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Koloa Landing Resort Review
Today, I’ll be sharing a full Koloa Landing Resort Review. Before we dive in, here is a quick overview of Koloa Landing Resort:
Location: South Shore of Kauai (Poipu)
Accolades: The best pool in America
Price: Mid-range (starting around $400/night depending on room type and time of year)
Who it’s for Families/anyone who wants a kitchen/villa-style accommodations
Koloa Landing Resort is big enough to have what you need, but it isn’t a huge resort, so getting around is very easy. It’s about a 25-minute drive from the Lihue airport and close to many different restaurants and shops.
The Koloa/Poipu area is almost always warm and sunny (yes, it was raining in the video, but it’s rare!) and has easy access to either side of Kauai.
STOP! Do you have a rental car?
You absolutely need a rental car on Kauai. If you don’t have a rental car yet, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. This is my go-to for rental cars on Kauai. Trust me, you’ll want a rental car in Kauai.
While Koloa Landing does have a place to rent a car onsite, it is considerably more expensive than renting at the airport. Most resorts in Kauai (and all of Hawaii) do this because they know you need a rental car, even if you think you don’t! Do yourself a favor and rent your car ahead of time for the best pricing.
The best resort in Kauai for families
As a Hawaii Travel Agent, Koloa Landing Resort is always a top pick for the best resorts in Kauai for families. However, some of my honeymoon clients enjoy this resort too! What truly sets Koloa Landing Resort apart is the size of the accommodations. You truly can get the best of both worlds with “condo-style” accommodations (villas) but at a true resort.
Do you prefer a video format? Check out our full YouTube video tour of Koloa Landing Resort.
Koloa Landing Resort Review
Before we dive into the full Koloa Landing Resort Review, let’s ensure you know a few things about this resort. First, it’s not beachfront. Kiahuna and Poipu Beach are close enough to walk, but just be aware that the resort is not beachfront. Looking for a beachfront option? Check out the Grand Hyatt Kauai!
Next, Koloa Landing does have a resort fee. Resort fees can frustrate many first-time Hawaii visitors, but know that they are standard in Hawaii. Only the most expensive resorts (think Four Seasons) don’t have them, and even then, it’s just added to the cost of your stay.
Your resort fee includes the following:
- Parking (this is a big deal; many resorts have you pay both)
- A welcome gift bag
- Welcome mai tais
- Fresh leis upon arrival
- Things you’d expect such as activities, the fitness center, the business center, etc.
Lastly, I said this is mid-range because for Hawaii, it is. Still, you may have some sticker shock if you haven’t done much research. Pricing will vary based on when you travel but generally starts around $400/night, which is pretty standard in Hawaii. For the size (even a studio), I feel your money goes a bit further at Koloa Landing than some other resorts.
Rooms at Koloa Landing Resort
Koloa Landing Resort does not have your standard room that sleeps 4, and that’s a good thing! If you’re traveling with more than four people, have any food allergies, or just want a little more space, this is the place for you!
This 21-acre resort offers 306 rooms, from studios to a 4-bedroom penthouse. The deluxe studios are over 500 square feet, larger than your typical hotel room. There are villas consisting of one, two, and three bedrooms. Check out our YouTube channel for tours of some of the specific villas.
The pools at Koloa Landing Resort
If nice pools are important to your family, look no further than Koloa Landing. The 350,000-gallon lagoon pool has the title of the best pool in America. This epic pool has multiple waterslides, waterfalls, an infinity pool, and several hot tubes. Don’t worry. There are also plenty of shallow areas for little ones.
If the big pool is just too much for you, there’s also a smaller family lagoon pool.
If you’re celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary or just want to get away from the noise, the tranquility pool is an adults-only oasis.
I always recommend bringing your own reef-safe sunscreen; the sun is intense in Hawaii! Forgot yours or run out? No worries, they provide it at the pools.
Activities at Koloa Landing
During our most recent visit, we were told about a fun scavenger hunt for kids that was just implemented at the resort. Other activities include free yoga, a full spa, a putting green, and campfire s’mores. While this resort doesn’t have as many onsite activities as others like the Grand Hyatt, the incredible pool makes up for it!
If you want a larger resort with more to do on-site, check out our Grand Hyatt Kauai review.
Don’t forget to venture offsite and check out some of my favorite Kauai activities, including:
Restaurants at Koloa Landing Resort
There’s only one restaurant at Koloa Landing Resort, but it’s a good one! Holoholo Grill features gastro-inspired Hawaiian comfort food and is a collaboration with James Beard award-winning chef Sam Choy.
You’ll also find some made-to-order food and grocery items at Gourmet Marketplace, which is right by the resort entrance. I spotted lots of allergy-friendly options here too! I am always on the lookout for someone who has Celiac disease and is strictly gluten-free.
There are plenty of other great Kauai restaurants nearby, as well as grocery stores if you plan to do some of the cooking in your own full kitchen. Or, kitchenette, if you have a studio.
Gym and Spa at Koloa Landing Resort
Koloa Landing Resort has a fantastic gym with plenty of equipment, from Pelaton bikes to free weights to machines.
The Spa at Koloa Landing Resort offers facials, massages, and body treatments. So, if you spend the day hiking in Kauai, riding ATVs, or kayaking the Wailua River, you can come back and relax with a great massage.
The best Kauai resort for families
So, what makes Koloa Landing Resort the best resort in Kauai for families? I love the location. South Kauai is beautiful, and the weather is almost always fantastic. Notice I said almost! You’ll see in our video that we had a bit of rain during our last visit. However, that is incredibly rare!
The location makes it easy to access everything in Poipu and Koloa. You’ll find Waimea Canyon, Koke’e State Park, and Port Allen (for snorkel tours) to the west. Head east, and you can enjoy kayaking the Wailua River, hiking Sleeping Giant, or enjoying the cute surf town of Kapa’a. If you go even further north from there, you can visit Hanalei or Princeville.
Kauai is very small, so I don’t recommend a split stay. Just take your rental car and enjoy day or half-day trips around beautiful Kauai.
In addition, I love having extra space for families of more than 4 or multi-generational travel. If anyone in your family has food allergies or restrictions, having a kitchen can be nice! You’ll also have a washer and dryer, which can be handy if you want to pack light.
Koloa Landing Review
What do you think? Did this Koloa Landing Resort review help you decide if this is the resort for you? If you need help deciding, that’s what I’m here for! I am a Hawaii Travel Agent and would love to help you. Contact me today.
Still looking for ideas? I have other blog posts with more recommendations for places to stay in Hawaii, including:
- Hawaii helicopter tour, is it worth it?
- Ko’a Kea Resort Review (The best resort in Kauai for honeymoons!)
- The best happy hours in Kauai
- The 8 best golf courses in Kauai
work with me
Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I only take on a select number of clients per month. Please get in touch with me and see if I’m available to ensure your trip to Hawaii is the best it can be!
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