Pono Kai Reviews & Ratings

We visited the Pono Kai last week in Aug, 04. Overall it was a good experience. We have a 4 yr old and found the place to be very family friendly. It's a good location for budget travel because it is close by to the few discount supermarkets on the island and inexpensive restaurants. It's also centrally located on the island between the more desireable north and south shores.

The 1 bed room unit was spacious and had a couch along with a murphy bed, plus a full kitchen. The master bedroom had a double bed. It also had a free washer/dryer in the unit, but we learned that these only come with the Sunterra-managed rooms.

The only negative is that we found it to be a "no frills" resort - which is fine because we paid accordingly. The grounds are nice and the location is OK, but it wasn't the kind of place we wanted to spend the day during the trip. The reason is that the pool is very small for a resort of that size and was crowded. Also, the beach was small and not very inviting. The town of Kapaa is also a bit seedy.

So we ended up getting in the car every day and driving to nicer parts of the island like the Hanalei Bay. It would have been nice to stay on campus more and avoid the lengthy drives. We visited a few other resorts that had much nicer beaches and pools like the nearby Beachboy resort and the Radisson. But of course these are also priced higher

So overall, I'd say the Pono Kai is a good value-oriented vacation. It gets you to the most beautiful Hawaiian island inexpensively and gives you the basics.

This place feels like your home away from home with all the local flavor and aloha of Kauai. There is so much to do close to the condo. It’s within walking distance of grocery stores, restaurants and shops. There is a beach bike path right outside the property for exploring miles of beaches along the eastern coastline. It’s also centrally located for access to the North Shore area as well as Poipu and other points of interest to the south.

Pono Kai is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to resorts in Kauai. The buildings look old but that is about it, the grounds and landscaping are immaculate. The rooms are spacious and neat. The staff is terrific. The concierge is very helpful to make the most of your stay by suggesting places of interest and can make bookings and reservations for you. The resort is on the beach and also within a short walking distance of the downtown area. You'll like and enjoy Pono Kai.

Ocean front comfortable condo with fully equipped kitchen. Extra items can be obtained from housekeeping, such as beach towels, robes, various type of kitchen equipment such crock pots, rice cookers, etc. Conveniently located in Kapaa, cute, colorful town with lots of little shops and restaurants

This was our 2nd year at the resort and we truly enjoyed it. Both times we stayed in a 2 bedroom, ocean front unit. The living area and master bedroom had air conditioning, which was much appreciated. The unit and the grounds were very clean. The staff was very friendly.

There is a small stretch of beach in front of the resort. Lydgate Beach Park is close by with life guard and great for families. A little further to the North is a great beach for surfing (also w/life guard).

Plenty of restaurants are within walking distance.

We are looking forward to returning again next year.

A beautiful resort right on the beach! Walk into the historic Kappa Town, bike along the shoreline. Enjoy the true meaning of Aloha.

We have been owners at the Pono Kai for over 20 years. We have never had any reason to complain ever!! We are now seniors and are finding the trip difficult, hence we are renting our unit out this year with plans to sell it.

Beautiful grounds. Located near center of island, only 7 miles from airport. Very nice units, recently updated. Convenient to grocery stores and other shopping, plus bars, other resorts and restaurants. Swimming pool, hot tub and exercise room. Elevators in all buildings as well as washers & dryers. Also air conditioning in all units. Ocean front adjacent to 7 mile walking/biking path.

My vacation on Kauai, staying at the Pono Kai, was the best vacation I ever enjoyed. The resort is centrally located for doing all the best things on the island. Resort is well kept ad comfortable and right on the water. Will go back as often as I can!

Great location and view. You can walk to the beach. Beauriful sunsets and more!

You have found it!! A family resort all ages will enjoy. Choose your beach front unit that has been recently remodeled and has all the comforts of your home. Enjoy the massive grounds full of family friendly games, tennis, and a pool. The beach is directly in front of the resort. The location is walking distance to Kappa an old historic Hawaiin village with restaurants and shops. The bike path starts in front of the resort and follows the coast to hidden beaches. We have loved this resort and so will you.

Pono Kai is a small, friendly, oceanfront resort in the little town of Kapaa. The resort is bordered by a walking/bike path leading to town and a popular beach, with several restaurants, boutiques and galleries nearby. The resort units are comfortable, updated, and clean. Each unit boasts a lanai (balcony or outdoor space) and a full kitchen. The resort grounds are well-maintained with an outdoor pool, grills, tennis courts, and croquet. The town of Kapaa is on the eastern side of the island, within easy driving distance to the airport and beaches.

Pono Kai is one of our favorite places to stay on Kauai. The oceanfront setting is absolutely beautiful, and being able to wake up to the sound of the waves every morning is something really special. The Kapaa location is incredibly convenient with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the coastal walking path right outside the resort. The grounds are always well maintained, and the recent 2025 updates to the pool, spa, and buildings make the property feel especially refreshed. It’s the perfect balance of peaceful beachfront relaxation and easy access to everything on the island.

Very desirable location mid island and close to all excursions and shopping! Beautiful garden grounds and excellent attentive staff. ALOHA!!

EXCELLENT VACATION PROPERTY ON THE BEACH. WELL CARED FOR AND UPDATED AS NEEDED TO MEET THE EXPECTATIONS OF RESIDENTS. WATER FEATURE, MINI GOLF, BBQS, BEACH, POOL, OTHER ACTIVITIES AND MORE. WALKING DISTANCE TO RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING. SUNRISES CAN BE SPECTACULAR! ISLAND HAS MANY FUN ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE. (HORSEBACK RIDING WAS MY FAVORITE.) FOOD ON THE ISLAND IS GREAT. ENJOY FRESH PINEAPPLE AND COCONUTS, THE COFFEE PLANTATION, HELICOPTER RIDES TO SEE THE DORMANT VOLCANO, WATERFALLS, THE GRAND CANYON OF THE PACIFIC AND WHERE ELVIS FILMED BLUE HI. OTHER MOVIE VENUES WERE FILMED ON THE ISLAND OVER THE YEARS. SMITH LUAU IS THE BEST! RENTAL CARS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE ISLAND TO EXPERIENCE SUNSETS, OTHER BEACHES AND OTHER RESORT RESTAURANTS. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT A LAIDBACK RELAXING WEEK AT PONO KIA. ADDITIONAL COMMENT: THE STAFF IS FRIENDLY AND RESPONSIVE TO YOUR NEEDS.

The resort is located on the water within walking distance to shops, restaurants and food trucks. Close proximity to the airport and Island activities. Awesome views from our oceanfront unit. There's a bike/walking path that runs along the coastline. Beautiful property with a Koi pond, pool, hot tub, putting green and BBQ's. Spacious comfortable rooms with plenty of free parking, a well stocked kitchen, A/C, elevators and onsite laundry.

Staying at the Pono Kai Resort in Kapaa is all about the unbeatable location. Situated right on the ocean, the resort offers front-row seats to some of the most stunning sunrises on Kauai. What truly sets it apart is its walkability; you’re just a short, breezy stroll away from the heart of historic Kapaa town, where you can explore local boutiques, vibrant food trucks, and popular spots like Java Kai. The resort also sits directly on the Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path, making it incredibly easy to rent a bike and cruise for miles along the scenic shoreline. Being centrally located on the East Side makes it the perfect home base for day trips to both the North and South shores, ensuring you're never far from the island's best adventures.

This top floor Presidential unit of a 2 storey building is the best because you don't hear anyone above you. It is right on the ocean with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets from the lanai. Nearby are very good restaurants, bike rentals and unique shops including a world ranked chocolate shop. Centrally located, this resort is perfect for getting around the island. Friendly front desk staff and housekeeping make it very enjoyable. We return every summer!

Pono Kai has been our family's home-away-from-home in our beloved Kauai. It's perfectly situated on the Coconut Coast. A lovely walk to a few grocery stores, shave-ice, nearby beaches, or bike the path. When we're day-tripping, Kapa'a is half-way around the semi-circular coastal highway, so never too far to visit any of our favorite beaches or attractions. These suites are huge and well-appointed. Barbeques are never too busy, and a great place to meet our neighbors. I cant' say enough about this amazing place!

This lovely oceanfront condo at Pono Kai Resort is located along the scenic Coconut Coast in Kapaa, Hawaii. This beautifully maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom resort condominium is situated in the desirable Building D on the second floor.

The unit features a covered ocean-facing lanai—an ideal spot to relax in comfortable lounge seating while enjoying the sights and sounds of the tropics. Bright and inviting, Unit D204 offers abundant natural light and a comfortable sofa bed, allowing the condo to accommodate up to four guests.

Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen ready for preparing island-inspired meals, a welcoming living area with an entertainment center, and a dining table with seating for four.

The building includes elevator access, and ample parking is available. The property is just a short walk from downtown Kapaa, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, shops, and banking services. A scenic multi-use coastal path stretching over ten miles is also nearby—perfect for walking, jogging, or biking along the shoreline.

Pono Kai Resort offers an impressive selection of on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, shared coin-operated laundry facilities, tennis courts, putting greens, a volleyball court, croquet lawn, ping-pong table, chess court, and more.

Accommodations & Features:

Master bedroom

Sofa bed in the living room (sleeps up to 4 total)

Private oceanfront lanai

Shared laundry facilities

Air conditioning

We love this resort. We have been here many times. The staff is always ready to help. They're fast and efficient. The new remodeled units have a great modern look. The location of this resort is one of its advantages. It is located next to the old Kapa'a town in the middle of the east side of the island. You can easily take day trips to the north or south sides without expending the whole day in the car, and if you're tired of driving just walk to the old town and spend the day shopping and dining.

A beautiful resort right on the ocean. Quiet beach and a great location for dining and activities.