Luxury Healing HotelsThe Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue Overview
Honestly, The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue surprised me in the best way possible. You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from a five-star resort right in Lihue – I mean, it’s not exactly the most scenic part of Kauai – but this place really delivers. The location might seem odd at first (you’re basically across from the airport), but here’s the thing: you’re also right on Kalapaki Beach, which is this gorgeous protected bay that’s perfect for swimming. The planes? Well, they’re not as bad as you’d think, and honestly, after the first day you barely notice them.
The rooms here are spacious and feel genuinely luxurious – I’m talking marble bathrooms, private lanais with either ocean or mountain views, and beds that’ll ruin you for sleeping anywhere else. What I loved most was how the staff remembers your name after just one interaction. The concierge team knows Kauai inside and out, too – they pointed me toward this incredible local farmers market on Saturdays that I never would’ve found otherwise. The resort sits right next to Nawiliwili Harbor, so you’ll see everything from cruise ships to local fishing boats coming and going, which gives it this authentic island vibe that some resorts totally miss.
Now, let’s talk practicalities – parking is free (thank goodness), and valet service is actually worth it because the lot can get pretty busy during peak season. The hotel restaurant is solid, though I’d recommend venturing out to Rice Street in downtown Lihue for some amazing local plate lunches. The spa is where this place really shines – the Lava Stone treatment is incredible, and you can hear the ocean while you’re getting pampered. One minor thing: the pool area gets pretty crowded around 11 AM when families start showing up, so if you want that peaceful morning swim, get there early. The beach access is fantastic though – you literally walk down a path and you’re on soft sand with calm, swimmable water. I spent hours just floating around Kalapaki Bay watching the green sea turtles (they’re everywhere!). The resort feels like it strikes this perfect balance between luxury and that laid-back Hawaiian spirit – you can dress up for dinner or show up in flip-flops, and either way feels totally right.
Hotel Highlights
Reviews
Staff: 8.6
Comfort: 8.9
Location: 9.0
Facilities: 8.5
Cleanliness: 8.8
Value for money: 7.3
Róbert from Hungary
Pretty good experience for what I paid!
Super fancy, nice place to close your eyes and be close to food options.
Thomas from Japan
Perfect location, direct access to beach, large swimming pool area, parking nearby rooms
Nikolay from Russia
The breakfast is a bit expensive. Some information about the restaurants' location is confusing. The location is great.
Samantha from United States
Pools, location, food, beach, bar!
Mehrnaz from United States
I liked the facility and the resort. Location was close to airport and we could find stores close by for shopping. I didn’t like that I couldn’t see the sunset from our hotel but I guess that was my fault for not checking before hand. I also didn’t like that we paid extra for ocean view room and when I got to the room I had a partial view to the...
Sultan from United States
The facility and staff.
Catherine from United Kingdom
The location is amazing. Beach a few steps from the pool.
Donald from United States
John from United States
Convenient location; good food; friendly and helpful staff
Michael from United States
Room size, location and view was great. Though the hotel was full, it didn't feel crowded. The construction of the pool side restaurant was unfortunate, it wasn't that intrusive. I would stay there again.
Surroundings
What's nearby:
- Kalena Park: 2.3 km
- Kalepa Park: 6 km
- Isenberg Park: 4.4 km
- Nawiliwili Park: 650 m
- Niumalu Beach Park: 3 km
- Nukolii Beach Park: 7 km
- Grove Farm Homestead: 2.9 km
- Kapaia Swinging Bridge: 4.8 km
- Hule IA National Wildlife Refuge: 3.3 km
- Huleia National Wildlife Refuge: 1.3 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Kukui's: 900 m
- Restaurant Cafe Portofino: 900 m
- Cafe/bar Papalani Gelato-Anchor Cove: 550 m
Top attractions:
- Lydgate State Park: 10 km
Natural beauty:
- Peak Kalanipu'u (239m): 2.6 km
- Waterfall Wailua Falls: 7 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Niumalu Beach: 2 km
- Kalapaki Beach: 800 m
- Hanamaulu Beach: 7 km
- Nukoli'i Beach Park: 7 km
Closest airports:
- Lihue Airport: 2.7 km
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue Rooms
- Pool View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Garden View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Preferred Ocean View King with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
- Pool View Two Queens with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
- Ocean View Two Queens with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
- Preferred Ocean View Two Queens with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
- Garden View Two Queens with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
- Deluxe King Lanai - Roll-In Shower with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
- One-Bedroom King Suite Oceanfront with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children
- Deluxe Two Queens - Ground Floor Lanai with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
- Deluxe King-Ground Floor Lanai with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
- Quadruple Room with 2 large double beds for 4 adults
- Double Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults
- Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults
Facilities
General:
- Shuttle service
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Vending machine (snacks)
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Non-smoking throughout
- Family rooms
- Barber/beauty shop
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
Kitchen:
- Refrigerator
Outdoors:
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun terrace
- Terrace
- Garden
Wellness:
- Kids' pool
- Fitness
- Massage chair
- Full body massage
- Hand massage
- Head massage
- Couples massage
- Neck massage
- Back massage
- Spa/wellness packages
- Spa lounge/relaxation area
- Spa facilities
- Body wrap
- Body scrub
- Body treatments
- Hair styling
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Hair treatments
- Make up services
- Waxing services
- Facial treatments
- Beauty Services
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Fitness centre
Activities:
- Live music/performance Additional charge
- Tour or class about local culture Additional charge
- Themed dinner nights Additional charge
- Walking tours Additional charge
- Beach
- Evening entertainment Additional charge
- Water sport facilities on site Additional charge
- Entertainment staff
- Snorkelling Additional charge Off-site
- Diving Additional charge Off-site
- Hiking Off-site
- Windsurfing Additional charge Off-site
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
Food & Drink:
- Coffee house on site
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Snack bar
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee maker
Accessibility:
- Lower bathroom sink
- Higher level toilet
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
Languages spoken:
- English
- Japanese
Cleaning services:
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Key card access
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
Reception services:
- Concierge service
- ATM/cash machine on site
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying
- Business centre
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Great for your stay:
- 4 restaurants
- Parking
- Spa and wellness centre
- WiFi available in all areas
- Fitness centre
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle (free)
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
- Windsurfing
Outdoor swimming pool Free!:
- Opening times
- Open all year
- Pool with view
- Shallow end
- Pool/beach towels
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
Parking Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs U S$40 per day.:
- Valet parking
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Accessible parking
House Rules at The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Groups:
- When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Check-in:
- From 16:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- Until 12:00
Age restriction:
- The minimum age for check-in is 21
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue Location
3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI 96766, United States
