We first came to Kauai in 1992 for a conference at the Hyatt. That is a beautiful property, but the beach there is not so great and the lack of a kitchen led to a pretty big Visa bill from local restaurants. A few years later, we bought a share of a condo at Poipu Kai - the price was right, but there was a long walk (or short drive) to the beach, there was no AC, and the unit was older and dated. In 2004, shortly after Marriott's Waiohai opened, we bought two weeks every other year here. We love this resort. As others have said, it is on the best beach on the island, the units are spacious with a great kitchen, and the pools and grounds are beautiful and well-maintained. Timeshares are not for everyone, but we since bought 5 more Marriott weeks at other locations (including Oahu for the every other year that we are not in Kauai), all from the resale market and have never regretted it.

To be honest, we are part-time owners at this resort property but I read with some dismay, the negative comments that some Trip Advisor reviewers had made about their Waiohai experience. I suspect that my review may sound more like a defense of the property and a chiding of the negative reviewers. I suspect that the reason many of the reviewers did not have a stellar time at the Waiohai is that they had not done due diligence before plunking down their dollars for what they assumed would be a stay in Paradise with all the frills of a mainland or European hotel or resort property.

I am not here to make excuses or an apology for this gorgeous and beach-front property. It is a Marriott Vacation Club property and should be understood as such. It is NOT a full service hotel; It is MUCH better.

Assuming you get a two bedroom property, like the one we own, you get a comfortable large setting for a family that is totally self-contained as a condo or apartment would be. The two bedroom, two bath units sleep 6 comfortably and 8 with a bit of coziness. The units have a fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer. Maid service thoroughly cleans once a week and more often for an additional fee.

We are currently staying in an ocean front unit and are literally 15 yards from the Pacific Ocean and beautiful Poipu Beach, almost always listed as one of the 10 best beaches in the world. We certainly think so. There is no full service restaurant on the property although there is a lovely Oceanside light menu place with excellent food. You can prepare your own meals in your kitchen or using the gourmet grills outside the units. The units are only four stories high and there are 8 smaller buildings, unlike some of the humongous chain hotels here on the islands. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and well manicured. The swimming pool is a beautiful free-form affair and has always been clean over the 10 years we have used it.
The beach is always clean and lovely. The snorkeling is superb and the wave action is fairly gentle compared to other places on the island. Thus it is a great resort for families and kids!!!!
Our whole family looks forward to and loves our time at this beautiful resort. We have been enjoying this property for 10 years and have visited many others here on Kauai. We HIGHLY recommend this place for a dream vacation. But research what you are paying money for when you travel. Don’t be a naïve tourist wherever your travel.

Enjoy the Aloha spirit at the Waiohai like so many of us have done. You will be a welcomed guest.

Mahalo

I purchased a time share about seven years ago when the kids were still in middle school. Now that they're in college, and I have my flexibility back, I would probably not buy.
What to like:
If you have a young family its a wonderful all in one hotel geared toward making your life easy.
Its on one of the prettiest and safest beaches in the world.
The service is always pleasant and helpful
Food prices (for Hawaii) are reasonable.
The rooms are well appointed and well kept.
The concerns:
It can get a bit noisy with all the young families running around.
In the off season the hotel is packed with seniors too.
If you buy the annual fees rise to the point where it's a bargain to stay next door at the Kiahuna
Oceanview rooms vary in quality... The backside of Hale 8 is a noisy parking lot.
Your chances of an oceanfront room are slim to none yet easy to rent next door.

I would never buy a timeshare again... But if you're booking like a hotel you will probably enjoy your stay if you have the young family and need peace of mind
No matter what... You're at Poipu

All suites are 2 bedroom, two bath with a large(fully equiped) kitchen and living area. The suites are truely like home, you live there. The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. When we were there the chickens were few for some reason. There are outdoor grills to use and they are cleaned each morning, each night the torches are lit, the palm trees sway and the ocean waves create an amazing ambience. The property is right on the beach but watch for rocks when entering the water. This is a family oriented property. Poipu is the best of the island. The suites are clean and the beds are comfortable however, some TLC for the furniture and cabinets is needed.