Explore Kukui’ula: A Resort Community in Kauaʻi

Kukui’ula, a resort community of more than 1,100 acres, recalls the Kōloa of the past.

From the back of a pickup truck, I watched dust fly as we drove along a narrow road through one of Kauaʻi’s last sugar cane fields and past a long-abandoned mill. It was the early 1980s, marking my first trip to the island. After a few days in Honolulu, it was quite a change from Waikiki.

Later, I learned that Kauaʻi’s south shore town of Kōloa was home to the first working sugar mill, which introduced commercial sugar cane production to the island in 1835. Laborers from the Philippines, China, Japan, Korea, and Europe came to work in the fields. However, about 150 years later, Hawaii’s sugar industry, including Kōloa Plantation, came to an end due to various factors, such as labor costs, competition, and the rise of tourism.

Kukui’ula’s Historic Elegance

Fast forward to my recent visit to the Garden Isle. In the same town as that first sugar plantation, Kukuiʻula showcases its architectural design that recalls the Kōloa of the past. The historic plantation style is evident throughout the property, especially in The Clubhouse, with its low wide roof, exposed rafters, vertical plank walls, and expansive covered lanai—complete with ceiling fans and rocking chairs. Out back, a vast green lawn extends to the sea.

Luxurious Accommodations

We stayed in The Lodge, which consists of neighborhoods of individual bungalows, cottages, and villas ranging from one to four bedrooms. Each features full gourmet kitchens, outdoor garden showers, luxurious bedding, and our favorite—a large covered lanai, furnished with comfy chairs and a table for dining al fresco. There, we relaxed with morning coffee, afternoon cocktails, and dinner, which consisted of salad, fresh vegetables, and herbs from The Farm.

Guests at The Lodge enjoy unlimited access to the resort’s amenities, making us feel as welcome and special as the homeowners who own stunning multimillion-dollar residences at Kukuiʻula. One highlight is The Farm, where guests can harvest kale, lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, fruits, and vegetables for their meals. Additionally, a self-serve stand near the Clubhouse offers convenient access to fresh produce. We enjoyed visiting the 10-acre farm, chatting with the farmer while admiring the pristine gardens and nearby lake.

Focus on Wellness and Recreation

Wellness is key to Kukuiʻula’s offerings, from the organic farm to the Hi’ilani Spa, which features an adults lap pool, steam and sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, and expert treatments. The Signature Water Ritual is a rejuvenating experience that includes a dry sauna, cold shower, wet steam and scrub, along with dips in the hot and cold plunge pools. It’s an excellent complement to fitness classes such as yoga, barre, pilates, or cross-training. For the keiki (kids), there are saltwater pools, waterfalls, a waterslide, and a sand-bottom pool that leads to the beach.

While the pace is relaxed, there’s plenty to do. The 18-hole Tom Weiskopf golf course is a golfer’s dream, and for tennis enthusiasts, there are four Rebound Ace-surfaced courts. The resort’s Huakaʻi Guides can arrange activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, biking, or a private cruise on Kukui’ula’s 32-foot Yellowfin boat. Shopping enthusiasts can visit the nearby Shops at Kukuiʻula, which offer apparel, gifts, original art, and national brands such as Tommy Bahama, Reyn Spooner, Quicksilver, and LuluLemon.

Experience Kauaʻi’s Rich History

While Kauaʻi has changed since my first visit nearly 40 years ago when there was only one traffic light on the entire island, Kukuiʻula has captured the essence of the past. Kauaʻi’s residents also keep the island’s history alive. Each year, the era of sugar plantations is recalled during Kōloa Plantation Days, an annual celebration where visitors learn about the island’s cultural diversity through music, food, rodeos, games, parades, and nature walks. This year’s festivities are scheduled from July 23 to August 1, with activities including a guided walk along the Hapa Trail, once a link between Kōloa and Poʻipū, the popular beach area.

As we drove through the Kukuiʻula property, we noticed several homes under construction and many spectacular homesites available. While owning a residence on Kauaʻi may be a dream for many, we felt fortunate to savor the same views, amenities, and Hawaiian hospitality enjoyed by Kukuiʻula’s homeowners.