Discovering a Reimagined Resort on Kauaʻi’s East Side
On a trip to Kauaʻi, I woke to the sun illuminating the sky above Kalapakī Beach. From my lānai, I watched locals heading out for morning swims while families wandered onto the sand to begin their day.
Even if it’s just for a night or two, there’s something refreshing about trading the bustle of Honolulu for the slower pace of a neighbor island. For many locals in Hawaiʻi, there are still plenty of places to discover across our Islands.
Photo: Courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort
Tucked along Kauaʻi’s East Side, Kalapakī Beach feels like a hidden gem—even though it’s just 2 miles from Līhuʻe Airport. The crescent-shaped beach is lined with golden sand and bordered by the aquamarine waters of Nawiliwili Bay. I was surprised to see so many surfers, bodyboarders and families enjoying the water. It’s one of the few East Side beaches known for its ideal swimming conditions.
Perched on the shoreline is The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort. In May 2025, the property completed a multimillion-dollar, multiyear renovation that refreshed its 345 guest rooms, public spaces and dining outlets. The extensive renovations blend the resort’s distinctive architecture with a modern Island aesthetic.
Photo: Courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort
The resort makes an ideal home base for exploring Kauaʻi, with easy access to both the North Shore and South Shore. But I found myself just as content staying in the resort area. A short stroll led to Kalapakī Beach, while the resort’s sprawling pool made it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon swimming. For lunch, I grabbed a musubi from The Musubi Truck, located just steps from the beach.
In the evening, there are ample dining options, including Island-inspired fare at Kukui’s on Kalapakī Beach, fresh sushi at The Royal Lānai, classic Italian dishes at Café Portofino, and the beachfront favorite Duke’s Kauaʻi.
Photo: Courtesy of The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort
The renovation also introduced a new cultural experience, The Drums & Dances of Polynesia. Set along the shores of Kalapakī Beach, the evening features Polynesian storytelling, hula and a feast showcasing local flavors.
By the end of my stay, I understood the appeal of slowing down on Kauaʻi’s East Side. With quiet mornings overlooking Kalapakī Beach and serene afternoons by the pool, The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort proved that sometimes the best part of a getaway is simply having nowhere to be.
Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.
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