The Lodge at Kukui'Ula

We stayed in Villa 4 for 7 nights in early November 2024. We had 8 adults and 2 children under 3.5. From the Lodge to the Villa to the pools, the experience was 5-star in every possible way. The Grounds: The grounds are so well manicured and curated - absolutely stunning. They were incomparable to anything I've experienced on any of the islands. Vast spaces make the property feel private and exclusive. Getting around was easy, and we always wanted to take our time. The facilities are all well cared for and of the highest quality. My 3.5 year old and I had a blast swimming in the big pool and sliding down the slide (100 times). The way it was designed to be beach-like is awesome. The Villa: Comfortable beds throughout. Incredible views. Luxury living at its finest. Everything about the Villa was stunning. These were clearly NOT cheap builds. The internet worked well for the 4 days my partners and I met. The Service: We loved our dinner at the main restaurant the first night. Service there, and across the entire property, was welcoming and helpful. Both text and call lines were quick to be answered and help was received in a timely fashion if needed. Alohas abound! Why to stay here: If you want privacy, views, gorgeous grounds, a very accommodating staff, and that 5-star Aloha life. This is the place. Why not to stay here: You're looking for a party. You want to mingle, socialize, and otherwise have access to a lot stores and restaurants within walking distance (everything in Poipu is literally a 5-min drive away) It is not cheap to stay here, but after experiencing it, I really can't see staying anywhere else on Kauai.

From start to finish our stay at the Lodge was the perfect family vacation! Nyleen was amazing as our concierge. So helpful and responsive. The Lodge was immaculate. The grounds so lush and well maintained. The restaurants served delicious food with local twists. The pool was our perfect end of the day spot- never wanted to leave! Shhhhh- almost don’t want to post so it could be a secret.

This is the third time we have been to the lodge. We love it. It’s incredibly family friendly, phenomenal golf course. Great sports facilities and spa. Very good restaurants too. Staff is incredibly friendly. If anything, maybe prices are too steep, but you will find out as you research it. Mahalo!

As I sit on my patio in my very spacious and well appointed bungalow, it is easy to understand why The Lodge at Kukui'ula is the #1 resort on Kauai, The rental bungalows are inside a private property which has incredibly beautiful grounds, even for the Garden Island, with lush open areas, ocean views, an outstanding golf course, very cool pools, a dynamite spa and a superb restaurant! No gratuities allowed and any charges go to your bungalow account automatically. A very upscale experience in a development of multi-million dollar homes but in a quaint and very private atmosphere. The staff is absolutely amazing! The lodge also has a garden for touring with garden products made available daily for free in a kiosk in front of the clubhouse. We also attended the Garden Dinner which is on site at the Garden and happens once every month or so. Open bar, fabulous foods and entertainment with a chance to mingle with property owners who were very friendly, gracious and accommodating. It has everything you would want or need. Almost no need to leave the property but, of course, you will because, after all, this is Kauai! We have traveled to all of the islands in Hawaii and have stayed in incredible resorts all over the world but we always look forward to returning to The Lodge at Kukui'ula.

The Lodge was overall really nice. Our Bungalow as VERY clean, well stocked with kitchen utensils, nice grill, and toiletries. Beautiful lanai to eat on. They did have a nice little gift for our daughter. The fans were kind of anemic in two of the rooms and barely rotated despite being on the highest level. Outdoor shower was nice. The hot water took a while to come in the kitchen so it was hard to do dishes. Ice tray was frozen solid so couldn't really use the ice. It think some of these little touches could be improved for the price. The pools were beautiful, not crowded, and heated to a nice temperature. The Makai restaurant was very nice. Friendly service from Makai staff. Overall the grounds were stunning with beautiful landscaping, but of course there were lots of landscapers/gardeners about to keep the grounds pristine. Daily loud street sweeping. We enjoyed the fitness classes although you do have to pay extra for them or to use the pools in the spa. Seems like this could be included for the price of the stay and the classes weren't very crowded. Amanda was great! There seem to be kayaks available at the farm and property, but no one really tells you where to get the paddles and launch. The farmstand was cool, and we likely looking around the farm. Very unique features. It seemed like the welcome was a little but short, they didn't show us around the property or explain where things were. You had to find out by yourself or talking to people. They could have done a better job making us feel welcomed in person. I understand it is a private club also, but they do have rental units so should focus more on this. There were no towels at the pool one night when we went swimming although the pool was still open as it was still light out. Treat 30-2 tablespoons of ice cream in a cup--not really worth stopping by and you had to twist someone's arm to get it. I had to ask multiple people as they said they "were out." Why list this on the calendar if it's so hard to access and they run out? Main restaurant difficult to get into...get reservations if possible. They were kind enough to accommodate us after a long wait. Multiple empty tables--possibly a staffing issue? Close to Poipu Beach which was fun and restaurants/shops nearby too. Overall, would go back, but for a 5 star resort, little details need improvement. We realize it's a privilege to stay here...not everyone gets this opportunity. Mahalo.

Picky, Picky: As an architect who has worked on luxury hotels and high-end homes, I am more critical than most guests. I must admit the folks who did the Lodge at Kukui’ula (Alexander & Brown and DMB Development) did a very, very good job. Lush Surroundings: The siting of the lodge is excellent, with beautiful sunset views over a terraced lawn and an axial view of the dramatic Spouting Horn blowhole. The pool and surrounding area are well designed to provide play areas for families and secluded areas for a couples. The grounds are lush with beautiful and surprisingly mature trees. The units are arranged to afford much privacy. The architecture respects the aesthetic of historic local plantations without devolving into caricature. Impressive Quality: Perhaps most impressive is the quality of the accommodations themselves. Typically, “luxurious” accommodations sadly reveal dozens of cheap short cuts that may escape some eyes, but not those of professionals. Not so at this property. All the materials, furnishings, appliances, fixtures, and fittings are very high quality. The bathrooms are fabulous, with excellent bathtubs and nice showers, including an outdoor "garden" shower. Very impressive! Unimpressive Breakfasts: Continental breakfast at the clubhouse is included, but it’s a bit on the meager side (not even any fruit juice). No Recycling: We dutifully segregated our recyclables, only to discover a notice at the dumpster informing guests that the Lodge at Kukui’ula has no recycling program and guests should take their trash to a recycling center a couple miles away. Huh? Unbelievable. Noisy Equipment: Some may argue that one should know that sleeping adjacent to a golf course means being awakened at 6:30 AM by groundskeepers; however, these days there are quiet, electric alternatives. Unfortunately, they are not used here. Guest Services: These folks were very attentive. Kyle made sure we were booked into a more secluded unit. Caleb received us graciously and followed up. Nyleen gets a shout out as she was very helpful throughout our stay.