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Ko’a Kea Resort Review and Tour

Here is our Ko’a Kea Resort Review and Tour. As a Hawaii Travel Agent, I believe this is the best resort in Kauai for honeymoons, particularly if you’re looking for an upscale, boutique hotel with an intimate setting. However, I won’t let my opinion get in the way, even though my clients love this resort!

Ko’a Kea Resort only has 121 rooms but comes with all the amenities you could ever need. From a spa to one of the best restaurants in Kauai – Red Salt – you’ll find that everything you need is just steps away. Did I mention that the property is oceanfront and just steps from the beach? That too.

If you prefer video form, you can check out our full tour of Ko’a Kea on YouTube, including some of the rooms.

Ko’a Kea Resort Review

Walking into Ko’a Kea Resort, you’re greeted by warm but modern decor. The parking is valet-only, and the friendly staff will greet you with a lei.

The resort immediately feels more upscale and adult-oriented – which it is! As a Hawaii Travel Advisor specializing in honeymoons, I typically do not recommend this resort for families, but it’s perfect for honeymoons or an adult-only vacation.

If you’re looking for somewhere with more for families, I recommend Koloa Landing or the Grand Hyatt Kauai. 

Resort fee at Ko’a Kea

Like nearly all Hawaii resorts, Ko’a Kea has a resort fee. However, that fee includes oceanfront yoga, lei-making, and more. Make sure to take advantage of everything included in your resort fee!

The rooms at Ko’a Kea Resort

Ko’a Kea offers a few options for guest rooms and suites. Starting with a 364-square-foot guest room that could have a garden or ocean view. There are also deluxe oceanfront rooms with an extended lanai that are 442 square feet. 

Oceanfront and oceanview suites range from 624 to 728 square feet and are all similar, but the view or placement in the resort will be different. All rooms and suites include:

• Mini-fridge
• Workspace with chair
• Island Botanicals Bath products
• Keepsake Flip Flops
• Nespresso Coffee Maker
• Plush bath robes
• Luxurious bed and bath linens

Your typical amenities include an iron, safe, individually controlled air conditioning, etc. All rooms recently renovated are beautiful, welcoming, and comfortable.

I’ve seen all the room types and would happily discuss which will work best for your trip! Adjoining rooms are also available. Contact me for a custom quote. 

Restaurants at Ko’a Kea Resort

One of the top restaurants in Kauai, Red Salt, is located at Ko’a Kea Resort. The dinner features local fish and produce and also a Sushi Bar. The Executive Chef Noelani Planas was named one of the “5 Chefs To Watch in Hawaii” by Modern Luxury.

Executive Chef Noelani Planas oversees the culinary direction of Red Salt with experience from Las Vegas’ only Michelin three-star restaurant with Joel Robuchon.

Dinner at Red Salt and the Sushi Bar is available from 5 to 8:30 PM. Breakfast is available from 7 AM to 11 AM. I often find rates that include breakfast for just above the regular rates (saving you money on a fantastic breakfast), so contact me to see if that is available.

Ko’a Kea also offers room service 24-7. 

The beach at Ko’a Kea Resort

Ko’a Kea Resort is directly oceanfront, with a path to the beach that is just a short walk away. If you take a right, Kiahuna Beach is just steps away. This beach is known for its calm waters. To the left, the famous Poipu Beach isn’t much further. So, while the resort may not be directly beachfront (it is located on a short, rocky shoreline), the beach is walkable via paved paths that take less than 5 minutes. 

Poipu is on the south and sunny side of the island. I realize our YouTube video took place in the rain, but that is VERY rare for this side of the island. If you’ve heard that it rains a lot on Kauai, choosing the south side (almost) guarantees your trip will be warm and sunny. 

The gym and spa at Ko’a Kea Resort

The Spa at Ko’a Kea focuses on infusing natural, indigenous ingredients and calming, tranquil atmospheres. The spa is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and spa services can be booked in advance. Couples appointments are available, but you’ll need to call for that. 

Treatments range from traditional massages to lomi lomi massages, hot stones, and more. The spa also offers facials as well as massages on the beach. 

The gym at Ko’a Kea is fully equipped, including Peloton bikes, and has everything you need to stay fit during your stay. Oceanfront yoga is also offered daily and is included in your resort fee. 

The downsides to Ko’a Kea Resort

Some reviews say Ko’a Kea is more expensive than other resorts but has less to offer. Well, I’m afraid I have to disagree. If you want a kid-friendly resort with lots of children’s activities, this isn’t it. If you don’t need that, there is no downside. 

You are paying for a more upscale resort with a more boutique and intimate feeling. That may cost more than the large resorts, and it’s well worth it for those looking for more privacy and quiet. 

There is only one pool, but the resort is oceanfront, and the beach is just steps away. The pool does have a hot tub and a pool bar. Plenty of loungers and umbrellas are available, so you should never have difficulty finding a place to sit. 

Ko’a Kea Resort Tour

What do you think? Did this help you decide if Ko’a Kea is the best 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:

• The best 5-star resorts on Maui
• The 25 Best Resorts in Hawaii (you’ll find Ko’a Kea on here, of course!) 
• The Best Luxury Resorts Big Island
• 5-star resort on Oahu
• Waikiki Hotels on the beach
• The 10 best honeymoon hotels in Maui
• The best boutique hotels in Hawaii

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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