The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.
Travelers love Islander on the Beach for its unbeatable setting and convenience. It sits oceanfront in Kapa‘a with direct beach access, wide-open sunrise views, and a scenic coastal path for walks, runs, or bike rides. The lush, well-kept grounds, relaxing pool and hot tub, and a friendly tiki bar with happy hour create an easy, laid‑back vibe. Being steps from Coconut Marketplace (shops, ABC/market, coffee, shave ice, and several casual restaurants) and a short drive from the airport make it a practical, central base for exploring both the North Shore and Waimea Canyon.
Most condos are “hotel‑style” studios: compact but comfortable, typically with AC, a mini‑fridge (sometimes two), microwave, toaster/coffee maker, and often beach gear (chairs, cooler, towels). Many guests praise cleanliness, comfy beds, responsive hosts, and good value. That said, this is an older property with variations by unit: some spaces feel dated or a bit musty in humid weather, and you may encounter small maintenance quirks (sticky sliders, finicky TVs/Wi‑Fi, occasional pests typical of the tropics). Common resort-wide realities include: no elevator to upper floors, limited on‑site laundry access for privately managed units (expect to use a nearby laundromat), parking that can fill by evening, thin walls in some areas, and island roosters that crow early. The beach is gorgeous for lounging and sunrise watching, but swimming conditions can be rough at times.
Overall, the resort suits couples and travelers who plan to be out adventuring and want a scenic, central, good‑value home base with strong “fall asleep to the waves” appeal. If you need a full kitchen, guaranteed laundry on site, an elevator, or plush luxury finishes, it may not be the best fit. Tips: book ocean‑view if sunrise coffee on the lanai matters, bring earplugs for roosters, plan simple meals (grills by the pool help), and arrive back before late evening for easier parking. With the marketplace next door, the pool bar, and that coastal path out front, most guests say they’d happily return.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
The property was clean and comfy, and we enjoyed the area. I would stay here again.
Lori B.
September 2025
We enjoyed our stay. There are places to walk and shopping options. There was also a variety of restaurants nearby. The room is a little dated and worn but it was clean and worked well for 2 people.
Tricia
September 2025
Pool was very nice! Room needs a little update. View to ocean was not as good as it was pictured.
Barbara M.
September 2025
Everything was great except for the bed. Very uncomfortable, the sofa same. Just a little change would have been an amazing trip.
gabriel t.
September 2025
The property was very clean and also had a very nice view that we enjoyed. It was nice having the marketplace so readily available for us.
Kenyth R.
September 2025
Wonderful stay! Location was perfect. Beach easily accessible and many cute shops right across the parking lot. Perfect size studio for a couple!
Brittany C.
September 2025
We had a great stay! The toaster oven was nice for making some meals in the room. Great location. Coconut marketplace was handy to have next door. Would book again.
Skye O.
September 2025
So beautiful! That's what my husband and I kept saying during our stay here at Islander Beach. The room was clean and very comfortably set up for our 10 day stay! Uncompromised view of the ocean was so amazing. Why did i think we needed our sound machine for sleep? All we needed was the lullaby of the sound of the ocean by opening the patio door!!
Julie F.
September 2025
This rental is a treasure. Before and during our stay communication was excellent. I think this is the best room in the resort. The view was incredible and we loved watching the sunrise from the deck each morning. It is close to the pool but not too close. Just perfect height for ocean view. It was easy walking distance to favorite restaurant Lava Lava as well as other exciting things to do like pick up area for kayak tours. It is halfway around the island making trips to north or south easy. We spent a week here and hope to come back soon. The landscaping of area is beautiful. Thank you for helping our 30th anniversary trip truly magical
C E.
September 2025
Great facility, had everything we needed!! Great location and view. Could not ask for anything more.
Ran B.
September 2025
Very pleased with property and unit.
Christine H.
September 2025
Wonderful ground unit on a corner. Beautiful views. Thank you so much for our stay. We’ll definitely be back!
Mishael S.
September 2025
Great stay! Old school vibe, felt very comfortable. Great location.
Brian C.
September 2025
Room had beach chairs and great view, toaster oven and mic, bed and pillows decent. Only issue was AC didn’t cool at all (evaporator coils clogged with dirt, fan not even running) so the inside unit basically blew room temp air. Floors had chips in the tile, should be replaced.
Dave D.
September 2025
![Islander on the Beach 352]()
My first impression was not great, the place smelled very musty and I didn’t even want to open my suitcase. We turned up the AC went to dinner and came back to a room that no longer smelled musty.The view from the lanai is amazing, especially those sunrises. We were here during a full moon and it was like daylight and so beautiful.The condo itself has just about everything you need. We had 6 sets of nice big bath towel sets, 2 beach towels, 2 chairs, 2 small coolers, coffee filters, cutting boards and much more in all the drawers & cabinets.The location is perfect! We were here for 7 days and only had a small amount of rain one morning. There are 7 restaurants, a mall and small grocery store within walking distance to the condo. The beach is right there. We never had to take our chairs down, there were always open lounge chairs when we wanted to go to the beach. The beach was never crowded, you have your own space! The maintenance around the condo is fantastic, I just wish they would maintain the beach front by raking up the pinecones from the trees occasionally.Parking at night was sometimes an issue. 3 nights we had to park outside the complex.We liked having a freezer and refrigerator in the room along with all the places to hang wet clothing and towels. The place was super clean. My suggestions is a luggage rack next to the tv since there are only 2 drawers available and plastic wine/glasses. Would stay here again!!
Jennifer K.
September 2025
We really enjoyed the property and location of this home. The views are spectacular!We had everything we needed, and the communication was very clear. Thank you!
Kristin T.
September 2025
We had such an amazing time at this beautiful property. It directly overlooks the ocean with a beautiful balcony. The pool was refreshing as well. Easy beach access right across from the pool.
Robert K.
September 2025
Great location steps from the beach and morning sunsets. Clean, well equipped condo.
Chris G.
September 2025
When traveling to new locations, there is always a sense of hesitation and lack of trust; however, this was simply amazing. Everything was comfortable, all appliances worked, the rooms were amazing, and just a short walk to the beach. Check-in was a breeze. Parking was ample throughout the day. The location was perfect. 5-10 minutes to some amazing beaches and activities. We enjoyed walking to the ABC market, the pop up farmers market with fresh fruit, Jo Jo’s shave ice, and other really good restaurants. As for my kids experience, it was wonderful!! There was enough space for some downtime personal activities. They provided some great family board games. The wireless network worked without issue; with the ability to stream on either of the large TVs. There is large grassy area where the kids loved to run around and watch all the amazing birds. We are already planning our next stay and definitely will return.
Garry H.
September 2025
Decent. The property is a little dated but everything worked and the view is nice over the pool.
John T.
September 2025
Our stay was amazing & we will definitely be back! It’s centrally located on the island and quiet. Perfect for a relaxing vacation.
September 2025
Excellent stay all around. The unit was precisely as described, clean, and well-situated. The location in Kapa’a cannot be beat for convenience. Rae was a communicative and gracious host. Would recommend!
Jon D.
September 2025
Amazing location and property!
Frank F.
September 2025
Location was great, and a beautiful long beach steps away. Easy base to roam the island. Beach chairs on the balcony were helpful to use, as well as lovely snacks left in the kitchen.
Place was very clean but smelled musty and shower curtain smelled moldy. Otherwise, great and easy place.
Great value and would highly recommend.
Su Young
September 2025
Bathroom tub very slow to drain
doug
September 2025
Excellent!!
Kathleen S.
September 2025
![Islander on the Beach 246]()
Had a fabulous stay in our unit at Islander on the Beach resort. The view from the balcony was gorgeous and peaceful. It was so nice to hear the sound of waves and often roosters! Coconut Marketplace was right behind us so it was so easy to walk and grab snacks, get a couple dinners, and purchase alcohol. Communication with the host was easy and prompt. We arrived about an hour early and left an hour late and were able to check in early and out late without issue. I didn’t expect to hang out at the pool here or the beach at the propery but we were at both every afternoon after coming home. The pool bar is great with happy hour from 3 to 6 and we enjoyed that the pool was peaceful with no loud music, again just roosters and chickens! Lava Lava restaurant is also next store and we walked there twice for dinner. This property is in an excellent location if you plan to go north and south during your stay and it's only about 10 minutes to the airport. The property/room is older, but charming. It's one of our favorite places and we generally stay at 5 star resorts. We will definitely return! Highly recommend!
Amber K.
September 2025
The view from the lanai is spectacular! Our trip was delayed a day because our flight out of DFW was delayed so long we missed the connecting leg to Kauai. The property manager graciously worked with us and pushed our whole stay back a day. We are grateful and impressed by that. Thank you, Cindy. Comfy bed, good location, great view! We had a wonderful stay!
Nancy F.
September 2025
Always stay here when we come. Beautiful landscaping, beach steps away, convenient location.
Shelby B.
September 2025
Centrally located. Close to local restaurants, beaches etc
Joe K.
September 2025
The room was very run down. I had to use the plunger to get the water to drain when taking a shower. Had to do this for four days. Under the sink a rusty something fell off. It went everywhere. Had to clean it up. One of the chairs was broken on the balcony. It was replaced. I have stayed at the Islander many times. I’m not sure I would rent this unit again.
September 2025
Great location, lots of things to do nearby and great view of the beach. There was a bit of construction on our building which was a tad inconvenient in regards to trying to get around the workers or getting in their way as well.
Alyssa P.
August 2025
This place was just as described. It had everything we needed for out accommodations. The fridge and small appliances were perfect for being able to make light breakfasts and lunches. The bed was comfortable. The a/c really helped on the hotter days. But the absolute best part of this place was a tie between the location and the lanai. The only thing better than the view was Starting and ending every day on a peaceful stretch of the ocean.
M S.
August 2025
Beautifully presented, thoughtfully furnished and equipped with a wonderful ocean view and nothing but the sound of waves! (Or cool and efficient silent split system AC if you choose). Immaculately clean - it was a delight to arrive. Cindy and her team had thought if everything I needed. I did not want to leave. I'll be back! Mahalo, Simon
simon l.
August 2025
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Room was small, but met our needs. I was unaware there would be construction during our stay, so it was annoying having to listen to saw cutting during the day and tripping over construction workers and equipment. The room smelled of mold/dampness when we arrived, and the bathtub could use a good scrubbing. The keypad for the door did not work, so we had to use a key that we left in the lockbox all week. Maintenance came out to fix it unannounced. It worked once after they left and it was broke again. The view was spectacular. Well worth the minor hiccups.
Christine H.
August 2025
Great location, surrounded by close shopping places and close to most places of interest. Easy check in and check out.
jikson
August 2025
Perfect view, great accommodations. Loved our stay in Kauai
Tom M.
August 2025
Very clean super nice place to stay. Access to wonderful beach and very nice pool. Easy parking. I’d definitely stay there again.
George S.
August 2025
Great location
Billy F.
August 2025
Easy check in. Adequate kitchenette. Clean room. Excellent location! The room is a bit tacky and dated. The carpet in the exterior of the building is old and mildewed and needs replacing. Beautiful view from the balcony however!
Theodore L.
August 2025
The location was perfect. The price was affordable. It was Steps away from everything. Was really disappointed with the condo. I’m sure it was beautiful at one time , but now it’s just old. Power washing the floor tile and grout, putting that same green in the bathroom would improve it 100%. Wiping down baseboards and even a rug as you enter to put shoes on make it a little more welcoming. No place for beach towels. Your not supposed to hang them from the railing, but other units had a place to hang them outside. The sliding door was almost impossible to open and the screen on the door has a huge rip in it. There’s no freezer compartment for ice, finally found thrice at another building.
Mary W.
August 2025
Perfectly located to explore the entire island
Greg R.
August 2025
My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary here. The view from the lanai is just as pictured. We enjoyed the pool and the lit tiki torches at night made it feel very Hawaiian. Communication with the host was excellent!
Barry B.
August 2025
Room was great! Beautiful view of the water. Right by the pool and walking distance to lava lava beach club. Would stay again. Great location
Barrie B.
August 2025
Beautiful location, exactly what we wanted!!!
Tracy Y.
August 2025
Location was beautiful. Close to all activity's and awesome eatery's .
Diane H.
August 2025
Easy check in and check out. Nice to have beach towels and foldable beach chairs provided.
Please update description to show no laundry on site.
Michelle R.
August 2025
This property is one of my favorites on Kauai, next to shops and restaurants in Coconut Marketplace. The unit is in a great location, close to the pool. Host is accommodating and super easy to communicate with. Mahalo!
Angela P.
August 2025
Excellent ocean front room location next to the pool and beautiful grounds. Everything was as described and much better! The coconut market was a pleasant daily convenience. Would stay here again and again.
Phil C.
August 2025
This was our second stay in this unit, we love the location overlooking the beach and the pool. The Islander is such a beautiful place with quaint plantation style architecture, lovely grounds, and the pool and tiki bar (the Sandbar) literally steps from the beach. Just across the parking lot is the Coconut Marketplace with lots of shops, places to eat and activities like hula and fire knife dances, and the farmers' market is a great place to pick up fresh tropical fruit. Located just south of Kapa'a makes it easy to get to either the north shore or south shore. The room is comfortable and well equipped. Communication with Kauai Vision Rentals was timely and easy, both by email and text. This is by far our favorite place to stay on Kauai, we're already looking forward to our next visit.
Jeff E.
August 2025