the south.
Communication with the owner was great and check in was easy.
Hopefully we will be able to stay here on our next visit to Kauai!
Christie L.
August 2021
I hope I am able to use this condo next time I go to Kauai. I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else. Covid made it difficult to get there, Bryan made it easy to rebook.
NITIN S.
July 2021
Pros: Great location, decent property, watch sunrise from bedroom, beach-front, A/C.
Cons: old furnishings, bad / chipped cutlery, termite / cockroaches, limited quilts.
Garry S.
July 2021
This 2 bedroom condo was right in the heart of Kapa’a. Restaurants and shops are in easy walking distance. Like other reviews have said, the condo hasn’t been updated. That’s the only slightly negative thing I could say. It was very clean and functional, a beautiful view right on the water, with a walking/bike path that went along the beach. Even better than the condo was the owner. We’ve stayed in many VRBO’s, all with great owners (except for 1). The owner of this condo was exceptionally nice and accommodating. We didn’t have all these rules for leaving the condo which made the end of our vacation easy. I would highly recommend this place. We had a wonderful time!
Byron L.
January 2018
Great location. Cozy and quiet.
Fred N.
December 2017
This property was great for my young family. It was very windy with big seas during our November stay, so it was very convenient to have the pool and spa that was sheltered from the wind. Everything was as advertised, so we were very happy with our stay. The waves were so loud!! We would love to come back again someday. Thank you.
Susan B.
October 2017
Dirty floors, filthy windows and screens, except for slider. The slider could only be closed with a wooden dowel! Many broken shutters and blinds. Old, broken plastic lanai furniture, uncomfortable futons as livingroom furniture, ants in kitchen, termites in cupboards. It seems that no one cares for this place at all. Property manager came over, took away all the old and broken plastic lanai furniture, and by day 5, brought two new chairs, no chaise. Handyman came and replaced burnt out bedside electric receptacle. For our 12 night stay, only one roll of tp in each bathroom, one box of tissue to share. We finally had to find a vacuum to clean the screens enough to get airflow! The old ceiling fans are ineffective, as they couldn't be turned on high due to clunking sound. Really very disappointing stay. Total price for our 12 night stay was over $3,000. Needless to say, we would never, ever stay here again. There are some nice units in Pono Kai. This unit is NOT one. I have pictures of all issues I have brought up.
Cammy G.
May 2017
We were here for three weeks. Overall it was a great place with one exception. The unit is not air conditioned. This was not a problem for all but three days when there were no trade winds. The trade winds keep the condo nice and cool.
Here are the positives....1) a view to die for just like in the photos. 2) a super comfortable bed 3) a well stocked unit. There was just everything you need in there from beach toys, coolers, beach towels and a fully well stocked kitchen. 4) well working ceiling fans 5)washer and dryer in the unit.
The cons: 1) Hot guest bedroom. Without air conditioning this room which is on the non trade winds facing side of the condo gets very hot. 2) The sofas in the living room were futons and were a little lumpy and the toaster was hard to work as the handle had come off before we came.
Would I stay here again...heck yeah! There were scads is restaurants within walking distance of the unit. Rental bikes and awesome shaved ice at Ono Ono are right across the street. Kappa where the condo is located in centrally located for day trips.
The condo grounds have a nice pool and hot tub. The unit is clean and comfortable. There is a concierge on the property to help you with tours and other needs.
I have stayed in Home Away before. This was the best equipped unit. Get a new toaster and you would have a perfect place to call home.
Barbara A.
April 2017
Wake each morning to a beautiful sunrise and yes the roosters (which I loved). Perfect location for walking along the path into town.
Kristine R.
April 2017
My husband, me, my sister and her husband stayed for 2 weeks in Feb/March, and had a FANTASTIC time. Would go back in a nano second and felt the overall value cannot be beat on the island of Kauai.
Now, with that being said, the condo is dated, clean, but not immaculate and the second bedroom can get a little warm, if you do not leave the door open. The furniture is older, and worn. But who the heck cares, when you got a beautiful view of the ocean from the living area and the master bedroom. Also, location, location, location, cannot be said enough for this unit. Right off the bike path, a couple blocks away from SEVERAL eating venues. We rented bikes for the week and woke up every morning to an 8 mile bike ride. Hiked Sleeping Giant, which is less than 15 min away, Walked to dinner every night we did not cook in, and we even donned backpacks and did our grocery shopping by bike! We also enjoyed bonfires on Kele beach a couple nights. It was a blast, my only regret is my son (who lives on Kauai, as we were visiting him) is moving and will no longer live in Kappa, so the next time we visit we will be in Poipu. I will miss this place. If you want a vacation where you really get a feel of LOCAL Hawaii, this is MUST STAY. Four stars at a 3 star price! The unit would have to have a little better furniture, to receive 5 stars, but I enjoyed every minute of the four stars, at the three star price.
Michelle B.
March 2017
We just finished an amazing week on Kauai at Pono Kai unit c209. The view was truly spectacular! The unit isn't fancy and new, but it was clean and very comfortable and the location and view couldn't be beat! We have visited Kauai many times and we will definitely return to Pono Kai.
Jeanne M.
February 2017
Was more than we hoped for. We could have coffee in bed and watch and listen to the ocean waves! Clean, fully loaded with anything you might need.
Lise V.
January 2017
Has everything we needed, clean, comfortable beds and linen. Easy check in and check out. Parking, tennis, pool, towels, view, bicycle path, beach and great sand!
Christin M.
November 2016
Very well layed out floor plan. Comfortable seating, even with two futon beds in LR. TV reception grainy and POOR WiFi unless you want to pay additional fee. Very well stocked kitchen, just needs more drinking glasses. Two full spacious baths. Some issues with plugs but email to owner assured prompt attention. On water so expect salty air to require often wiping of glass topped table etc., but supplies available to keep up with cleaning. Washer/dryer really helps if staying ten days like we did. Gorgeous sunrises, great breezes. Close to trails for cycling or walking and beaches for sunbathing, but Kauai itself has restricted swim, snorkel and surf locations due to geologic features. Pool on small side, but resort can book GREAT luau and snorkeling/boating expeditions. Great staff. Would book this condo again, and we've stayed at three other resorts in Kapa'a. Thanks for a really good stay and efforts to make this unit like a second home rather than just a run of the mill rental!!!
Use the "Visit Owner's Website" link to read more reviews from the reservation site, including the latest reviews submitted by recent guests.