Poipu Shores 403A

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Poipu Shores 403A, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place. But you know what? Sometimes the best surprises come in unassuming packages. This condo sits right in the heart of Poipu, and I mean literally a stone’s throw from some of the most gorgeous beaches on Kauai’s south shore. The building itself has that classic Hawaiian condo vibe – nothing fancy, but clean and well-maintained with those breezy open-air walkways that actually make you feel like you’re in the tropics.

What really won me over was unit 403A specifically. The ocean view from the lanai is honestly spectacular – you’re looking straight out at the Pacific, and on clear mornings (which is most of them in Poipu), you can see all the way to the horizon. I spent way too many evenings out there with a drink, watching the sun dip down while listening to the waves crash below. The unit itself is pretty spacious for what you’re paying, with a full kitchen that actually has everything you need – not just the bare minimum like some vacation rentals. I mean, there’s even a rice cooker, which tells you the owners actually think about what guests might want to cook. The AC works well too, though honestly, with those trade winds coming through, you might not need it much.

The location is what really seals the deal though. You’re literally across the street from Poipu Beach Park – the one with the protected swimming area that’s perfect if you’ve got kids or you’re not a strong swimmer. But here’s the local tip: walk about five minutes down the beach path and you’ll hit Brennecke’s Beach, which has some of the best boogie boarding on the island when the surf’s up. Plus, you’re close enough to walk to restaurants like Red Salt or Merriman’s Fish House, but far enough from the main Poipu Shopping Village that you don’t get all the tourist chaos. Parking was never an issue either – there’s a designated spot, and unlike some places in Poipu, you’re not circling around looking for street parking. The 8.0 rating makes total sense to me; it’s not luxury by any means, but it delivers exactly what you want from a Kauai beach vacation without the ridiculous resort prices.

Rooms

• Two Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities