Pono Kai, Kauai

[rayelias]

Anyone ever exchange out to the Pono Kai resort in Kauai, Hawaii?

Thoughts?

Any recommendations on things to do, places to see, etc? Specifically good restaurants - we're foodies!

Thanks!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Is Pono Kai now on the DVC exchange list? I don't happen to think it is quite up to DVC standards. It's a great location though. We love the north side of Kauai and the Princeville area. It's very quaint in some spots, and posh in others.

 

[rayelias]

You know, I'm not 100% sure.

We're staying there, but not on DVC points. I happened to pull out a Member Getaways brochure to see if it happened to be on there and it was. I can't say how current the brochure was, since I can't see any dates on it anywhere. But, it was stuffed with 2007 point charts and the 2007 Member Cruise brochure. That being said, I could've jsut stuffed those inside that brochure by mistake.

I thought that since I saw the resort listed, perhaps someone may have been there to provide some feedback.

 

[larrytau]

This information came from a Bluegreen owners website, dated July 2006 (sorry there are no specific names):

The Pono Kai is over 20 years old but is well maintained. Currently units are being upgraded by adding dual pane windows, new kitchen cabinets, counters and appliances, carpet and furniture. Noise goes "through" the floors very easily so if you like quiet, it is a good idea to try for a 3rd floor unit. Several one bedroom units on the 3rd floor have a bonus loft which adds an additional bedroom. All units are air conditioned and well maintained.

Pono Kai is excellent for families as it is a short walk across a footbridge (when the city finishes upgrading it) to a "baby beach" which is fantastic for small children. Pono Kai is on the ocean and 4 buildings are ocean front (right on the ocean!!) and 3 have ocean views (maybe) and 3 have garden views. We have gone to Pono Kai many times and love the resort.

It is a short walk to old town Kapaa and within ½ mile of Safeway and Foodland (at Foodland ask for the discount card or the specials do not apply). There are several restaurants and bars within easy walking distance of the resort. The only negative we found is weather- Kapaa is on the rainy side of the island- but a 45 minute drive usually will take you to a dry part of the island.

 

[Dean]

Pono Kai is on the DVC list. It's actually 3 ownerships in one but is managed by BG. Only 2 of the versions are on the DVC list from the group of BG, Pacific Fantasy and Vacation Intl components. I believe it's the VI portion that's not listed but given it's under common management for all components, one could exchange in and still get in on of the units not on the DVC list. None are 5*. Given the specifics I doubt it's up to DVC standards but also suspect it'll be hard to exchange in to. If one needs more info I can send you about 42 pictures and 4 floor plans.

 

[donald&daisy]

Hi! I don't know about the resort, but we went to Kauai last summer and had a great time. There is all kinds of stuff to do...so much that we didn't really spend that much time on the beach...a good excuse to go back. The island is gorgeous and I would recommend the book The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, you can pick it up at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com. It was very helpful in suggesting good restaurants (Puka Dog--the world's most amazing hotdogs) and if you are thinking about doing an excursion (ie helicopter tour, deep sea fishing (we did both)) they rate each buisness. It is an amazing place and so quaint compared to the big island.