May 22 2008
Poipu’s New Ko’a Kea Hotel: Sneak Preview
Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort, opening on August 29, is the shining new star on the Poipu Beach scene.
General Manager, Chris Steuri, invited us behind the construction screen this week for an exclusive look at this exciting property.
Frequent guests to Kauai’s South Shore will remember Ko’a Kea as the former Poipu Beach Resort. It was destroyed by Hurricane Iniki.
In its new incarnation, Ko’a Kea promises luxury and an adult sophistication. With only 121 rooms, the distinctive hotel offers a Swiss hotelier’s promise of personal service.
Chris speaks from experience having been in hospitality for over 25 years. A native of Switzerland, Chris grew up in a hotel family and has managed luxury properties world wide.
Standing in what will be the lobby, I was immediately struck by its open design which creates a welcoming atmosphere. Chris wants each guest to feel comfortable from the moment of arrival.
The unstructured lobby interior will reflect a contemporary color palate. To provide a sense of the past, all outside railings and their metallic art have been restored.
One of the most stand out features is the hotel’s position to the ocean. Ko’a Kea’s three buildings form a U shape courtyard that face out to the beach. Their prized suites are oceanfront.
Ko’a Kea’s contemporary decor has been designed by Anita Brooks. The resort includes the new Red Salt restaurant and The Spa at Ko’a Kea.
Independently owned and operated, Ko’a Kea is part of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.
Opening Special: On our tour, Chris announced an opening rate of $299 with no minimum stay requirement. This rate is based on availability and applies to garden view rooms.
We will be returning to review the opening of Ko’a Kea in August.
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I am so pleased to read that the Poipu Beach Resort will finally be reborn as the Ko’a Kea in August. I stayed at the Poipu Beach Resort with my parents, brother and sister way back in 1978 and the waters in front of the hotel were the first Hawaiian waters I swam in. In fact, we stayed in rooms possibly very close to the one from which the above ocean view picture was taken. I can still picture that day. On subsequent visits to Kaua’i after Iniki damaged so much, it was always heartbreaking to see the property in such disrepair. I will look forward to seeing what the property looks like next time I am over on my favorite island.
Jim
Hi Jim,
I enjoyed reading your memories of the Poipu Beach Resort. You’ll have to come back and see Ko’a Kea. Be sure to let us know how you liked it.
Aloha,
Rob
Beat of Hawaii
Your site has a wonderful layout and so informative. My boyfriend and I are going to Kauai in September. I was looking at B&B’s for our stay, however I saw this entry. So, we are staying there. Keep on writing.