Unit 25 has certain attributes that make it especially desirable. It has recently been remodeled to improve the white water views while keeping the unique Kiahuna style redwood trim throughout. This is a second floor unit, which provides more privacy than the ground floor units, as well as a panoramic view of the lawn, ocean, and beach area. It's also on the end of the building, which allows the trade winds to bring cooling breezes virtually all year long. An ancient rainbow tree shades the front deck which provides comfortable use throughout the day and keeps the unit cool. Ours is one of the only units with a guest closet which contains beach umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, tennis rackets, bocce ball, frisbees and other entertainments for our guests.
We also include a free membership at the Poipu Beach Athletic Club, located across Poipu Road. It features a kid-friendly swimming pool with a water slide, tennis courts, and a fitness center that is the best on the island. The Cabaña Grill offers delicious meals, and unlike some of the local restaurants, reservations are not needed. Try their fish tacos!
The charm of Kiahuna Plantation is reminiscent of 'Old Hawaii' with beautiful grounds that are full of trees, flowers, an orchid 'farm' and green grass with pathways for strolling to the beach or around the property. Our parents fell in love with the look and feel of Kiahuna four decades ago, and we're delighted that the "garden feeling" is still one of the main attractions to this lovely resort.
There are several levels of beach houses at Kiahuna Plantation, and it's really important to know what you're getting. Ours is an Ocean View, which provides a whitewater view of the surf and ocean beyond. The only level that is better is Ocean Front, at substantially higher prices. When comparing units at Kiahuna, make sure you're comparing apples and apples. It's easy to find a lower price, but you may not be able to see the ocean at all.
Like virtually all properties at Kiahuna, there is a charge for cleaning. In 2024, the charge was about $310 including taxes, which is payable to Castle Resorts upon departure. Other than state and local taxes, this is the only extra charge that you'll pay.
Here's a review from a recent, returning guest. After trying many Kiahuna beach houses, our guest said the following about Unit 25:
"It was our 20+ time at the Kiahuna Plantation in various units and it was great. The place has a perfect location on the property and it is super-efficiently stacked and organized. The end unit has impeccable airflow and the ocean view is magnificent with one minute walk to the ocean. Communication with Chuck is a delight and the property management is efficient. Will be back in the same unit in December!"
The recently upgraded kitchen and dining room/living room are lovely for meals, but nearby restaurants available for those who wish to dine out. Across the street from the Kiahuna is Keoki's Paradise which has both dining around the bar as well as a more formal dining room. Great fish tacos and casual food, as well as steak and seafood. There's also a Bubba's Burgers and a casual Italian restaurant. Down the road at the relatively new Kukui'ula shopping center is Eating House 1849, one of Roy Yamaguchi's latest places, and Merriman's, which has received rave reviews. There are many more restaurants within a 10 minute drive that will satisfy all palates.
The water is aqua, warm and has (usually) gentle surf. There are surfing classes held for those who want to give it a try. Other activities include nearby scuba rentals, horseback riding, ziplining, kayaking on two gorgeous rivers, and Zodiac rides to the normally inaccessible North Coast.
For those who have not visited Kauai, it's the ideal place for a week in Hawaii without the congestion and hustle of some of the other popular locations (we're looking at you, Waikiki). The pace is slower, the beauty is unsurpassed, and there is always something to do within a short walk or drive of Kiahuna Plantation. Our family has owned this unit for over 40 years, and we look forward to visiting it and the island every year.
Bring your walking shoes (or at least your Tevas with a rugged sole) so you can hike around the 4,000' summit of the island, or along the incomparable Na Pali Coast. If it looks familiar, it's because movies as famous as South Pacific and as new as Jurassic Park have been filmed along this gorgeous coastline.
Must see:
Pokihale Beach (far western side of the island)
Kokee State Park (above Waimea Canyon)
Kipu Falls (W of Lihue)
Waimea Falls (just N of Lihue)
Zodiac or Catamaran Trip on Na Pali Coast (departs from Pt. Allen)
Helicopter ride around island (pricey, but unforgettable)
Various Farmer's Markets around the island (including Koloa and Kukia'ula)
Spouting Horn
Hanalei Bay
The Queen's Baths (Princeville; may be closed during the year)
National Tropical Botanical Gardens (near Ha'ena)
Finally, it's becoming more and more common to add air conditioning to Kiahuna beach houses, and we have decided to not do this. First, we have an end unit with opening louvered windows, which allow the trade winds to blow through. Second, the climate is such that there are very few nights when it feels too warm to sleep comfortably, and when this happens, we crank up the ceiling fans. Third, it's sort of an environmental nightmare if it's not absolutely needed. We've owned the same unit for 40 years without A/C. We honestly don't think it's necessary.
Keywords: condominium, beach front, ocean view
