Picture this: sun-warmed sand between your toes, the beautiful, bright colors of plumeria in full bloom, the sweetness of the fresh island fruit to refresh you, gentle waves crashing in the distance. This is the kind of Hawaii escape you only see in movies – but it is very real, and waiting for you in Kaua‘i!

Nestled in the northernmost part of the Hawaiian island chain, Kaua‘i, known as the “Garden Isle,” is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands, and home to a breathtaking mix of beaches, mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush tropical rainforests. It’s gorgeous everywhere here!

Where to Stay in Kauai: Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort

Situated on the Coconut Coast in the town of Kapaʻa, Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is the place to stay to experience modern comfort with Hawaiian charm that you’ll soon fall in love with. The resort building dates back to the 1970s but underwent renovations about five years ago, blending modern design with touches of old Hawaii. The open-air lobby gives off instant beachy, relaxed vibes from the moment you arrive.

There’s over 300 beachfront rooms to choose from – some of which have amazing panoramic views of the blue Pacific Ocean. You’ll have your own private lanais to breathe in the cool ocean air and relax with the ocean waves. 

The resort boasts an infinity-edge pool I absolutely loved (with separate areas for kids and adults), plus an oceanfront bar, plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks to unwind in. Be sure to grab Hawaiian Shaved Ice, offered from 1–3 p.m. daily near the pool area. A sweet way to cool down in the afternoon!

At night, the resort lights up beautifully with tiki torches and the outdoor fireplaces—perfect for winding down after a day in the sun. Makaiwa Beach sits right in front of the hotel—so you also get easy beach access without leaving the property. (You may even see some Hawaiian monk seals sunbathing next to you!)

Dining at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach

You’ll have access to several Kapaa Kauai restaurants and dining options. Enjoy your morning coffee and fresh pastries at First Light Coffee and Juice Bar. 

A more hearty appetite? Stop by the Daybreak Restaurant that has a full breakfast buffet in an open-air environment. Try the Coconut Beach Burger and Hurricane Fries at the poolside restaurant Crooked Surf for more of a casual vibe. You have to try what they’re known for – their signature Coconut Beach Mai Tai – made with a float of local Kōloa dark rum. This drink even won a local Mai Tai competition, thanks to some of the best bartenders on the island.

You also have Firehen – a local favorite for tasty chicken tenders. Try them plain or with their signature dry rub paired with garlic fries for a satisfying bite. (The place is so good that people from outside the hotel even order from here!)

For a more upscale-setting head over to Moa Moa Hawaiian Fish House, which offers gorgeous ocean views while you chow down on delicious seafood and locally sourced Pacific Island cuisine. Some of my favorites include: Char Siu Pork Belly, 8oz Grilled Parker Ranch Filet, the flourless chocolate cake, and the Summer on the Coast cocktail. 

And if I wasn’t already lucky enough having dinner and drinks at Moa Moa, I was also lucky enough to witness this rare Strawberry Moon that only happens once every 18.6 years!

Relaxing Activities at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

When it comes to exploring the resort, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy right here on the property to keep you entertained and relaxed.

Want a more chill-way to start your day? The best way to get ready for the day is beachside Sunrise Yoga. You’ll take in the best views for an early morning sunrise! Choose to participate in the Sunrise Wake-Up Call and breakfast will be delivered to your room between 6-6:15 a.m. 

If that’s not your thing, I’d recommend sitting on your balcony (around 6 a.m. sharp) to still enjoy the sunrise and sound of the waves. Or you could relax in a hammock with a book by the shore.

Luau Ka Hikina: Traditional Hawaiian Luau at Sheraton Kauai Resort

There’s always live music happening throughout the week, but it’s a must to attend the Luau Ka Hikina for a true authentic Hawaiian experience. The resort’s newly built open-air event pavilion is set against a gorgeous panoramic sunset and views. The ceremony starts off with a torch lighting then continues with mesmerizing hula kahiko (ancient hula) dances performed under the direction of an award-winning hula master Leilani Rivera Low. (Fun fact: When Leilani was younger, Elvis Presley kissed her on both cheeks!) The evening is complete with a locally-sourced traditional Hawaiian feast to really celebrate the spirit of aloha. 

Here’s a local taste tip: Try poi, a traditional Hawaiian dish made from taro root that’s mashed into a paste. It’s a unique texture and flavor—definitely worth trying once (even just a little).

The best part? The Luau held on the property is also open to the public—you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the show and activities.

Fun Things to Do at Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Without Leaving the Resort

You can learn more about Hawaiian culture through activities and events on-site, like hula lessons or lei making classes. Take a ukulele class with the resort’s Kumu, Maka Herrod – I had so much fun learning! You’ll feel really proud of yourself when you realize you’re strumming to popular tunes like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Did you know that “Ukulele” means “jumping fleas?” And once you learn just three chords, you can play thousands of songs. Other family-friendly options include ‘Ohana Activities like kite designing, postcard art, pohoku painting, and poolside bingo.

Explore Kaua‘i Like a Local

Bikes are available to rent on-site, making it super easy to explore the island. The resort sits at the center of an 8-mile coastal bike path—4 miles in either direction. Think of it as a U-shape: the way you ride out is the way you’ll return. Take a bike ride to Kapa‘a Town just minutes away. Java Kai is a must-visit for coffee lovers. Their iced latte with peanut syrup is a best-seller, and the pineapple French toast is pretty popular too. We also loved their açaí bowls, avocado toast, and breakfast burritos.

Pop into one of the cute beach shops for a little souvenir, then wander over to Lana’s Café for a smoothie and a taste of fresh island fruit. Drink coconut water straight from the shell—because when in Hawaii, right? There are so many delicious tropical fruit flavors here, trust me when I say you’ll want to try them all.

You may catch yourself in a rainstorm more than once while in Hawaii. The perfect rainy day (or anyday) activity is Lydgate Farms’ Chocolate Tasting Experience – featuring chocolate that was voted as one of the top 50 in the world. The most popular? Dark chocolate macadamia nuts with just 1% salt—just enough to bring out the flavor. I loved the roasted nuts over toffee but they were both “Ono” nonetheless. (“Ono” means delicious). And speaking of roasted nuts – there’s also Kauai Gourmet Nuts to check out!

For my adventure-seeking peeps, the beachfront hotel is near the Sleeping Giant trailhead, Opaekaa Falls, and Wailua River State Park which includes the natural beauty of Wailua Falls – a breathtaking 147-foot waterfall only 10 minutes away. (It’s giving Jurassic Park vibes – you don’t want to miss this one!)

My favorite off-site activity? Mountain Tubing with Kauai Backcountry Adventures. This unique tubing adventure takes you through five hand-dug tunnels originally carved in 1870! (The first tunnel was a bit of trial-and-error.) Float 2.5 miles down the gently flowing waters of the open canals and tunnels while you enjoy the beauty all around you – illuminated by the peeping sun and headlamp. Try it: I dare you to turn off your headlamp for just a minute to see what it’s really like in the dark! This unique tubing adventure is the only one of its kind on Kaua’i, and is the only eco-tour company with access to the 17,000 acres of former plantation lands. (Make sure to bring water-friendly shoes or you’ll have to rent some).

Other notable mentions: Treat yourself to a donut (or three) at Holey Grail Donuts, where you’ll find unique flavors like Miso Honey, Tropical Swirl (a blend of strawberry, passionfruit, and dragonfruit), Original Sin (Hawaiian vanilla bean with maple sea salt), and my personal favorite — Lilikoi, made with local passionfruit. Check out Coconut Marketplace – a laid-back shopping and dining area near the resort. Visit Tamba Surf Company Kauai – a low-key shopping gem where locals shop. If you want to blend in and avoid the “tourist look,” this is your spot. 

While you’re exploring the island, you may notice that chickens and roosters roam freely everywhere—just like deer in Texas and pigeons in New York. You’ll see them popping up in the most unexpected places. 

No matter how you choose to spend your time on this magical island, one thing for certain: you’ll soon want to return. So no need to wait! Pack your bags and get ready for your Hawaii escape.

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Cover photo Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.