After years of canceled plans, I finally made it to the Hawaiian Islands — specifically, Kauaʻi, nicknamed the Garden Isle for its lushness and the rainfall that keeps it so green. The warm welcome of leis, the burst of tropical fruit, and the ever-present roosters and chickens set the scene. I spent my days indulging in macadamia nut iced lattes, the softest Hawaiian sweet bread, and Mai Tais, while discovering that poi, a paste made of fermented taro root that’s a staple around the islands, wouldn’t make my favorites list.
This Kauaʻi Resort Is a Gateway to Hawaii’s Beautifully Green 'Garden Isle'
My trip centered around a stay at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the Lihue Airport. At check-in in the open-air, ocean-view lobby, I was given a seashell lei, a glass of passion fruit juice, and the smartest room key in the form of a purple bracelet. The feeling of aloha was as present as the ocean breeze — a feeling that would continue throughout my stay despite the cloudy skies that meant missing the iconic Kauaʻi sunrises. That’s the Garden Isle for you.
The rooms at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Photo: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort features 314 rooms that range from oceanfront suites with private lanais to spacious guest rooms with ocean or garden views. The decor is modern tropical, with features like wave-splashed walls, soft wood, and soothing colors that match the island’s natural palette. Accessibility is also a focus, from accessible rooms to features such as ramps and elevators that ensure travelers with mobility needs can enjoy all areas of the resort.
I stayed in a Standard King Guest Room with ocean views. The room was spacious and airy with a modern design. Soft tones and tropical accents like the wave-inspired walls, turquoise chairs, and island artwork set the mood. It was the perfect room for a busy traveler looking to escape the city noise and be in a warm, relaxing space.
My room was on the second floor, easily reached by elevator from the lobby. With the windows open, I could hear the ocean at night — a nice perk of having an ocean-view room. I woke up before 6 AM to catch the sunrise but realized I’d need to head to the beach for a better view. The sun stubbornly never showed up during my three-day stay. What I did see from my balcony were early risers doing yoga on the lawn. It looked peaceful, although I skipped it as yoga isn’t my thing.
Guests relaxed in hammocks and strolled along the beach with large straw hats and earbuds. No one swam, as the beach in front of the Sheraton lacks a lifeguard (a Kauaʻi travel safety tip: only choose beaches with lifeguards to swim). The pool, though, was lively from mid-morning through late afternoon, and I always found a lounge chair. The Crooked Surf bar by the pool became my go-to for a refreshing drink as I gazed at the ocean and listened to Over the Rainbow. I would have preferred an adults-only pool, but I didn’t mind the loud voices of happy children.
The amenities and activities at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Photo: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
The resort’s amenities are designed for both comfort and relaxation. Take the zero-edge infinity pool, where adults can relax with a book while enjoying panoramic ocean views or a soak in the tub. There’s a dedicated pool for children, and everyone can enjoy complimentary shaved ice from 1 to 3 PM daily. Reef-safe sunscreen is free at multiple stations around the property.
Guests can also participate in sunrise yoga on the beach three times a week from 7 to 8 AM with mats provided. For cardio and strength training, the resort’s fitness center is open 24/7, offering cardio and strength machines.
The resort’s kuleana (meaning “responsibility” or “privilege”) to preserve Hawaiian culture is evident in its schedule of activities. Hula and ʻukulele lessons and lei-making workshops are offered regularly.
Kauaʻi is reportedly the birthplace of Hula, a dance and cultural practice that connects audiences to the foundation of the islands’ ancestral knowledge. The resort’s classes, led by a teacher named Leilani, give you a chance to learn the choreography. While you probably won’t become a hula expert, you’ll likely return home with a few movements to impress your friends.
Maka Herrod — another kumu, or “teacher” — shares the art of the ʻukulele, which you’ll likely recognize from Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. He taught us the notes patiently, and we practiced with moderate success. He also shared information about free online ʻukulele classes and how to buy the instrument if we wanted to continue our studies on our return home.
The resort also hosts a weekly lūʻau, which is a must. A lūʻau is a celebratory feast that’s often accompanied by music and dance. Held at the resort’s open-air Event Pavilion, Halau Ho’okipa, the Luau Ka Hikina starts with the torch-lighting ceremony and features a hula class led by hula master Leilani Rivera Low, honoring both the Hawaiian and Polynesian cultures. I loved the colorful costumes, the rhythmic dances, and the music. Of course, food anchors the lūʻau experience, which the resort serves in the form of an impressive buffet full of local specialties (not to mention an open bar).
Dining at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Photos: Thei Zervaki
Dining at the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is a celebration of both local flavors and creative cuisine. There are five on-site venues, each with its own take and menu highlights.
Daybreak Restaurant is the perfect spot for breakfast, with treats like ube mochi pancakes and papaya parfait. For something lighter, First Light Coffee & Juice Bar is open from 6 AM until noon and serves as your go-to for ube macadamia nut lattes, POG (passion fruit, orange, guava) smoothies, and fresh pastries in addition to açaí bowls and sandwiches. Guests can bring their refillable coffee mugs, too.
The Crooked Surf is the oceanfront, poolside bar. Pair a Lime in a Coconut cocktail with hurricane fries (topped with “YumYum” sauce, sambal aioli, unagi, furikake, and green onions) for a leisurely lunch by the pool. Fish tacos or the Coconut Beach burger will do the job during sunset, this time with a Coconut Beach Mai Tai. Don’t miss live music between 5:30 and 7:30 PM daily.
Moa Moa is an upscale dinner spot with a focus on fresh seafood, steak dishes, and an elevated wine and cocktail list. Desserts will make you happy — the lava cake and lilikoi (passion fruit) mochi were my favorites. The elegant dining room also has stunning ocean views and is run by the friendliest staff who also sing for you.
Lastly, Fire Hen, inspired by Kauaʻi’s wild chickens, serves up chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, and bowls, all customizable with a variety of house-made sauces.
Things to do near the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Photo: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Walk, run, or bike along the Royal Coconut Coast
Just outside the resort, guests can enjoy the eight-mile Coconut Coast path (Ke Ala Hele Makālae) wrapped in palm trees and blue skies. This is a car-free way to explore the area — go for a morning stroll, do an energizing run, or borrow a bike from the hotel for a ride to Kapaʻa, a charming town on the east side of the island. I biked to Kapaʻa, enjoying the ocean views along the way. Although it’s only a 20-minute ride, it’s easy to get lost, so keep your phone GPS on.
Grab a meal and some souvenirs in Kapaʻa
Kapaʻa is a bohemian town where you could easily spend a whole day. Start at Java Kai with an iced latte and either the coconut French toast or a colorful açaí bowl. For something sweet, head to Holey Grail Donuts for soft, chewy mochi donuts. Stop by Kauai Gourmet Nuts for locally made treats, then the fruit stand to sip fresh coconut water or try a star apple. And, of course, bring home gifts, from kitschy “Let’s Go to Kauai” t-shirts to beer openers starring the island’s mascot, the rooster. I picked up a pair of tiki spirit deities, said to bring happiness and abundance.
Enjoy the island’s outdoors
It stands to reason that the Garden Isle has plenty of places to connect with nature. Lydgate Beach Park is great for beginner snorkeling, Wailua Falls is perfect for photo ops, and the Sleeping Giant Trail is ideal for a gentle hike with outstanding views of the coastline. For families and adventure seekers, the resort can help arrange mountain tubing or zipline tours through Kauaʻi’s lush interior. For a less intense experience, guests can walk to the nearby Coconut Marketplace for gift shopping and casual dining.
I spent some time at the Coconut Marketplace for last-minute gift shopping and another macadamia nut iced latte. You’ll find plenty of little shops and dining spots just a short walk from the Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort.
Getting to the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort and around Kauaʻi
Photo: Abbie Warnock-Matthews/Shutterstock
Getting to the resort is straightforward. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Lihue Airport, making arrivals and departures a breeze. The resort’s location on the island’s east coast means you’re within easy reach of both the north and south shores, and the eight-mile bike path right outside the resort offers a scenic and sustainable way to get around without a car. On-site parking is available, and the resort can assist with rental cars, airport transfers, or local shuttle services. 