The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i

Tucked along the pristine Kalapakī Beach on the island of Kaua’i, the Royal Sonesta Kaua’i greets every guest, newcomer or returnee, with the warmth of a long-awaited homecoming.

As a first-timer in this Hawaiian paradise, Kalapakī Beach itself was my lovely welcoming committee: the hush of waves gently crashing into the shore, the dance of palm trees in the wind, and the silhouette of the distant mountains offered me their own ‘aloha’. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that the true heart of the Royal Sonesta Kaua’i is not just in the scenery or the resort amenities. It’s in the feeling of coming home, of being embraced by a family.  

Recently reimagined through a multi-million-dollar renovation, this beloved Kaua’i resort now boasts a modernized aesthetic and upgraded amenities. But, at its core, the resort stays true to what has always made it special: the heartfelt hospitality of its people and their loyalty to their culture.  

Guests come for the views, the food, and the beachfront setting, but they return for the sense of belonging that defines a true ohana. 

New Designs, Same Island Spirit
When I arrived, I was greeted by a tropical breeze and panoramic ocean views, thanks to the revitalized open-air lobby. I felt this island spirit echo through every corner of the resort, especially in their newly redesigned rooms, where contemporary island-inspired decor matched the views outside. 

The 26,000-square-foot swimming pool—the largest single-level pool in Hawai’i—is still the resort’s crown jewel. From lounge chairs to private cabanas available for rent, there are many ways to relax by this stunning pool. Here is where one can get their much-needed downtime, with a good book in one hand and a refreshing drink in the other. 

Dining was another highlight for me. Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach has a refreshed design and an upgraded menu with something for everyone. Options include the Loco Moco (rice, egg, gravy), fresh Acai Bowl, and the Smoked Salmon Bagel. To my excitement, they even had gluten-free options such as pancakes with maple or coconut syrup, and the Hawaiian French toast made with sweet bread, banana, and berries.

And when you’re in the mood for something light but unique, the menu at Kai’s Bar also has options like crispy zucchini and cauliflower tacos. By evening, the Royal Lanai transforms from a casual breakfast stop into the relaxed yet elevated Sushi & Spirits, where guests can enjoy interesting dishes like the seared tuna sashimi, the nigiri sampler, or the spicy tuna crunch roll. The restaurant is generous with its drinks: from the classic red wine to the bold-flavored sake.

The resort has newly appointed Executive Sous Chef Victor Heresa to thank for its expanded offerings. Chef Victor, well-known from his days at Sushi Bushido, brings a blend of traditional Japanese technique and local Kaua’i flavors to the new menus.

From Hotel to Second Home
While the resort’s amenities and dining are five-star, what sets the Royal Sonesta Kaua’i apart is something that cannot be measured but can only be experienced first-hand: the sense of familiarity that their team shares. Everyone greets General Manager Jim Pedone by name, and he knows theirs, too. They interact not as colleagues but as longtime friends. 

This natural camaraderie among staff is shared even to the guests. One waitress greeted a couple with a warm “Welcome back!”—she remembered them from their last visit, a full year ago. These moments show that service here isn’t a duty; it’s a gesture of genuine care.

“It’s the people that make a difference,” says Jim. “They bring it to life every day. The caring that they put into every guest experience—that’s why guests come back.”

It’s the trust that Jim puts into his team that truly brings out their best. “I don’t touch customers every day, but they do. And if we can count on the fact that they are gonna do what they do best every single day, it just makes it easy,” he adds.  

Putting Culture at the Center
Here, heartfelt service is not just a hospitality standard. Community-nurturing is at the core of Kaua’i island culture, in and beyond the resort. Jim explains it best: “People in Kaua’i don’t care how much money you make. Once you’re here and people understand how much you care, you become part of the family, or our ohana.”  

This is the reason why the resort’s cultural experiences like the Drums & Dances of Polynesia lūʻau is not to be missed. Held every Thursday night, the resort’s lūʻau is the only beachside lūʻau on the island.

The lūʻau offers a full multisensory cultural experience: from the rhythmic energy of Tahitian drums, the Hawaiian hula, and the breathtaking fire-knife dance of Samoa to the bright flavors of the bountiful Polynesian buffet and the open bar. The resort also has professional photographers covering the event so guests can fully focus on the festivities. 

Janie, the dynamic lūʻau host, greeted everyone personally and even pulled me in to go front and center. It’s this warm, welcoming energy that makes guests feel that they truly are a part of something deep and meaningful just by being in attendance. 

More than being a feast to mark important occasions, a lūʻau is a way for Hawaiians to pass down the stories of their ancestors through chant, hula, and song. That evening, I didn’t feel that I was watching a show. Rather, I was invited to help preserve something sacred. 

Nature activities at the island are also core elements of the cultural immersion you can have at the resort. The Kaua’i Adventure offerings let you snorkel, kayak, and stroll your way through the island’s natural wonders so you can witness how the community has preserved its beauty through the years. 

Adventure lovers can also hike Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) or cliff-jump at Shipwreck beach. The resort staff will be happy to help you plan your itinerary.

What True Luxury Is
At The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i, luxury has a deeper meaning. Here, luxury isn’t just about the fancy rooms or the beachside glamor. It’s a place where your mind, body, and spirit find not just rest but also nourishment. From a warm “welcome back” to the moment a lei gently drapes over your shoulders, every detail in your stay feels personal. 

I arrived as a curious guest, and I left knowing that when I return, I won’t just be coming back to paradise, but to the ohana that preserves it. To learn more, or to book your stay, please visit kauairesort.sonesta.com