We were adamant about staying ocean front and affordable on the south shore, and chanced on Poipu Kapili. After following up with previous reviews on TA, we are so delighted!. We asked for and got unit 11. Even though I understand it isn't furnished as up to date as some others, we really enjoyed the traditional island rattan, top quality, light and inviting.

The bedrooms are upstairs, giving the master an unsurpassed view. We even saw a pod of dolphins one day. When the surf was up, it seemed the tide could actually come up to our balcony. It was so cool to hear the breakers pounding the beach, throwing water onto the stone bulkhead. The back bedroom looks over the gorgeous pool. There is a third bathroom and shower in the laundry room, right off the back ground entry. Condo is well stocked.

The property fronts the ocean with a road and sidewalk separating it from the narrow rocky beach. It is a very short and pleasant walk to the adjacent beach, which is referred to as the Sheraton's beach, but, of course, all the beeches are public, and there is public parking even though you would have no reason to drive.

We went with another couple, and sharing the roomy condo was never a problem. This is not a super luxury complex, but is very classy, small enough to be quiet and personal, but still very private.

This is totally convenient to Poipu Shopping Mall (quality gift shops and restaurants), Old Koala town, Kiahuna Golf Course, and a do-able hike to Spouting Horn and the National Botanical Gardens. We have stayed on the North Shore and love the area, but nothing is within walking distance, so we will be returning to Poipu Kapili next visit.

The staff was extremely helpful, and housekeeping prompt with any of our concerns.

Several people have mentioned the construction, but we never were bothered by the noise. The road that takes you to both Poipu Napili and the Sheraton goes through a construction area where a mall and luxury homes are supposed to be built. As others have said, the quaintness of Kauai is meeting "progress", but because of the situation of Poipu Kapili, it should keep it's personal, private feel.

We spent 10 days in Kauai. We were there May 3-13. We stayed in #51 and booked directly through the owner. He answered all of our questions quickly. He even left us a bottle of wine. Our view was amazing! Unit #51 is an end unit so the pool was right in the backyard. We decided to book a condo so we could cook most meals as we brought our 5 and 3 year olds. We felt so at home! The place is so spacious and comfortable.

It was a wonderful trip. We felt that we got an amazing deal because the condo is right across the street from the ocean (you can't even see the road because of the landscaping, just the ocean). This condo was great because of all the windows and the big grassy yard right by the pool. Our kids played in the big yard every night and we couldn't get them out of the pool. It was probably the most peaceful place we have ever stayed at. The grounds were so clean and beautiful and such a quiet and clean pool. We barbecued several nights. We enjoyed a glass of wine every night while we watched the most beautiful sunsets ever.

The construction really didn't bother us. I really don't remember even hearing it, all we heard was the ocean. I was worried about this as I read some negative reviews. There was hardly any traffic in front of the place and I really didn't notice the construction until we got in the car to drive someplace. I was just so happy to be in Hawaii that nothing would ruin it for me anyways.

The Sheraton is a quick walk and has a nice path. We watched several sunsets from their oceanfront patio. We loved dinner at the Beach house. Make reservations two weeks prior to going there. Another great place to eat is Kiahuna Plantation Keoki's Paradise--great frozen Mai Tais. Poipu Beach Park has an enclosed area for little ones to swim safely. This beach is a very short drive. You can pick up lunch at Brennecke's Deli and eat it at the park--they have shave ice too. Another wonderful beach is Lydgate Beach Park--our favorite! This is very safe swimming and snorkling and our kids loved it--also enclosed. Stop at the Wailua Falls on the way there. We also had our family photo taken by a photographer in Kauai on Shipwreck Beach. Our photos are amazing. Go to the farmer's Market on Monday afternoon--a fun experience but very crowded. The people at the front desk are helpful and very nice. Spouting Horn is a very short drive too and there are several jewelry stands right there. We drove to the Waimea Canyon early in the morning so we could come back and enjoy a day at the beach. Salt Pond Beach Park is right there on the West side and is kid friendly.

Oh, we packed way too much. We ended up getting charged $25 for heavy suitcases. There is a washer and dryer and iron -- I didn't wear half of what I brought. There are lots of beach towels and beach chairs. We stopped at Walmart to pick up a couple things on our way from the airport. We actually stopped there a couple times as their prices are pretty good.

It's a very comfortable place to stay and we had some great nights sleep. This was for sure our best vacation ever!!!

My family of four (we have two small daughters) stayed in #48, which is actually owned by Turtle Cove Suites, and had a really wonderful first time visit to Kaua'i. The unit is large and clean and has a beautiful view of the ocean, and the Kapili's pool and landscaping is gorgeous. The Poipu beaches are a short walk, as is the Poipu Shopping Village. Old Town Koloa is a short drive. The value of this condo is outstanding - a very reasonable price with a dazzling view, in a sophisticated setting. I would happily recommend it to anyone.

The construction is an issue and will continue to be an issue, but it also depends on your tolerance level and how much you plan to be at the condo between 8 and 5pm. Most days we were at the beach or hiking and weren't home to hear the noise, but when we were home, there was a large vehicle jackhammering away on the road right outside our bedroom window (they just happened to be working on the stretch of Kapili road right next to our place). It was pretty darn noisy. However, if you closed the sliding glass door in the bedroom and hung out in the front of the condo, you couldn't really hear the noise at all. You can hear the noise from the pool too, but again, it's not overwhelming. And if you happen to live near a big city or are used to construction noise, this is pretty normal stuff.

The complex going up directly behind the Kapili is enormous and I suspect it's only a matter of time, sadly, when the construction will become intrusive to people staying at the Kapili.

The Taylors, Vancouver, BC

We stayed at unit 51 at the Poipu Kapili this March and had a fantastic time. This unit has the best location and is very spacious and well laid out. The only noise we heard was from the waves crashing against the surf. The unit is stocked with everything from beach towels, a stroller, baby seat, boogie boards, kids toys and videos. The property is kept immaculate and due to the small size, very quiet, no waiting for the barbeques, or a crowded pool. Considering that we travelled during Spring Break we expected it to be busy and noisy and it was anything but. We would definately return.

We booked directly through the owner located on VRBO and he promptly answered all of our questions, including our inquiries about any construction or traffic issues, which by the way were not evident during our stay. Take the helicopter tour, its a must.