There’s a proverb in Hawaiian that translates as, “The land is chief; man is its servant.” When you see places like the iconic Kalalea Mountain landscape in Northeast Kauai or the island’s hidden lava pools, the Pools of Mokolea, it’s hard not to feel some kind of reverence or even spiritual call to the land. The Lodge at Kukui’ula in Southern Kauai is designed to heighten that exchange between nature and people. It’s organized around a complex of pools, connected by waterfalls and encircled by stone pathways lined with lush greenery.
Though it gets high praise for its pools, the Lodge is full of features for nature lovers. There’s a 10-acre farm on the property where guests can pick their own fruits and vegetables, outdoor lava rock showers, and excursions like snorkeling or surfing at Kalapki Beach led by Huaka’i Outfitters. All the while, the resort’s accommodations, bungalows, and villas with island textures are top-notch: “The Lodge is impeccable … gorgeous grounds, lovely view of Poipu and Spouting Horn, and five-star amenities [sic] and cottages/homes,” a Tripadvisor reviewer wrote. Here’s what may be in store if you decide to stay at The Lodge at Kukui’ula.
Soak in the Lodge at Kukui’ula’s Makai Pools while surrounded by palm trees
The Lodge at Kukui’ula is a private club community that’s set within a landscape you’ll be awed at on the drive in, near Kauai’s Southern coastline in Poipu. Its layout is expansive, encompassing three distinct “neighborhoods” of resort cottages, a clubhouse, a golf course, and a farm. Right near the Clubhouse, you’ll find the resort’s Makai Pools. You might expect a high-end resort in Hawaii to have pools, but what makes these stand out is their playful variety. Not only are there connected saltwater lagoon pools, but also a freshwater infinity pool, a beach entry pool with a sand-filled floor, a hot tub, a water slide, and a sheltered lap pool, which is part of the resort’s Hi’ilani Spa.
This water-focused layout serves as an idyllic setting for the resort’s luxury homes. There are 40 available dwellings in total, making it pretty exclusive, which range from one to four bedrooms, in three different styles: bungalows, cottages, and villas. The bungalows are designed with island plantation architecture, featuring hardwood floors, a free-standing soaking tub, and a wide porch. Cottages are a bit more expansive, with an added private yard and fire pit. The villas are the most high-end accommodation option, only available as four bedrooms (with one as a detached guest cottage) and fitted with private plunge pools, large kitchens that flow out onto the porch, and even laundry rooms. Guests of any accommodation get access to the Clubhouse.
Play golf or pick tropical fruits at the Lodge at Kukui’ula’s Clubhouse
