Hotel Coral Reef Resort

From the road, Hotel Coral Reef doesn’t have much curb appeal. With a large parking lot flanked by two beige and green buildings, the place looks like an average, run-of-the-mill motel. Yet, the lobby -- with its carved dark wood furniture, green hues, and pillow-topped sofa -- immediately gives the hotel a warm, homey feeling. Outside on the ocean-facing lanai, guests gather in the evenings to unwind or come to watch the sun rise in the early morning hours. The overall atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and though services are minimal, there is a warm feeling of aloha throughout.  

Although there are a number of hotels in Kapaa, a scrappy little beach town on Kauai’s eastern coast, few are within walking distance of its charming downtown. Hotel Coral Reef is within a five- to 10-minute walk of Kappa’s best coffee shops, restaurants, and charming boutiques, as well as conveniences like the local bank and ABC store. While it’s not as polished as other resort communities like Princeville or Poipu, Kappa has a quaint local feel. Walking from Hotel Coral Reef into downtown, guests will encounter things like the public library, high school soccer practice, fresh fruit stands, and food trucks where surfers gather for an afternoon snack.  Hotel Coral Reef is about a 15-minute drive from Lihue Airport.  

Hotel Coral Reef’s 21 rooms are split between two, two-story buildings. One building is oceanfront, while the other faces the street. Not only does the oceanfront building have nicer views, but rooms here feel brighter and more updated than their street-facing counterparts. All rooms have white walls and carpeted floors, with palm-frond ceiling fans and furniture that feels too large for the space. While they add a homey touch to the rooms, the huge, ornately carved beds, armoires, and nightstands make the space feel cramped. Some guests may even find decor, such as large gilded mirrors and leather arm chairs, a bit too gaudy, or out of place for a Hawaiian beach hotel. Beds are covered in island-inspired prints in hues of green, pink, and gold. In room amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, and electronic safes. All rooms have balconies or patios, but the oceanfront building has better views. Bathrooms, while nicely finished, are terribly dark. Twin sinks sit atop granite counters and shower/tub combos are encased by beveled glass doors. Some bathrooms have jetted tubs.   

There are three main categories here: Standard Economy Rooms with one queen-size bed, Standard Economy Rooms with Master Bedroom, which add a sofa bed in a separate living area, and Oceanfront Rooms, with either two queen-size or one king-size bed.

Hotel Coral Reef’s standout feature is its mid-size freeform pool, which has a rock waterfall. There aren’t many lounge chairs in the pool area, but then again, it never seems to be crowded, as many guests choose to spend their days off property. Just a few steps from the pool is the beach, and a stretch of Kauai path, a miles-long public walking path built along the coast. Throughout the day, joggers, bikers, and dog walkers can be seen on the path and near the beach. Like all beaches in Hawaii, the one in front of Hotel Coral Reef is open to the public. There’s only a tiny stretch of sand in front of the hotel, but larger beaches are within a five- to 10-minute walk. The ocean water tends to be rougher here than on other parts of the island. Although swimming isn’t discouraged, it’s probably best that only strong swimmers head for the waves. 

The hotel has an ocean-facing lanai and a small green space. Guests gather here in the evenings to unwind, or come during the early morning hours to watch the sun rise. It’s also a popular spot for local events and fundraisers. Each morning, the hotel serves what it calls “morning refreshments” in the lobby. Many guests complain that it's a measly breakfast, but the hotel makes it pretty clear upon check-in that “morning refreshments” only include light items such as coffee and yogurt. Other hotel amenities include free parking and Wi-Fi, a grill and barbecue area, and two coin-operated laundry machines.