Are you looking for the best Kauai resorts for families with kids of all ages? Keep scrolling for my honest review of the Royal Sonesta Kauai (formerly Kauai Marriott).
This Royal Sonesta Kauai review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ve been eyeing this property since I was 10 years old.
My grandma took me to lunch at Duke’s, and compared to her simple Kauai condo, this place looked impossibly fancy.
Over the years, I kept coming back. I’ve even done a day pass here to hang out at the pool before a late flight home (totally worth it, by the way).
So when we finally got to stay here as actual guests? Let’s just say my inner 10-year-old was pretty thrilled.
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Why the Royal Sonesta Kauai Works for Families
The Royal Sonesta Kauai sits right on Kalapaki Bay, just two miles from Lihue Airport. You can literally walk off the plane and be at the pool within 30 minutes if you play your cards right.
Here’s what I love about the location. It’s centrally located, so you can easily drive to the North Shore, South Shore, or West Side without feeling like you’re constantly backtracking.
Plus, you’re close to Costco, Walmart, and Target if you need to stock up on snacks, sunscreen, or whatever else you forgot to pack.
The resort also puts you near some great Kauai activities like Luau Kalamaku and Kauai Mountain Tubing.
Check out my full list of things to do in Lihue for more ideas.
The property recently finished a multi-million dollar renovation, and honestly, you can tell. Everything feels fresh and updated while still keeping that classic Hawaii resort vibe.
Our Room at the Royal Sonesta
We had a standard room with two queen beds. Nothing crazy fancy, but it had everything we needed as a family of four.
There was a mini fridge (super helpful for storing leftovers and keeping drinks cold), a table and chairs, a credenza where we could spread out our stuff, and a sofa.
The bathroom was a decent size, and the beds were comfortable. We had air conditioning, a coffee maker, and all the usual hotel room amenities.
But the real winner? Our lanai.
We could see the kiddie pool area right in front of us, and when we looked left, there was the ocean with mountains in the background.
I mean, come on. That’s the view you came to Hawaii for.
You can choose between ocean view, garden view, or pool view rooms. We were happy with our pool view since we could keep an eye on where the kids would be spending most of their time anyway.
They offer laundry service if you need it, room service, and you can request specific room amenities. The staff was really accommodating when we asked for extra towels and pillows.
Check current rates and room options here.
Let’s Talk About That Pool
When I research Hawaii resorts for families, the pool is usually my first stop. Because let’s be honest, that’s where your kids are going to want to spend half the vacation.
The Royal Sonesta has the largest single-level pool in Hawaii. It’s 26,000 square feet and designed to look like a chrysanthemum flower, with each “petal” being its own section that flows into the others.
There are five hot tubs, and I really liked how they set them up. Three of them you can only reach by swimming, which gives them a more secluded feel. The other two are right next to the pool deck for easy access.
The kiddie pool area is where we spent most of our time. The water is super shallow and warm, perfect for younger kids who can’t swim yet.
There’s also a small water slide that was a huge hit with both my elementary-age kids. The line moved quickly even during busy times.
We splurged on a cabana rental for one full day, and it was worth every penny.
It came with two lounge chairs, a table, a huge retractable sunshade, and an attendant who brought us Kauai Kookies and bottled water.
A server came by throughout the day to take our food and drink orders.
The cabana rental costs vary, but plan on a couple hundred dollars for the day.
For our family, it was money well spent. I’m not a big swimmer, so I parked myself in the cabana and read while the kids played. It was so comfortable.
Want to know more about whether Hawaii cabanas are worth the splurge? Read my full breakdown here.
If you’re planning your Kauai trip and feeling overwhelmed, my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Kauai breaks everything down step by step.
Kalapaki Beach: The Real Star of the Show
Can we talk about how amazing it is to have Kalapaki Beach right there? This is actually one of my favorite kid-friendly Kauai beaches.
The water stays really calm because of how the bay is shaped, which makes it perfect for young kids.
We brought our inflatable pool floats and just bobbed around. You’ll also see people paddle boarding and practicing their snorkeling here.
There’s a beach equipment rental spot right on the sand where you can grab chairs, umbrellas, and water sports gear. Super convenient.
Walking from our room to the beach took maybe two minutes. That’s the kind of convenience that makes Hawaii vacations with kids so much easier.
Where to Eat at the Royal Sonesta
The resort has several dining options, and we tried most of them.
Aupaka Terrace
This is the outdoor coffee stand in the breezeway. I grabbed my morning coffee here a few times.
The prices are what you’d expect for a resort (my latte was around $8), but the convenience factor is hard to beat when you just need that first cup of coffee.
In the mornings, they offer grab-and-go breakfast items like pastries and yogurt. If you’re trying to save money, I’d honestly suggest stopping by a grocery store and stocking your mini fridge with breakfast stuff.
But if convenience is your priority, this works great.
Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach
We ate breakfast here several mornings. The service was excellent, and they had all your standard American breakfast options. They also have a kids’ menu, which is always appreciated.
I ordered the eggs benedict one morning, and it was really good. The restaurant is right next to the pool area with lots of open-air seating, so you get those ocean breezes while you eat.
Duke’s Kauai
Duke’s is legendary, and for good reason. They serve island-inspired cuisine, international dishes, fresh seafood, and their famous Hula Pie (which is massive and definitely meant for sharing).
Duke’s also has a Barefoot Bar on the lower level that’s super casual and perfect for families. You can walk right in from the beach.
This was actually where my grandma took me for lunch when I was 10. Sitting there as an adult with my own kids felt like coming full circle.
Royal Lanai
This spot transforms throughout the day. In the mornings, it’s a grab-and-go coffee and pastry bar. In the evenings, it becomes a sushi restaurant with an elevated but relaxed vibe.
We didn’t try the sushi this trip, but it looked really good based on what other diners were eating.
Other Options
There’s also Cafe Portofino for upscale Italian dining and Toro-Tei Sushi Bar. We didn’t make it to either of these, but they’re on our list for next time.
The Thursday Night Luau
The Royal Sonesta hosts the only indoor luau on Kauai (though it’s often held outdoors on the luau grounds when weather permits).
It’s now called “Drums & Dances of Polynesia” and happens every Thursday night.
The location is seriously stunning, right on Kalapaki Bay. You get a lei greeting, an authentic Polynesian buffet, an open bar, and live entertainment that celebrates Polynesian culture and traditions.
For families staying at the resort, the convenience of walking to and from the luau from your room is hard to beat.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about them canceling due to rain since they can move it indoors if needed.
Want to compare all your Kauai luau options? Check out my guide to the best Kauai luaus.
Other Things We Loved About the Property
The Koi Pond
There’s a beautiful koi pond just off the main lobby. My kids loved sitting and watching the fish.
I think they normally have a fish feeding activity for kids, but definitely ask at the front desk about current programming.
Alexander Day Spa
They offer facials, body treatments, manicures, and beachside massages. We didn’t have time this trip, but it’s definitely on our list for next time. Sometimes you just need that vacation spa treatment, you know?
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Shopping
There’s a small shop tucked away on property where you can grab drinks, snacks, breakfast items, toiletries, cute clothing, and gift items.
It’s your typical resort gift shop, but it’s nice to have when you forgot something or need a last-minute souvenir.
Kauai Lagoons Golf Club
Right next to the hotel, this championship golf course offers stunning ocean views while you play. If you’re a golfer, this is a huge perk.
Kids’ Programming
The resort used to offer children’s programming, and we saw some schedules posted near the Marriott timeshare area.
I’m not 100% sure what’s currently available, so definitely ask at the front desk when you check in if this is important to you.
A Few Things to Know
The main lobby is down an escalator and a short flight of stairs from the hotel entrance.
If you’re arriving late at night with a bunch of luggage, just be aware. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to prepare for.
Parking can get a little tricky. There’s a lot right next to our tower, but it filled up quickly most days.
When we couldn’t find a spot, we had to use valet, which added up. Self-parking is $30 per day, and valet is $40 per day.
There’s also a resort fee of $45 per day (plus tax), which includes things like the airport shuttle, fitness center access, cultural activities, and some dining discounts.
Planning Your Kauai Vacation
If you’re trying to figure out where to stay on Kauai, think about what you want out of your vacation.
The East Shore (where the Royal Sonesta is located) gives you the best access to the entire island. You can easily day trip to the North Shore, South Shore, or West Side.
The South Shore is great if you want guaranteed sunny weather and plan to mostly stay at your resort.
The North Shore is absolutely stunning but can feel isolated, and it rains more frequently.
As a Hawaii travel expert and professional tourist who’s visited Kauai more times than I can count, I can tell you that location matters.
The Royal Sonesta’s central location on the East Shore gives you the flexibility to explore without spending your entire vacation in the car.
Need help planning your whole Kauai trip? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where I help you create the perfect itinerary based on your family’s interests and budget.
I also host the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, and I did a whole episode on how to plan a trip to Kauai that goes into way more detail about what to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time on the Garden Isle.
Getting Around Kauai
You’ll want a rental car for your Kauai vacation. The island doesn’t have great public transportation, and a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental using my referral code to get the best rates.
From the Royal Sonesta, you’re about 45 minutes to the North Shore, 30 minutes to the South Shore, and an hour to Waimea Canyon. Everything feels manageable as day trips.
Other Family-Friendly Kauai Resorts to Consider
If you’re still deciding where to stay, here are some other options:
The Grand Hyatt Kauai and Koloa Landing Resort are both fantastic on the South Shore. The Hilton Garden Inn Kauai is a solid mid-range option also on the East Shore.
For more options, check out my roundup of the best resorts in Kauai for families.
Our Verdict: Will We Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. The Royal Sonesta Kauai hit all the right notes for our family. The pool kept my kids entertained for hours. The beach was perfect for young swimmers.
The location made it easy to explore the whole island. And the dining options meant we didn’t have to leave the property every single meal.
Is it the fanciest resort on Kauai? No. But it doesn’t need to be.
It’s comfortable, well-maintained, family-friendly, and has that classic Hawaii resort feel that I’ve loved since I was 10 years old having lunch with my grandma.
The recent renovations really elevated the whole property. Everything feels fresh and modern while still maintaining that authentic Hawaii vibe.
Book your stay at the Royal Sonesta Kauai here.
If you want more help planning your Kauai vacation, grab my free email course on saving money in Hawaii or check out my comprehensive Kauai travel guide for families.
See you in paradise!
