Exploring Kauai from Marriott Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u
Marriott Kaui Lagoons
Looking for a peaceful Kauai stay with space to truly unwind? Our multigenerational family trip to Marriott Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u offered just that.
From ocean-view breakfasts on the lanai to quiet walks around the bird-filled lagoons, this resort gave us room to connect, slow down, and savor the island together.
As Marriott Vacation Club owners, we’ve stayed at many beautiful resorts—but the Marriott Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu’u felt especially meaningful.
For this trip, we brought the whole crew: three of our grown daughters and one’s husband, our granddaughter, and my mom. Dave and I flew in a day early to settle in. We stocked the fridge with local favorites, unpacked the essentials, and took a moment to soak in the view.
Exploring the Lagoons
We wanted the week to feel like a true getaway, full of ease, relaxation, and adventure, and this villa gave us the perfect home base for for all of it.
First Impressions & Arrival
After landing in Lihue, we made our way to Marriott Kauai Lagoons. Although check-in time is typically later in the afternoon, the staff went out of their way to accommodate our early arrival, which we deeply appreciated after a long travel day. The drive in offered a first glimpse of the lush surroundings, and the quiet, welcoming feel of the resort instantly put us at ease.
Tour our 3-BR, 3-BA Villa at Marriott Kauai Lagoons Resort
The Villa
We stayed in a three-bedroom villa overlooking the ocean, and it felt like our own peaceful corner of the island. The lanai quickly became our favorite spot—with its dining table, several chaise loungers, and access from both the living area and master suite. The lanai had a moveable glass wall system for indoor/outdoor living.
The open living space was warm and inviting, with a comfortable sofa sleeper and a large dining table where we gathered for meals, games, and even a birthday celebration.
The kitchen was well-equipped, making it easy to prepare breakfast, lunches, and even a few dinners, including local favorites like spam musubi. The resort also has several community grills that make it easy to prepare fresh seafood or steaks at home.
Making Spam Masubi
What We Did
We loved relaxing at the resort itself—sitting by the pool, soaking in the hot tub after dark, and exploring the walking paths around the lagoons. We all loved the wildlife, especially the unique birds like red-crested cardinals, black-crowned night herons. We even saw a giant toad. The pool isn’t oversized, but it’s beautifully designed and just right for both swimming and lounging.
Beautiful evenings at the resort
Relaxing evening swims in the resort pool
Local Explorations
While the resort doesn’t have direct beach access, it’s just a short drive from several beaches, including Kalapaki Beach at the Royal Sonesta. That worked out well for our group—giving us peaceful resort vibes and ocean views but being close to beach access.
Kalapaki Beach
The nearby shopping plaza had food trucks, an ABC store, and casual restaurants, and we also made several trips into Lihue for groceries and supplies. The resort’s proximity to the airport made pickups and drop-offs easy.
What We Loved Most
The view from our villa was stunning—expansive and calming, with the ocean stretching out beyond the palms. We also loved how spacious and well-designed the villa was for a group. It felt like a home rather than a hotel. And having access to nature right outside our door made every walk feel like a small adventure.
The view from our Villa
A Few Tips
If you're traveling with a larger group, call ahead and request early check-in—the staff is wonderful and will do their best to accommodate.
Bring binoculars or a camera if you're a bird lover—there’s so much to see right on the property.
The kitchen is great for preparing meals, and there are community grills available too.
For beach time, head to nearby Kalapaki Beach. It's close, beautiful, and has plenty of dining options nearby.
Would We Return?
Absolutely. This was one of our favorite Marriott Vacation Club stays so far. The blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and spacious living made it ideal for multigenerational travel. There was something here for everyone, and it gave us the space to truly slow down and connect.
Native Hawaiian Hibiscus
Planning Your Stay
Marriott Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u is part of the Marriott Vacation Club, which we've been members of for several years, although you don’t need to be a member to stay there. It offers a quieter, more intimate experience than some of the larger resorts, but with all the amenities you need for a restorative and memorable trip. Whether you're planning a family gathering or just need a little extra space to spread out, it's a place that welcomes you to settle in and stay a while.
You might also enjoy these articles:
