Pono Kai, Kauai

Pono Kai Resort, located in the historic town of Kapaa on Kauai's east side, offers a picturesque 12-acre property with meticulously manicured grounds and a koi pond. The resort is within walking distance of various restaurants, shops, and grocery stores, and is just 15 minutes from Lihue Airport. Guests can enjoy numerous on-site amenities, including a pool, hot tub, tennis and pickleball courts, workout room, BBQ facilities, herb garden, and a 7-mile multi-use coastal path. The resort also provides free parking, 24-hour front desk service, and an activities desk for arranging island adventures.

In addition to its convenient location and extensive amenities, Pono Kai Resort is situated along the scenic Ke Ala Hele Makalae walking and bike path, providing easy access to the beautiful coastline and nearby attractions. With a range of activities and facilities available, Pono Kai Resort is an ideal choice for vacationers seeking a relaxing and enjoyable stay on the Garden Isle of Kauai.

Pono Kai Average Rates


As of January 2025, the average price of a 1 bedroom unit at Pono Kai is $325. The average price of a 2 bedroom unit is $542. The average takes into account Hawaii's 18% accommodation tax as well as the cleaning and booking fees rentals charge. Also note that prices vary depending on the specifc unit and season (holiday rates are usally much higher). Visit the Pono Kai Rentals page to see specific unit prices for your dates.

Pono Kai's Best Rentals

View All 35 Pono Kai Rentals (with vacancy and search options)

What Do Guests Think? An AI Analysis of 1000 Guest Reviews


Reviewer Portrait

The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.

It seems like guests have had a positive experience staying at the Pono Kai condo resort on Kauai. Many appreciate the central location, which allows for easy access to restaurants, shops, and sightseeing spots. The oceanfront views and proximity to the beach are highlights for many, with guests enjoying sunrises and the sound of waves from their units. The resort's amenities, including pools, family activities, and well-maintained grounds, are well-received. Units are described as clean, comfortable, and well-equipped, offering everything needed for a pleasant stay, including beach gear. Some guests mention minor issues such as noise from neighboring units or the need for updates in some condos, but these do not seem to detract significantly from the overall positive experience. The convenience of walking and biking paths, as well as the friendly and responsive property management, are also appreciated. Overall, guests recommend Pono Kai for its beautiful location, comfortable accommodations, and the excellent value it provides for a memorable stay on Kauai. This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 guest reviews.

Recent Pono Kai Reviews


Beautiful place with so many amenities!
emily h.
October 2024

This property was in a good location, on the beach, with a sidewalk along the beach. It was a short walk along the beach walking path to Kapaa restaurants and shops. Safeway was a short drive away, and Kapaa was a central location for exploring the island. The apartment rental was as advertised. Very comfortable. We could see the sun rise every morning from our balcony.
Heather C.
October 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Pono Kai condo. The photos and description of the property and amenities were spot on. Use of the beach equipment, bikes, etc. made the trip even better. Lena was an excellent property manager and provided a clear and useful instruction sheet of the condo. Our only complaint would be the early checkout time of 10:00am. The only non-stop flight off Kauai was 10:00 pm. We had a whole day to kill without a place to come back to which forced us to spend more time at the airport than we would have liked. Other than that, our trip was fantastic!
Jeff S.
October 2024

We loved our stay! Loved waking up by the ocean and taking a morning swim. Our hosts were very accessible and accommodating.
Dan & Joan K.
September 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We loved the location and definitely recommend this unit! Sitting on the patio in the morning is the perfect place to be. The property is spacious and inviting. Several restaurants/shops are within walking distance and the path out back is a nice stroll, morning or evening. Great communication, plus easy and personable checkout.
Ronda R.
September 2024

Rating Details: The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The rental worked out great! Good location, walk to town, great view, clean, beds comfy, rental staff easy to work with. We had a wonderful stay.
John G.
September 2024

The place’s location and the view were very nice. However the place needs upgrading. The bathroom was not very clean especially the toilet. Linens on the bed were old and was not even ironed but It was changed immediately when it was addressed. I am not sure if I will stay at this place again.
Cecille
September 2024

Great property, great view, great people. Was greeted with aloha, felt the aloha the whole stay and it was to say our final aloha.
David O.
September 2024

Awesome Location, beautiful condo. Loved it.
Steve C.
September 2024

Had a great time Accommodations were exceptional
Donna V.
September 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: great place with lots of activity options.well stocked unit close to shopping etc.
Eva e.
September 2024

From the sofa you can see the ocean. Beautiful and comfortable. Sun rises to die for.
Jerri H.
September 2024

Very nice property. Very clean. The ocean front view was amazing!
Nancy K.
September 2024

This unit was the perfect location, clean and close to shopping/ restaurant. Great walks along the ocean! Groundskeepers were always out keeping the place looking great.
Foy S.
September 2024

Great location and amazing ocean views.
Niki B.
September 2024

The property is not well maintained. There is rust on the light fixtures in the bathroom, rust on ceiling fans, there was dirt behind the hamper in the bathroom, the tub was filthy, 2 electrical outlets do not work, and the bed is beyond well worn (there is a 3-inch topper on a very old mattress). The view from the Lenai, breathtaking.
Angela L.
September 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This was a great condo with everything you could need. It was so nice to step right outside your sliding door and walk to the beach, shops, etc....We would definitely stay here again! A perfect 10!
Daniel W.
September 2024

The unit is in a very convenient location with direct access to beach and easy walking distance to food/shopping. Plenty of trash bags, paper towels and toilet paper to last the entire week stay. Random condiments and pantry items left in kitchen (we did not use but someone may appreciate it). Beach equipment and beach towels available in unit. The grounds of the resort (Pono Kai) were great! Tons of games, walking paths, grills and fire pits. There was only one key for the unit which wasn’t a huge deal but there was another couple with us so we had to coordinate plans in order to keep unit locked. Condo was tidy and somewhat clean but could certainly use a deep clean. The bathtubs appeared to have not been scrubbed in a long time. Would not be comfortable putting a child in them to bathe. There are a ton of fans which we loved in the spare room with no A/C. Guest book with recommendations was a nice touch.
Sadie M.
September 2024

Where do I began ? This place was awesome! Any Human Being will love this place !
Syron J.
September 2024

it was a dump and super hot in the bedroom, 3 forks in kitchen, the bath and kitchen not very clean and the entire kitchen leaves a lot to the imagination, needs help. if you saw up close pics, you would laugh, peeling stick on's, uneven and tired and old. The staff that came to help was a few days later and gave us a fan that didn't do much, i ended up purchasing a fan at Walmart that worked. that place is way too expensive for what you get. Thankfully it was only a week. The staff that came to assist was super nice and helpful, but the owner really needs to update that place and do a deep clean!
Tracy H.
September 2024

We can’t say enough about our stay. The condo was super convenient to dining, shopping, groceries, and activities. The upgrades inside were fantastic and the daily sunrise from the lanai was amazing. Shirley was an incredible host checking in on us during a week of uncertainty weather wise.We would love to come back.
Stacey R.
September 2024

Very well appointed thank the owner for great stay . Corporate should of said more about construction to building along with unit above. A number of days no access from slideing door
Daniel P.
September 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This condo is perfect for a Kapaa stay. The oceanfront view is spectacular and close enough to be lulled to sleep by the ocean yet far enough off the bike trail. The condo is extraordinarily clean, roomy and comfortable! Well appointed with great beach gear. Comfortable beds and the air was very nice to have on humid nights in August. Walking distance to food and sundries. The grounds are beautiful with lots to do there (pool, croquet, volleyball, fire pits, koi pond etc). The only thing we’d add would be a few basic spices for cooking!
Christine V.
September 2024

We loved the condo - it was beautiful and the photos don’t do it justice. The place was very clean, the kitchen had everything you would want. The host has thought of everything! And the view was gorgeous! The property was also very nice and well maintained. The location on the island was super convenient for exploring the entire island. We would definitely stay here again!!
Joan M.
September 2024

It was located right on beach practically. The only thing is be prepared to hike all your luggage a little ways.
Richard D.
September 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This condo is perfect for a Kapaa stay. The oceanfront view is spectacular and close enough to be lulled to sleep by the ocean yet far enough off the bike trail. The condo is extraordinarily clean, roomy and comfortable! Well appointed with great beach gear. Comfortable beds and the air was very nice to have on humid nights in August. Walking distance to food and sundries. The grounds are beautiful with lots to do there (pool, croquet, volleyball, fire pits, koi pond etc). The only thing we’d add would be a few basic spices for cooking!
Christine V.
September 2024

Love the location but the place needs updates. I paid for a place with AC and the AC didn’t work when we got there. We were without AC for3 days and it was miserable. I feel the price I paid was too high for all problems we had. Won’t be staying here again.
Maria K.
September 2024

This is our second stay at this property. It is clean, bright and in an ideal location. Well stocked with food prep utensils. The shower is large and easy to use. Would stay here again.
Darrel K.
August 2024

Perfect location to everything. Clean plenty of parking. Loved it
Donna C.
August 2024

Super
BRITTA MARTINA CHRISTIANE K.
August 2024

Overall, the condo was very nice and clean. The only exception were the bathroom mats that were dirty. I had to use the towels as floor mats. The condo came with beach chairs, umbrella, towels, and few other items that we didn’t use. The view was nice and right off the boardwalk.
Bob N.
August 2024

We enjoyed our time in Kauai. What a beautiful place, We drove all the way from Poipu to the edge of the North Shore. Thís room is centrally located and perfect for that. The weather wasn't great but we made the most we could of it. The bed is small (full size) and the mattress and pillows are the pits. Needs a good upgrade there! Thanks
Russell E.
August 2024

Other than the hurricane, the stay here was great
SHARON T.
August 2024

Excellent-Lots of good shopping and restaurants close by
Donna S.
August 2024

We were impressed with the thoughtfulness of the host, as evidenced by the amenities provided for our comfort. And the kitchen! I love to cook and the kitchen had small appliances, cookware, tableware and gadgets galore. Very nice!
Mark C.
August 2024

I would have given this place higher rating if the living room furniture was minimally comfortable. The 2 wicker chairs are so uncomfortable, they belong outside or something; they were awful. The couch was very small and uncomfortable as well. So, our family couldn't even sit in the living room comfortably. I just don't understand why the owners can't realize that people spend this much money on a condo, why wouldn't they think they'd like to be comfortable after a long day of being out and about. All they would have to do is get a sectional or even a couple of recliners and would make this so much better. On the flip side, I'm so glad there was A/C, even though it was inconsistent, we still were able to stay cool. So, don't believe anyone that tells you that you don't need a/c in Hawaii, as they are either not being sincere, or they are used to sleeping in high humidity outside or something. If you are used to sleeping warm or lots of humidity, then you'd be fine. This location was very good as a base, in that we could go north or south and cover alot of ground. That and there were numerous affordable eating locations that were really good. I would have liked to stay in the north, as it's prettier, but affordable restaurant selections were hard to find, and the area seemed to be very crowded. FYI, beach is really not optimum for swimming, as the water is not clear, lots of debris swirling around; but is great for the sounds and view.
Alan H.
August 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Lovely condo, incredible view and very well equipped! This condo has everything you could wish for. Very comfortable beds and A/C works great. Would definitely come back with my family again. Thank you!
Lisa B.
August 2024

Loved the location. Lots of stores and places to eat within walking distance. The view was amazing! Unfortunately the beach isn’t super swimmable (pretty rough), but still nice to walk and play in the surf a bit. The pool, albeit not fancy, our 6yo thoroughly enjoyed. Feeding the fish in the morning was also a highlight for her.
Jessica S.
August 2024

No complaints. Had what we needed. loved sunrise and walking along the coast. Good location. We’d stay there again.
Danielle N.
August 2024

This place was great! We would definitely stay here again! It was very clean. Lots of activities on the grounds (pool, ping pong, corn hole, chest, mini golf). We watched the sunrise the 1st morning and went for a walk in town and got some great coffee. Another morning we enjoyed a bike ride. This place has everything you need (beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, cooler w/ ice packs in freezer). The AC worked great! We ate off the porch one night and enjoyed the ocean front scenery.
Christi K.
August 2024

Good resort for working on the island for 2+ weeks.
John M.
August 2024

great spot, killer vibes
Sean C.
August 2024

Not our first time staying at the Pono Kai, and once again did not disappoint.
Dave P.
August 2024

We loved our stay at Pono Kai. The location was perfect for exploring all parts of the island. The town of Kapaa has lots of shops & good eats. The sea breeze coming in through the window every morning and night was perfect. There was no need for AC. Very clean and check in/check out were very easy. Would definitely stay again!
Cecilia K.
August 2024

A truly fabulous top floor location with an unobstructed ocean view. Married on Oahu 50 years ago and visiting often since this was our first visit to Kauai. We will be coming back and hope we can book this spot again...definitely a gem. Mahalo for sharing with us. We now start our next 50 years.
Sam M.
August 2024

Beach front! Fit my family of 5 great. Had all the beach accessories we needed.
Ann D.
August 2024

The property was all its review said it was and more. Things were clean, accessible and comfortable. We will definitely be back!
Jeff G.
August 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Location, view and room were wonderful! 2 things I would correct there were no dressers in the rooms. The rug by the kitchen sink is a tripping hazard for senior citizens like us.
Don K.
August 2024

Stayed 10 days in this beautiful condo, great location with tons to do within 15 minutes. Everything you could want was provided. Lots to do on the property and the beach across the street is very peaceful. Great communication and very clean.
Jerry M.
August 2024

Everything listed and more. Beautiful condo, incredible clean and every beach accessory you could think of and more. Definitely will be staying again!
Cheryle E.
August 2024


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