Sheraton Kauai Resort
Overview
Sheraton Kauai Resort sprawls across 20 oceanfront acres on Poipu Beach—Kauai's sunniest and most popular beach destination. This 188-room resort delivers full-service Sheraton hospitality in a setting that maximizes the south shore's spectacular natural beauty: oceanfront dining at RumFire with 180-degree Pacific views, two swimming pools, direct Poipu Beach access, and the Auli'i Lū'au—the only beachfront luau on Kauai.
The resort's 20-acre footprint creates a sense of space and breathing room that smaller Poipu properties can't match. Low-rise buildings spread across the oceanfront grounds rather than towering above them, maintaining the intimate, garden-resort character that Kauai visitors seek. The architecture blends with the coastal landscape rather than dominating it—a design philosophy that reflects Kauai's overall development approach and the island's commitment to preserving its natural beauty.
Poipu's south shore location delivers Kauai's most reliable weather—sunnier and drier than the north shore or east coast—making this one of the safest bets in Hawaii for consistent beach conditions. Couples rate the location 9.3 on Booking.com, reflecting the genuine romantic appeal of the oceanfront setting, spectacular sunsets, and the overall quality of the resort experience. Marriott Bonvoy members earn and redeem points, and self-parking is included in the daily fee.
Accommodation Options
Sheraton Kauai's 188 guest rooms and suites spread across the resort's 20 oceanfront acres, offering garden view and oceanfront options. Every room includes a private lanai, flat-screen TV, in-room refrigerator, free WiFi (for Bonvoy members booking direct), and Shine by Bliss bath products. The low-rise layout means most rooms are close to ground level, creating easy access to the pools, beach, and dining venues without elevator waits.
The Garden View rooms are surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, while the Oceanfront rooms deliver direct Pacific views and the sound of waves as your wake-up call. Deluxe accommodations and suites add upgraded furnishings and additional space. The resort also offers villa accommodations through the adjacent Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas—studios and one- and two-bedroom villas with kitchenettes, washers/dryers, and separate living areas for extended stays and families seeking more space.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
Two outdoor pools provide distinct swimming experiences. The Ocean Pool sits closest to the beach, surrounded by comfortable loungers, umbrellas, and shaded cabanas available for reservation. The pool's oceanfront position means you're swimming with Pacific views and ocean breezes—a setting that elevates a simple pool session into something memorable. A hot tub adds a relaxation option for guests who prefer heated water.
The resort's direct Poipu Beach access puts guests on one of Hawaii's most celebrated beaches—consistently sunny, with protected waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and bodyboarding. The south shore's calm conditions make Poipu Beach one of the safest ocean swimming environments on Kauai, and the beach's regular visitors include Hawaiian green sea turtles and occasionally endangered monk seals. The resort provides beach towels, and the fitness center offers cardio equipment, free weights, and group classes for active guests.
Dining
RumFire Poipu Beach is the resort's signature restaurant, boasting 180 degrees of unmatched Pacific Ocean views and a menu that highlights local island flavors with global influences. The restaurant's eclectic, contemporary cuisine appeals to adventurous food lovers, and the sunset experience from RumFire's oceanfront terrace is among the most spectacular dinner views on Kauai. The cocktail program matches the food's ambition, with creative tropical drinks and an extensive rum selection.
Lava's on Poipu Beach serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour in a casual oceanfront setting with views of Poipu Beach and the First Break surf spot. It's the resort's all-day dining anchor—relaxed enough for sandy-footed beachgoers yet polished enough for a leisurely evening meal with live entertainment. Link Café provides grab-and-go options including sandwiches, pizza, and snacks for guests in a hurry.
The Auli'i Lū'au is the resort's crown jewel experience—the only beachfront luau on Kauai, held twice weekly near Poipu Beach. The evening features live music, traditional Hawaiian dance, fire knife performance, and a locally sourced Hawaiian feast that celebrates the island's culinary traditions. The beachfront setting adds an atmospheric dimension that indoor luau venues cannot replicate.
Nearby Attractions
Poipu Beach's south shore location provides access to Kauai's best snorkeling, diving, and water sports conditions. Nearby beaches include Shipwreck Beach (dramatic cliffside setting), Baby Beach (calm, shallow waters perfect for toddlers), and Brennecke's Beach (bodyboarding). Spouting Horn blowhole, one of Kauai's most visited natural attractions, is a 5-minute drive. The Allerton and McBryde National Tropical Botanical Gardens offer guided tours through extraordinary plant collections.
Koloa town (10-minute drive) provides historic charm with shops, galleries, and restaurants in Kauai's first sugar plantation town. The Koloa Heritage Trail offers a self-guided walking tour through the area's plantation history. For more ambitious day trips, Waimea Canyon—the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"—is a 45-minute drive west, and the Na Pali Coast is accessible via boat tours from Port Allen (30-minute drive) or helicopter tours from Lihue.
Kauai's south shore also hosts several excellent golf courses, including Poipu Bay Golf Course (home of the former PGA Grand Slam of Golf) and Kiahuna Golf Club. Lihue Airport is approximately 30 minutes north, and the resort's central south shore position provides practical access to both the east coast's Coconut Coast attractions and the west side's canyon country.
Tips & Good to Know
Book an Oceanfront room for the full Poipu Beach experience—the sound of waves, the Pacific views, and the proximity to the sand justify the premium over garden-view rooms. The low-rise layout means even ground-floor Oceanfront rooms deliver excellent views and direct outdoor access. Couples should request an Oceanfront room facing west for the most spectacular sunset views from the private lanai.
The Auli'i Lū'au is a must-do—as Kauai's only beachfront luau, it offers an atmospheric advantage that inland venues can't match. Book well in advance as the twice-weekly schedule limits availability. RumFire's sunset dinner is another essential experience; arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure a prime terrace seat and watch the sky transform while enjoying the innovative cocktail program.
Self-parking is included with the daily rate (through 8/31/25), which is a significant saving compared to resorts charging $40-60/night for parking. Marriott Bonvoy members receive complimentary WiFi and can earn points toward future stays. The south shore's reliable sunshine means you can confidently plan outdoor activities without weather anxiety—Poipu averages over 300 sunny days per year. Take at least one day trip to Waimea Canyon for the most dramatic landscape on Kauai.
Location
2440 Hoonani Road, Poipu, Koloa, HI 96756
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