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 rave about Kiahuna Plantation’s setting: a classic, low‑rise condo resort with sweeping lawns, mature tropical gardens, and direct access or a short stroll to a sandy, swimmable beach. Guests love the easy walk to Poipu’s shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and the Sheraton, plus sunsets, gentle surf for boogie boarding and beginner surf lessons, and frequent turtle/monk seal sightings. Many highlight it as an ideal, relaxing home base for families and for exploring the South Shore, Waimea Canyon, and beyond.
Units are individually owned, so decor and upgrades vary, but recent guests frequently mention clean, well‑equipped kitchens, comfortable beds, and lanais with garden or partial ocean views. A growing number of condos have air‑conditioning (a big plus on warmer days), while others rely on breezes and fans; many provide beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, coolers). Resort perks stand out: lounge chairs on the great lawn above the beach, BBQs, towel exchange at the beach hut, and guest access to the Poipu Beach Athletic Club across the road (pool with slide and toddler area, hot tub, gym, tennis/pickleball, and a casual restaurant). Hosts and on‑site staff are often praised for friendly, responsive communication.
Common considerations reflect the property’s condo style and size. Quality can vary by unit (some are newly remodeled while a few feel dated), so check photos, recent reviews, and whether A/C is included if that’s important to you. The pool is off‑property across the street and closes relatively early; some back buildings are farther from the beach and closer to road noise; upper floors require stairs; and basic pantry items (oil, salt, spices) are typically not supplied. Light noise from upstairs neighbors, roosters, or sprinklers can occur, and parking can be tight at peak times. Overall sentiment is strongly positive—many repeat guests call Kiahuna a favorite for its unbeatable location, laid‑back vibe, and family‑friendly beach.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 reviews
Pros: Quiet unit, host communicated with us prior to our check-in well, access to Poipu Beach Athletic Club was nice. Convenient access to beach.Cons: Unit could use a deep cleaning. Areas including the carpets, bathroom/kitchen sinks and counters, refrigerator needed to be cleaned much better.
Joe C.
October 2025
Wonderful time. The only thing is, we had some electrical problems in the bedroom.
Catherine S.
October 2025
The property was extremely clean. There were beach chairs and umbrellas. We also loved having the washer and dryer. Thank you for helping us to have an amazing vacation.
Leslie R.
October 2025
The property was exactly as it was described. We particularly loved that the AC worked great and that there were ceiling fans in both the living room and bedroom. There were also 2 tower fans that helped a lot too. Ice maker worked great and we appreciated the Brita for water. The variety of beach gear was great, but we particularly appreciated the cooler. The kitchen could've used a few cooking basics (i.e. salt/pepper, oil, sugar, etc.). Overall, we had a great stay and could not recommend this property enough. We'd certainly stay here again.
Devin L.
October 2025
Beautiful property, friendly staff, access to local amenities. Condo was clean, small issue with ants. Kitchen really small.
Gaylene W.
October 2025
Great location. Quiet and clean.
Darla L.
October 2025
Condo was in a great location. Close to beaches and restaurants. I really enjoyed the plantation grounds and all the flowers. The owner was easy to communicate with and the staff friendly.
Sandra G.
October 2025
This unit was perfect for a get away. It was clean, well maintained and well stocked with everything we needed, including beach chairs, an umbrella and boogie boards! The beach is a 5 min walk. Food and shopping are easily accessible. Deena texted to see how our stay was going and responded quickly to questions. We will stay here again for sure!!
Rebecca S.
October 2025
Owner/Manager was extremely helpful and always available to answer any questions! This condo was perfect for the two of us and having a washer and dryer in the unit was a game changer! Awesome beach chairs and beach umbrella to use. Access to very nice gym and pool and restaurant by the pool. Walk to everything, shopping beach, restaurants. You have a small ocean view, and the unit is set back from the beach so it is very private and quiet. You can enjoy the view while having coffee/ breakfast or any meal on the large private lanai without worrying about people looking at you as they walk bye. Would highly recommend!
Lori C.
October 2025
Spacious, clean, great location, great amenities, easy check in. Would stay there again and highly recommend.
Phil S.
October 2025
Very comfortable living area and kitchenNice location close to beach and parking. Beautiful grounds. Bathroom was a bit tight, as my husband used a walker, but manageable. Host gave a list of restaurant/activities/location that we found very helpful.
Jerome H.
October 2025
Amazing room and grounds, highly recommend this property and would visit again
Andrew H.
October 2025
Wonderful stay. Condo was beautifully decorated and appointed. Beautiful view of the ocean. Very nice location in the complex. Highly recommend.
Mary Kay S.
October 2025
This condo is very special! It felt like a home, was conveniently located, clean, comfortable, well equipped with beach gear and the owner, Kasey, was a delight to communicate with. We will definitely return!
Jessie W.
October 2025
Bill the host is very accommodating and very helpful!!!Great location!!!
Phil S.
October 2025
We had access to everything we wanted and were within walking distance to the beach. The pool and gym were great. We walked to poipu beach to see the turtles at dusk too which was worth the walk! The grounds were well maintained with great scenery. Everything was clean and the host was very helpful.
Timothy K.
October 2025
Without a doubt, the best location to say on Kauai. We had the best time at Michael’s condo. The property grounds are absolutely stunning and the lawn in front of the condo is the best place to stargaze. Michael was incredibly welcoming and did everything he could to make our experience the best it could be. I have to say the condo, property, and host exceeded all expectations. Hope to be back soon!
Candice S.
October 2025
It was a very nice place to stay and the view was really wonderful of the ocean. Loved having umbrellas, ice chest and chairs. The only thing I wish there had been spices left behind from other guests. Luckily, I brought most of what I needed.
Ronda D.
October 2025
Loved our stay in Poipu, will definitely return and would select the same unit. Could not have been more comfortable plus a beautiful location with view.
Julie B.
October 2025
My son and his girlfriend stay
Lisa F.
October 2025
Great
Claudette G.
October 2025
Wonderful stay in a gorgeous area. Clean very nice one bedroom unit. The lanai view was superb. The owners Jack and Susan responded well and quickly to any issue The bedroom bed was one of the most comfortable we’ve ever slept in. I do wish the bathroom could have been larger but such was the unit design. Only only negative is there is only one AC unit in living room that does a mediocre job cooling the bedroom though they do provide plenty of extra fans
Michael M.
October 2025
![Kiahuna Plantation #216 (building 34)]()
I brought my pregnant wife here. Making the mistake of renting a room without A/C. I've been to Kauai a dozen or so times and even the cheapest of spots had it, so I didn't even think to check with a room this expensive. Unfortunately the room was over 80 on the top floor. I tried messaging the company to see if we could switch rooms or if anything else could be done. They responded with they could bring up more fans. There was already 8 fans in the room... Since the mistake was mine I decided to purchase a small-tower air conditioner and have it delivered. We didnt fasten, tape, screw, or otherwise modify the room. It wouldn't cool down the whole place but as long as we could have one room slightly cooler, my wife and I could at least sleep. On the 4th day of the trip I got a voicemail and a text message saying someone had photographed the small vent, it was against some rule (that isn't in the signed document), it has to be removed, security would be coming by, and we may be charged some fine and any additional electrical costs. Their office was closed, rather than waiting we left on day 4 and went to the Sheraton. They never tried to reconcile or reach out. STRESSFUL!
casey e.
October 2025
Quiet location on the lawn easy walk to beach
Richard B.
October 2025
Loved all the amenities for the beach and outings . Glad to have air conditioning. It took me a second to learn how to use the air system/ fan. But, did.
Sharon E.
October 2025
The property was great and had everything we needed to enjoy a one week stay on the island. There's plenty of beach toys and chairs. The property ground and location cannot be beat. A big plus for us was the access to the Poipu Athletic Club. Their gym facilities is well above what you would get at a resort. Our host Sabina was great and communicative, dealing with any issue we may have had. (Which was only a minor technical detail before we left for the trip) Would I book this property again? Absolutely.
Ken D.
October 2025
We were very pleased with the ocean view and the overall features of this upgraded condo. Found everything that we needed. Never was able to use the main remotes in both rooms, but got by on others. Lovely towels and used the washer and dryer once. We are still a bit startled by the pricing. Great condo.John
John N.
October 2025
We really enjoyed our stay in this undated condo in a quiet complex. This condo has an excellent location near Poipu beach. There were plenty of shopping and restaurant options. We made it a habit to walk over to the beach and enjoy the sunsets. Being able to use the pool at the Poipu Athletic Club was a bonus. Thank you to our host Deena for a wonderful vacation.
Howard J.
October 2025
Great location. Convenient to everything
Rick B.
October 2025
We love the Kiahuna! The view was nice, access to the beach was great! We used the pool for the first time on this trip. The pool is nice, although not close to the beach. It's a great place for families with kids. We would definitely stay here again!
Jennifer W.
October 2025
Very nice place. Super accommodating and helpful!
Jill S.
October 2025
What a lovely condo in Kauai paradise. The unit is very well appointed with everything you need for a one week stay. Close to the beach (we didn’t use the pool) with fresh towels every day at the beach hut. The grounds of Kiahuna Plantation are meticulously maintained and a pleasure to walk around. Lots of great restaurants nearby and such fun watching the turtles come ashore at sunset down the road at Poipu Beach. You will love staying here!
Sue R.
October 2025
It was very soothing, sitting on the lanai and watching "trade winds TV." Our only complaint is the dismal lighting over the dining table. Additional lighting would make a HUGE difference.
Jo B.
October 2025
Overall, the condo was very nice. The view and location was the best part. It was clean, but the kitchen was very small and there was no air conditioning so we were hot most of the stay. Would definitely choose a place with Air Conditioning next time.
Marla C.
October 2025
![Kiahuna Plantation 311 (building 38)]()
The air conditioning was not affective in the bedroom. It was stuffy and warm at night for sleeping.The living room and kitchen was a comfortable temperature. When we checked In The room was NOT clean the bathroom tub was dirty, floors had stuff all over it. Sliding glass doors were dirty. The carpet looked dirty and needs replacing. The wood floor is peeling up through out the whole unit. We could see the ocean through the breezeway of the building in front of us and a little bit through other buildings openings. The Lani furniture and items need to be replaced items are worn or broken. The glass table had broken glass. The night time Check in process was very stressful. It would have been easier to send us the door code and ask us to check in the morning which we did anyways. They did send cleaning people in when we mentioned it was dirty. It was much improved when we returned to the unit. The laminate on closet doors are damaged with wood missing. The kitchen was missing essential items like dish washing soap and bags. Small storage bowls etc. The unit is in a great location close to the little mall across the street. We found it to be quiet and roomy. The unit was inaccurately advertised as it said it was newly refurbished. It appears as though it needs to be refurbished now.
Kimberly C.
October 2025
Wonderful condo - just as described on their website. The balcony arrangement was very nice. - we enjoyed some of our meals there. The bed was very comfortable. Air conditioning was effective in the living room, and opening the louvers to the bedroom helped cool that area also... but we never really felt too warm. Overhead fans worked well also (when needed).. Well-equipped kitchen. Easy access parking. Very clean as we moved in. A little rather goofy note.. somehow there were a lot fewer chickens at this resort compared to the rest of the Island! We very much enjoyed our 6-night stay. Certainly would return.
Charles P.
October 2025
The place was as advertised, the kitchen is correctly equipped with modern appliances. There were quite a lot of sand toys and snorkeling gear for the children. Everything was clean and the location is great.
Patrick W.
October 2025
Clean condo. Check-in seemless. It is as advertised. Cost effective for us, due to access to Beach Club across street. Just know that beach access is not that close, although you can get in car and park nearer to beach; which is quicker. Also, you’ll need to rent beach chairs and umbrella down at beach. They’re open 8 am to 5:30 pm. Poipu Beach is nearby, my favorite beach in the world.
Todd E.
October 2025
![Kiahuna Plantation #167 (building 26)]()
Super comfortable bed, and plenty of nice dressers to store our clothes, well stocked kitchen for pots, pans, utensils, and cookware plus small appliances so we could cook just about anything we wanted to. The shower was perfect, with nonstop hot water, and great water pressure, we didn't miss having a tub much. The location near the beach was very convenient too, plus a shopping center within walking distance. The TV worked perfectly, fans and air conditioning were very much needed and worked well. The grounds outside were just beautiful, with grass and flowers and tropical plants everywhere and so many birds singing, we really enjoyed having some wine or a cocktail in the afternoon and sitting outside on the lounge chairs looking at everything, although the "partial ocean view' really wasn't a thing unless you were in an upper unit, because you couldn't see the water like we hoped to. The only reason for giving 4 stars is because the parking was truly an issue we didn't expect. We felt like we couldn't even go out to dinner much because if you returned after 6 pm there was zero parking nearby unless you parked way up at the top of the condos by the main street and walked quite a way. The other inconvenience was laundry. I don't expect to do a lot of washing but planned to do it once. It was a very far away drive, and cost over 10 a load for wash, dry and soap. Too much trouble plus a huge waste of vacation time to watch it. An in-unit machine would be so much better!
Karen J.
October 2025
This is a really beautiful updated condo on a great property with very convenient beach access. We throughly enjoyed our stay while in Poipu. While I was prepared to pay a cleaning fee at the front desk, 300 for 2 nights seems very high. When booking, just be sure to factor that into the total price to avoid any surprises.
Alayna C.
October 2025
It’s a nice quiet unit, overlooking the gardens - so if you want privacy it’s a good location. Just a 5 min walk to the beach. It’s got a very good size balcony, enough room to lounge in loungers, and a dinner table, so you can live outside (and have privacy with a garden view)The kitchen is nice, but bring your own spices as it basically has just salt and pepper (old tired spices for cooking a turkey dinner maybe ? Are there). Needs some upgraded frying pans…..but has everything else to cook most meals (good electric stove with bells and whistles) Overall a nice roomy condo, a luxury was how we received housekeeping!
Bill J.
October 2025
We really enjoyed our stay of 5 nights. The view of the ocean and sunset is amazing. Deena is a terrific host. Responds quickly and is very thoughtful on details and communication. The unit was well equipped, clean comfy and quiet. Highly recommend!
Patricia
October 2025
Great stay at this condo!! Easy check-in and out! Property is very nice. Owner was great at communicating. Lots of shops and restaurants within walking distance. Great beach and beautiful grounds.
October 2025
Very good location and beautiful property.
Kyle Y.
October 2025
Our stay at Kiahuna Plantation was absolutely wonderful. The ocean breeze kept the villa cool and comfortable, making the lack of air conditioning a complete non-issue. The ceiling and floor fans were more than sufficient, and the plantation shutters on both the windows and the doors allowed for a constant, refreshing cross-breeze—even with the door securely locked.The ocean view from our villa was breathtaking, and the short walk across the beautifully kept lawn to the beach made the experience even more special. It felt like the perfect mix of relaxation, charm, and convenience.Highly recommend Kiahuna Plantation for anyone looking for a serene, authentic, and comfortable Hawaiian getaway.
Gino M.
September 2025
Loved absolutely everything about this property! Only complaint, must of had kids upstairs sounded like they were constantly running through the condo above me! Took away from the peace of coming back to the condo!
Tami B.
September 2025
Overall the property is pretty much what it claims to be. Finding the correct beach through the maze of buildings is a little annoying but it was a reasonable walking distance. Biggest complaint is the EXTRA CLEANING FEE that isn't charged by VRBO. It is technically in the fine print of the listing, but in my opinion should be in the up front cost paid online.
Michael L.
September 2025
Bill’s unit is in a lovely location with a wonderful view of the ocean in the distance. The unit is now rather dated, especially the kitchen and kitchen cooking equipment, but the place was clean and tidy with the essential benefit of AC, which many of the units do not have! Kauai is beautiful and definitely worth a visit, we had a fabulous time.
Jane C.
September 2025
Absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed the property, the Athletic Club facility and nearby fire pits!! It’s a great location and became a family favorite.
Kimberly E.
September 2025
The property is beautiful and convenient to the beach
Rhonda
September 2025