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
Really enjoyed our stay with the beach right out our window. It was beautiful.
Mahalo
Shaun
July 2025
This condo worked out perfectly for our family of three. It was very clean, well stocked, and most of all had a great view of the ocean! We found it to be centrally located for the activities we had planned. The resort grounds and pool area are beautifully landscaped with many different types of plants and flowers. This has definitely set the bar high for the other places we stay on the other islands of our Hawaii trip.
July 2025
A beautiful place, close to the marketplace. A short walk to beautiful oxen view.
Hira nand j.
July 2025
Overall property and managers were great. Pros: right next to a shopping market, near a beach trail, bed comfortable, beach items provided, clean. Slight hiccups: key code didn't work, but luckily they had a backup key box, the soap provided ran out the first night. Owners super responsive about both. I would stay here again.
Nichole T.
July 2025
The user rating of 10 is not accurate. Is more like 7-8. Outdated furniture, rusty air conditioning. Cockroaches in the room.
Florin
July 2025
The location was good.
Rocky S.
June 2025
everything was perfect. :)
Jeanne A.
June 2025
We hardly spend time in our hotels when we travel because we spend most of it outside exploring. However, it was really nice to come back to an airconditioned unit especially during the summer, not just for the temperature, but also to cut down on the humidity.Our experience at this property was excellent - Candace was helpful throughout the entire stay and the check-in process was effortless. Free parking was a huge plus and easy to find, but it does fill up by the evening.The location of the Islander is also great as it's relatively central to the north and west side of the island. I would definitely stay here again next time I visit. Thank you!
Eric K.
June 2025
The condo is a simple “hotel room” style studio, but it was perfect for us. And the Location was amazing! Both the beachfront location (with amazing ocean views and listening to the waves from the lanai!), and also the location in Kapaa and right behind the Coconut Marketplace - it was fantastic! I would recommend this unit to anyone who wants a hotel style condo with a truly great location!
Scott W.
June 2025
Great location, good room would stay here again if rates stay the same
Robert G.
June 2025
Perfect location. Love seeing the ocean just outside the patio. Also love being next to the pool. Would definitely stay there again.
Brent B.
June 2025
The location is perfect for any activity you want do on Kauai. The view from the room was beautiful.The property was clean, the plants and trees were well maintained and you had access to most of the amenities. (Just not Laundry) They did tell us there was a laundromat close by.The room was clean and comfortable as a bonus you have 2 folding chairs, a snorkel set and cooler for your beach use.We enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the ocean, chickens and the people that would walk by. Several restaurants and the Coconut Market are in walking distance and Safeway was just a 3 minute drive away. The few cons we did experience were:The sink is a little small for washing plates and cutting boards.The coffee maker! Yes it was a kuerig. We bought an adapter to eliminate the kuerig plastic cup waste. I’m just saying there is nothing wrong with just a basic coffee maker.If we went back would we rent this Vrbo again the answer would be yes.
Alton A.
June 2025
This was our second time staying in this unit and we already booked for next year. The location is fantastic and centrally located to both ends of the island. The view is amazing, the pool and hot tub are clean and refreshing, and the grounds are well maintained and beautiful. The Coconut Market Place is next to the Islander and there are a few great restaurants on the property.
Bridget F.
June 2025
Would definitely stay here again.
Kiana
June 2025
Had a great time
Stephen S.
June 2025
Nice central location to go to southern part of island, or northern part, within an hour's drive or less. Extremely close to airport and car rentals..very handy. Super quiet,with nice quiet courtyard to look out onto. Had a choice of 2 or 3 nice pools. Condo very quaint, with lots of Hawaiian decorations around to make you feel the aloha. Lots of laid back, reasonably priced restaurants very close, and an ABC store right there too. Workers there work hard and keep the place well maintained. Nice place!
Michelle P.
June 2025
Loved the location and views. Beach is few steps away from the back door.
Drashti P.
June 2025
I loved that we could see the beach from our balcony and walk to it within two minutes. I also loved the fact that it’s located next to an amazing marketplace. We walked over there often to shop and eat. The towel exchange service was super helpful, and the host left a bowl of Hawaiian goodies on the table. Loved that. :)
Vickie S.
June 2025
Great location by the beach! Me and my wife had breakfast every morning on our balcony and looked at the ocean and mountains. Speaking of breakfast, we recommend to anyone looking to staying at this location bringing an electric griddle since there is no stovetop (as listed by the owner). It had everything we needed for a nice stay!
Austin H.
June 2025
The place was great, clean and had everything we needed. Loved the Kapaa area and the beach was only a few steps from the patio. Our host, Jeff always responded to messages quickly.
Patti D.
June 2025
You can't beat the location and the affordable rate. We stayed for 2 weeks and had no complaints, staff were very helpful when needed! Even got 2 beach chairs to use, which was a nice surprise. Gorgeous beach access, great location, clean (and cold) rooms!
Maddie S.
June 2025
Incredible location and such a lovely and relaxing getaway. We were in easy walking distance of the ocean, restaurants and shops
Elizabeth R.
June 2025
Fantastic location. Every aminity around the area made the trip so enjoyable. The room was perfect for me and my wife.
Christopher G.
June 2025
The condo was great but The Roosters are out of control. They crowed all night, keeping ys awake and since the Condo is on the first floor, they bothered us anytime we sat on the Lani, like a dog begging fir food. UGH... They are nasty. I would not recommend.
Yvonna K.
June 2025
Awesome place and beautiful view from our balcony!
Melvin T.
June 2025
The condo was great! Exactly how it is in the pictures. They had beach chairs, snorkel gear and towels for beach days! It’s a good, central location on the island. Can be on the North Shore in 35 minutes, and can be in Waimea Canyon in an hour. Great shops and food nearby as well! The pool and hot tub was nice and the beach was a great view all week long!
Parker N.
June 2025
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We have stayed in the room for 2 weeks on separate occasions. We love it. Close to the beach as well as parking and the Coconut Market Place. We will be back for sure!!
Scott H.
June 2025
Loved the facility and outdoor areas. The cabinets in the room had minor wear and some minor damage that needs to be maintained better.
Nicholas
June 2025
Wonderful unit, amazing views, and excellent location. Would stay here again.
Jessica M.
June 2025
We had a great time as the location was perfect, your home was clean and stocked with the right supplies and most importantly, had a great view of the ocean!! We also appreciated having air conditioning. Location was great as we spent one day hiking Napli coast, one day in the west side of the island at Waimea Canyon and the third day at the arboretum. Thank you!!
Pam P.
June 2025
We have stayed at the Islander several times but at another location in the same building. If you don’t need a full kitchen and want fairly inexpensive accommodations next to the beach then this is perfect. The view from the 3rd story lanai is great and the grounds are kept in great shape. The pool is very nice if you prefer less salt in your day. It was being power washed the last two days we were there but thankfully our unit had dualpane windows and doors to minimize the noise. We usually buy some snacks and make pbj sandwiches. There are plenty of places to eat at the nearby coconut market. And the Lava Lava Beach club is right on the beach with great food. This place is centrally located on Kauai so it’s easy to go north or south. We will come back.
Mike T.
June 2025
Lovely property, great location and nice room. The room was clean and had treats for us and toiletries. We appreciated the beach towels and chairs as well.
Elizabeth R.
June 2025
Very clean, good communication.
Kenna S.
June 2025
It was a nice place and good location. The ocean view was a nice touch especially listening and watching the waves in the mornings and evenings. Reasonable price for the location and place.
Christy B.
June 2025
Pros: 1) The condo is in a great location with lots of restaurants and shopping in walking distance and the beach and pool are just steps away. 2) We had plumbing issues on day 2, which was addressed ASAP. (Very responsive and helpful.)3) Beautiful grounds with lots of wild roasters and chickens.Cons: 1) As the pictures show, the space is a little outdated but still comfortable.2) The listing show washer and dryer which is NOT true. When you get to the condo there is a binder with instructions to the nearest laundromat, which is 3 minutes driving away. We had counted on having (easier) access to laundry facilities.3) The door to the patio is very hard to open and shut due to the paneling at the top being split off.4) The TV is tricky and while there are detailed instructions we had issues with "No Data Available" and "Guide Data Unavailable" errors a few times; i.e. no working TV.
Annett T.
May 2025
The place was good for our needs but it was outdated and the bed was firm and uncomfortable. The kitchen was very small and we didn’t realized sothere was a hot plate to use for cooking until midway through our trip. We appreciated the beach chairs and snorkel gear available. We loved the beachfront access where we sat each morning and had our coffee and breakfast. Lava Lava Beach Club was also just 100 ft away and we had dinner and drinks there a few times. Would consider staying again. Thank you!
Keu M.
May 2025
LOCATION LOCATION! LOCATION! MybHubbyband I have been traveling to Kauai 1-2 times per year for over a decade now and honestly, this wonderful studio is now our favorite location. Islander On The Beach is midway between all Kauai has to offer and being able to walk to our favorite restaurants, lounge on the beach or relax by the pool are just icing on the cake. This charming and cozy studio is decorated with breezy aloha, the AC keeps you cool and the view is OUTSTANDING. And the hosts? WONDERFUL! They are kind and responsive and everything you hope for in a STVR host. We look forward to returning! MAHALO!
Amy N.
May 2025
Wonderful condo with an amazing view and amenities.
Adam G.
May 2025
Excellent experience we will come back
Thomas G.
May 2025
The location was great! Atmosphere was great. Can't wait to return.
Leslie H.
May 2025
Great home base to discover Kauai! The property and grounds are very clean, and you have a nice view of the ocean from the room.
Chris G.
May 2025
Loved the views, location and cleanliness. Highly recommend!
Kayla S.
May 2025
Relaxing beautiful paradise
Michael T.
May 2025
![Islander on the Beach 235]()
This is a very nice location, but the pull-out couch had notable mold and mildew on it. After texting Vacasa twice, workers from the resort came, looked at it, took photos, and left, telling me the mattress could not be cleaned but a new mattress would be ordered. I followed up the next day. Vacasa told me workers had cleaned the mattress but had not. They then came with new linens which did nothing to clean the matttress and the Vacasa rep texted that there were no spare mattresses, one would be delivered from Oahu and wouldn’t arrive during our stay. I explained that as an asthmatic it was unacceptable for me to be exposed to mold and mildew for the next five nights but was told nothing could be done. So we were forced to live with the situation and had to leave the balcony door open to air the place out to reduce the smell of mildew. Since the situation would not be fixed, I asked for a partial refund. After chasing them down about this, I was told there would be a partial refund. We received only 118 for exposure to mold and mildew throughout our 7 day stay. So, less than 20 USD a day for our stay. Knviously they didn’t care.
Glenn C.
May 2025
Everything needs to be updated in this unit - bed to the lock on the front door.
Chris P.
May 2025
Very pretty grounds
William B.
May 2025
The beach is beautiful. Restaurants and grocery store are within walking distance, which is a huge plus. Kayaking is close by. It’s also close to the airport.
Stephanie D.
May 2025
We loved everything about Islander on the Beach!!
Gina
May 2025
We had such an amazing stay! Plenty of bathroom towels provided 4 beach towels. The bed and pillows were comfortable. Nothing beats the ocean view!
Jenevive G.
May 2025
We loved Blue Kauai. The property, Islander on the Beach, was beautiful and well maintained. Our condo was comfortable with just the right amount of amenities included. And the view from the deck was amazing! The location is centrally located in Kapa'a and is perfect if you plan to explore the entire island. If you prefer to stay close to your resort/hotel, the south and northern areas are much nicer in general, but this location was conveniently located to get around and see it all. Also, appreciated that the property is located behind a shopping area - multiple souvenir shops, restaurants, and a market. Was nice for those evenings when we came back exhausted and didn't want to go far.The property owner was quick to respond to questions and provided check-in procedures before our arrival.We would absolutely stay here again!
Wendy M.
May 2025