The Resort Lifestyle – Koloa-Poipu Kauai

Eighth in a series

Koloa-Poipu is a unique dual neighborhood consisting of a historic town and resort destination that together occupy approximately 2.8 square miles of the southwestern corner of Kauai. The site of Hawaii’s fi rst commercial sugar plantation, Koloa retains remnants of the mill and restored buildings that add a sense of history and charm to the old town.

Poipu, which extends 3.5 miles along the coast, was mostly vacant land with a sprinkling of single family residences until approximately 30 years ago, when lowrise condo and hotel development began transforming the area into one of Hawaii’s premier resort/residential communities. The attractions are primarily pristine sandy beaches, a clear, clean ocean offering both protected coves for swimming and some of Hawaii’s best body surfi ng, and dry, sunny weather with cooling breezes much of the year.

Within the Poipu area are three of Hawaii’s fi nest botanic gardens and two golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. – Kiahuna, which incorporates remnants of an ancient Hawaiian village into the greens, and the Poipu Bay Golf Course adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort.

Development continues with new commercial components, single family homes, and additional condos appealing to both out-of-State and local residents who have traditionally favored Poipu for vacations and weekend getaways.

One of the newest residential options, D. R. Horton-Schuler’s Emerald Homes at Wainani, borders the fairways of the Kiahuna Golf Club and includes 12 homes designed by award-winning Hawaii architect Philip “Pip” White. Priced from $1.2 to $1.5 million, the homes are being offered for sale by Hannah Sirois, Principal Broker of Kauai Heritage Properties, who said the fi rst homes would be completed in time for Christmas. Models are currently open for viewing.

The one and two story single family homes with attached or detached two-car garages range from 1,942 to 2,283 square feet. Features include porcelain floors at the entry and in kitchen and baths, concealed split system air conditioning, and gas tankless water heating systems. Kitchens feature solid surface countertops and backsplashes and GE Profile kitchen appliances. Upscale detailing in master bedrooms includes vaulted ceilings, walk-in wardrobe closets, and soaking tubs.

Commenting on his design for the Wainani homes, White said,”The feeling I wanted to convey at Wainani is one of kamaaina or ‘local’ style – understated, open and welcoming. I also wanted to incorporate a timeless design with open floor plans, large doors and lots of windows to allow the homeowner to adjust the level of natural lighting and natural ventilation. Almost every space has easy access to the outdoors, blurring lines from interior to exterior, which is critical for the Hawaii lifestyle.”

“These Wainani homes are just the kind of new inventory the Poipu Beach area needs,” Hannah Sirois said. “Poipu Beach is in high demand, and only now, with these beautifully designed Emerald Homes at Wainani entering the picture, will Realtors have access to a plethora of right-priced resort homes for sale with features that are expected at the luxury level. And each new home showcases a modern and well-appointed open floor plan that brings the outdoors in and captures the majestic views.”

D.R. Horton-Schuler Homes Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mary Flood added, “Our new Poipu residential community also is ideally located, with the shops and restaurants of Koloa Town and the new Shops at Kukuiula within easy reach. Close-by is what, for many, is the resort’s main attraction -the sandy beach known for its excellent body surfing conditions and rated as one of the nation’s best beaches. What those of us who live in Hawaii love about Poipu is the dry sunny weather that makes it possible to enjoy the beach, golf, visiting the gardens, or hiking in Kokee all year round.”