We recently stayed at the Koloa Landing Resort At Poipu, Autograph Collection, in Kauai, Hawaii.
How was it? Would we recommend it? Read on to find out.
Review: Koloa Landing Resort At Poipu, Autograph Collection (Kauai, Hawaii)
About Koloa Landing Resort At Poipu, Autograph Collection
Koloa Landing Resort is a stunning property situated in the heart of Kauai’s sunny south shore. It was originally built as a sugar plantation in the late 1800s, and in recent years, it has been transformed into a luxurious resort that retains its historic charm. The resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and features cascading waterfalls, serene ponds, and stunning views of the ocean and nearby mountains.
Photo: marriott.com
At A Glance:
- Official Website: Koloa Landing Resort
- Average Nightly Cost During Stay: $718 per night
- Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy
- Loyalty Category: Category 7
- Discount Applied: 5th Night Free on Marriott Bonvoy Points
- Room Type as Booked: Studio King, Island View
- Room Upgrade: One Bedroom Luxury Villa
- Resort Fee: $35 per night
- Parking Fee: Included in Resort Fee
Booking/Redemption
Location & Parking
Sitting about 35 minutes from Lihue Airport (LIH), the location of Koloa Landing Resort is ideal for those looking to explore the island of Kauai. It is just a short drive from popular attractions such as Poipu Beach, Spouting Horn, and the Kauai Coffee Company. The resort is also conveniently located near a number of shops, restaurants and bars, making it easy to enjoy the local culture and nightlife.
Valet area
Parking at Koloa Landing Resort is simple and convenient, with both self-parking and valet options available. We chose the self-parking option and found that there was usually plenty of parking – most of the time even allowing us to park steps away from our unit.
Parking Lot
Lobby
Photo: marriott.com
Front Desk & Check-In
Check-in was quick and easy thanks to the excellent service from the front desk staff.
We were recognized for our Platinum Status and our Suite Night upgrade request was confirmed.
We were also handed a welcome package (see that below).
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Benefits
I know this may be an unusual thing to say, but we found our Marriott Elite Platinum Status really came in handy at Koloa Landing.
The hotel offered a daily $30 per room elite breakfast credit good at the Holoholo Grill (more on that below).
Additionally, I cashed in one of our Platinum Suite Nights for 5 nights in a One Bedroom Luxury Suite (more on that below as well).
Welcome Package
Room Key
Room Upgrade Walkthrough Tour
Hallway
Room Entrance
Welcome Gift(s)
Welcome Gift(s)
Kitchen Area: Promotional Photos
Photo: marriott.com
Photo: marriott.com
Kitchen Area: Actual Photos
No, these didn’t come with the room. They are mandatory nevertheless.
Kitchen Photo Artwork
Combo Washer & Dryer
Bedroom: Promotional Photo
Photo: marriott.com
Bedroom: Actual Photos
  
Living Room: Promotional Photo
Photo: marriott.com
Living Room: Actual Photos
Closet
Shower Room
Bathroom & Additional Sink/Vanity
Dinner At Holoholo Grill
Dinner options at Koloa Landing Resort includes the resort’s signature restaurant, Holoholo Grill.
We ate at Holoholo Grill several nights, as we really enjoyed the food and found the prices to be quite reasonable.
I was particularly fond of the Pesto Shrimp Flatbread Pizza, and we of course had to try the Zensai Unagi Pokefest Crunch.
 
Zensai Unagi Pokefest Crunch
Pesto Shrimp Flatbread Pizza
Crab Artichoke Dip
Breakfast At Holoholo Grill
Breakfast at Koloa Landing Resort is served at the Holoholo Grill and includes a variety of delicious options, including freshly baked pastries, tropical fruits, and made-to-order omelets.
As mentioned above, Bonvoy Platinum+ Elites are entitled to a $30 credit per room per day for breakfast at Holoholo Grill.
Our favorite dishes were easily the Taro Bread French Toast, Loco Moco, and the Kalua Pork Hash.
Taro French Toast
Loco Moco
Kalua Pork Hash with Egg
Surfer Burrito
The Property Exterior
  
Swimming Pool – The Best Pool In America
Koloa Landing Resort boasts multiple swimming pools, including a lagoon pool, a family pool, and an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar.
But did you also know Koloa Landing Resort has the “Best Pool in America”? It’s true, so said USA Today. All I can say is it is easily a top contender.
We spent many hours lounging by the pool(s) and enjoying the waterfalls, the caves, the waterslides, and the infinity pool. The poolside service was exceptional, with friendly staff offering delicious cocktails and light bites throughout the day.
Behold – The Best Pool In America (Photo: marriott.com)
The Infinity Pool (Photo: marriott.com)
Photo: marriott.com
Photo: marriott.com
Photo: marriott.com
  
Snorkeling & Other Activities
The resort offers a variety of activities, including a fitness center, a spa, and a kids’ club.
Although Koloa Landing did not have a swim-friendly beach on-property, we enjoyed exploring the nearby beaches and reefs – especially Poipu beach where we spent several mornings snorkeling. Yes, it was that fun.
Other nearby activities available include tennis, volleyball, golf, and hiking, and biking – making it easy to stay active and enjoy the natural beauty of southern Kauai.
FHOP Tip: What’s Nearby: There are plenty of things to do nearby Koloa Landing Resort, including snorkeling at Poipu Beach, shopping at the nearby Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center, and hiking the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. We also enjoyed taking a scenic drive to Waimea Canyon and exploring the charming towns of Hanapepe and Koloa. Also, don’t miss the awesome Little Fish Coffee shop (just down the street, but get there early because the line gets long and they can sell out of popular items fast).
Little Fish Coffee
Da Crack
Anakes Juice Bar
Waiting for the Sunset at the Beach House Restaurant
Waimea Canyon: Hiking The Pihea Trail
Waimea Canyon: Hiking The Red Dirt Waterfall
The “Sunset Wall”
Without a beach, you may think it’s not necessary to checkout the nearby ocean, and you’d be wrong.
Across the street from the resort was a wall made of volcano rocks which was the perfect place to catch a Kauai sunset. You’ll even find loads of locals hanging out there to watch the nightly show.
 
 
 
The Bottom-Line Review: Koloa Landing Resort At Poipu, Autograph Collection (Kauai, Hawaii)
Overall, our stay at Koloa Landing Resort was exceptional.
We found the resort to be simple, yet awesome and luxurious. No beach? It didn’t matter. Only one Restaraunt? it didn’t matter. The resort was that good. Somehow it felt both like a “home away from home” and a luxury resort.
From the luxurious Villa to the stunning grounds and swimming pool, and convenient location with activities galore, everything at Koloa Landing Resort exceeded our expectations.
We highly recommend this resort to families, couples, and island hopping travelers looking for a relaxing and luxurious vacation on the beautiful island of Kauai.
Final Rating: 9 out of 10
