Waimea Plantation Cottages, a Coast Resort

If you're looking for luxury this is not the place for you. That being said, the grounds are beautiful with some impressive flora and enough mangoes to keep you in milkshakes for awhile. The staff was also very kind and incredibly accommodating. However, this was a plantation and the cottages definitely reflect that vibe. None are new and ours was weathered enough that gaps in the walls and flooring allowed insects in, but at least no mosquitoes.

This is not a Hilton, Window unit ACs, if the trade winds aren't blowing through your bedroom and living room, and dated island furniture. But these rustic, remodeled plantation cottages scattered across manicured grounds planted in Royal Palms, Plumeria, Pikake, and exotic plants that I've never seen anywhere else, are remarkable. Rustic elegance, not luxury, but what Hawaii was 50-100 years ago. If you are looking for a beach, Waimea isn't it, muddied by the Waimea river. A few miles north, Kekaha beach is great.

We chose Waimea as our location because it is a quiet, non-touristy town. We chose the Plantation Cottages because they sounded charming. We thoroughly enjoyed both and have already recommended the Cottages to others. Mahalo and Aloha

Loved the grounds, cottages and location. Would stay here again in a heartbeat. Great for all types of travellers

Loved it! Very relaxing, it's definitely a taste of old Hawaii rather than a modern resort and we preferred it for that ( it has all the modern amenities). We enjoyed the décor of our 2 bedroom cottage that had a great deck with nice garden views all around and loved that windows wrapped around the spacious tub in the master bath (but were high enough that no one would see in). It's a great place to stay to explore Waimea Canyon. The beach is not safe for swimming, but they have a nice pool. We'll definitely stay here again.

Waimea is not for everyone, but if you like rustic with style, this place can't be beat.

The hotel is a bit more remote than others in Kauai, but it is perfect for those seeking to escape the multitudes and the rain (the south is dryer). The latter was crucial for us, as stargazing was an important goal of our trip as we are learning astrophotography. While the beach on site provided a nice walk, it is not really for swimming. This was not a problem because we were a 12-minute drive away from Salt Pond Park and many other nice beaches were also nearby. Here you are close to the Canyon and beautiful Polihale. If you are concerned about missing out on the other parts of the island it is not a problem, because you can drive the whole island in a day. Here you’ll find solitude, quietude, peacefulness and an amazing view of our universe after sunset! The cabins were ok, comfortable and clean enough, although nothing fancy (that was not what we were after). We enjoyed having our own little private space to BBQ and share some beers outdoors after a beach day, instead of the ‘huge resort’ experience, which tends to be much more crowded. The place is pleasant it has some beautiful trees and a pool. In sum, you get great value for your money.

Rickety but romantic Beach very up close but not attractive - others close by

The cottages in historic Waimea are older buildings, set near the ocean in a quiet and picturesque locale. We woke to a chorus of birds chirping in the morning and lulled by the ocean at night. A full kitchen, backyard barbeque, and a porch to watch the sun set. Perfect!

Beautiful and serene. Walking distance to town Relax and read

These rejunivated plantation cottages are a great alternative for those who want a bit of old Kaua'i away from the more modern resorts. Come to Waimeu for the weather and the slow pace, not for the night life! Good swimming beaches are a short drive, but you can walk the beach for miles from the cottages. Staff is friendly and most are good sources of local information. The cafe next door is convenient, but slow and the food is only average.

Overall it was not horrible, but it needs some work. Most cottages do not have any air-conditioning and is uncomfortable during the day. When checked in was upgraded to a 3 bedroom cottage, but when complained of no air the desk person said welcome to Hawaii and did nothing, I posted a negative comment on web site and manger called. Was then downgraded to a 1 bedroom cottage with air. Quite cottage, but a letdown after first. Appears they do not spend much money on cottages as beds were like sleeping on springs and the bedroom door had wire mesh on the upper half, so no privacy and no blocking light and sound when one person up and one trying to sleep. They charge as much for a full resort, but offer far less, except less people. Probably would not stay there again. Let down for first vacation to Kauai.

The Waimea Planation Cottages is not for the average vacationer. It's a very special place if you appreciate solitude, stunning natural landscapes and a truly "local" experience. If you want to be waited on, don't mind crowds and the consistency you find with "standard" resorts this is not the place for you. Borne essentially from a homestead, it's not plush by any means but it's genuinely authentic in a priceless way. Our 10, 8 and 6 yr olds abandoned all modern forms of entertainment to climb and frolic in the majestic tropical trees that were better than watching Avatar because they were living it. The hotel restaurant suffices and the walk into town is easy. Don't be shy about shooing away the local roosters at sunset so they don't wake you up in the middle of the night! We're definitely going back!

Beautiful, "Old Style" feel to this place. It's like stepping back in time to old Hawaii in the 1940's. Great atmosphere. When we arrived there was no record of us having made arrangements online with above travel website. However, the front desk staff was very accomodating. Rooms a little dirty. I think the cleaning staff needs to pay particular attention to the bathrooms! Overall, wonderful experience

The other reviews mention the chickens - believe it. I thought they would start crowing at dawn, but they make noise all night long. In spite of this, I absolutely loved our stay. The grounds are exquisitely kept and beautiful, including vine swings, a lovely pool, and free DVD rental for guests. I went with my two daughters, and we had a blast. I would absolutely stay here again. Wish all the cottages had actual doors (some do) instead of screened doors like ours had. Lorna at the cottages was an absolute angel. Wish everybody in Kauai had been as sweet as she was.

I loved this hotel because you have a lot of privacy. The staff is helpful but not intrusive. The location could not be better. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would stay there again.

The cottages and grounds were wonderful, and the staff was warm and conscientious. The place has a very authentic, relaxed Hawaiian feeling. But the roosters start crowing at 4 am and don't let up until well past 8. It was so noisy that we had to shut all the windows and wear ear plugs in order to get any sleep. Kauai is gorgeous, and this location would have been great value for the money, but unless you are prepared for the noise, you'll be disappointed. Also be aware that the beach at the property is too dangerous for swimming, so you'll have to drive in order to get in the ocean.

A quiet, clean and relaxing place to come back to after a day around the island. Be warned: there are chickens and roosters everywhere on the island. Roosters crow. A lot.

It's like staying at a friend's old beach house in paradise. Little private cottages right on the ocean, gorgeous sunsets, relaxed atmosphere, nice staff. Sure, the paint is peeling, the ceiling fan squeaks, and a rooster wakes you up before dawn. But who cares?! Start the day early and get out to the canyon or whatever you're doing that day. The restaurant is great, with a lovely verandah, excellent food and local musicians. It's the place to be in Waimea.