Waimea Plantation Cottages
Finding affordable accommodation that makes you feel good is hard on Kauai. Basically, the price-performance ratio compared to Europe or Asia is really very difficult.
We've done a real lucky move with Waimea Plantation Cottages [ad]. The accommodations are located on a former sugarcane plantation and the history of this place is omnipresent. It's a really cool place to stay.
Location and Getting There - Waimea Plantation Cottages Kauai
Waimea Plantation Cottages are located in the south of Kauai on the beautiful Waimea coast. South Kauai is the warmest and sunniest part of the island. We always had nice weather here in the south - even though it was raining on other parts of Kauai.
Take a rental car at the airport in Lihue. Depending on traffic, allow 30 to 45 minutes to reach Waimea Plantation Cottages. Actually, you cannot miss it, because on Kauai there are only coastal roads and small crossroads a few kilometers into the interior of the island. Coming from the airport, just follow the coastal road.
When turning into the Waimea Plantation driveway, you will know, that this is bull's-eye. An inviting reception building, a palm alley and in the garden then a small gravel path leads to the bungalows. Really great, how it all fits together. It would be interesting to know if this has always been the case or whether a creative and gifted architect / landscape gardener has created such an inviting atmosphere.
The old plantation is located on a very fine black sandy beach. This a perfect place for watching the sun go down smoothly. After sunset the remaining light dips the sky in all the colors of the pastel palette. This spectacle is reflected in the sea. Simply gigantic.
In distance you get a glimpse of the small neighbor island Nihau.
Amenities and Design - Waimea Plantation Cottages Kauai
In the huge garden of the old Waimea plantation are several large cottages designed in colonial style.
The planting is perfectly maintained and each cottage has its own small garden. For us it's just wonderful to look out the window and see tropical plants in abundance.
The planting is perfectly maintained and each cottage has its own small garden. For us it's just wonderful to look out the window and see tropical plants in abundance.
The cabins are painted in pastel colors and are very well-suited into the beautiful garden. The design is very coherent and we really liked it.
As soon as we entered our cottage, a small welcome gift awaited us. Biscuits, shell chains, other small souvenirs and a handy little cooler bag.
Our cottage was equipped with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen with dining area and a living room with sofas and a large flat screen TV.
Outside there is a large verandah with sun loungers and seating and a dining table. Perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
The two bedrooms are each furnished with large comfortable double beds and many pillows, closet and safe.
In the kitchen you will find a stove, an oven, enough crockery and a fridge. Cooking is really fun here. Cook yourself to save some money. On the beach, you'll find two gas barbecues. Really quality equipment.
If you do not feel like cooking or barbecuing, just go to the BBQ or pizza restaurant on site. We did not test both. But looked good from the outside.
One bathroom is en suite, the other is on the corridor. Fragrant shower-gels and toiletries are available in both bathrooms.
If you need to do some laundry, you'll find a free opportunity at the Waimea Plantation Cottages. Two washing machines and dryers are available in an annex building. Perfect for us.
Each cottage has a parking space in front of the building. No annoying hauling of suitcases and purchases.
There are incredibly impressive ancient trees, that have probably been in place for more than 100 years.
Of course, there is also a nice swimming pool with enough beach chairs. Right next to it is a well-kept volleyball court. Rent beach items such as loungers, parasols, balls or other toys at the reception.
If it should rain or if you want to have a great movie in the evening, just borrow DVDs from reception.
Alternatively, just have a look around in the small shop in the main building. Maybe you will find a nice souvenir.
Overall, all the staff at Waimea Plantation Cottages were very friendly and always helpful. We felt very comfortable.
Surroundings
Waimea is a small town in the south of Kauai with several shops.
Highly recommend the Ishihara supermarket at the beginning of the town if you are coming from Lihue. There is a nice desk offering different varieties of fresh poke and other small takeaways. Poke is something of a national dish on the Hawaiian Islands.Raw fish (mostly tuna) or seafood with delicious sauces and spices. We did not get enough of that. The nice saleswoman always let us try.
Otherwise there is a Big Save supermarket and some restaurants.
Waimea Plantation Cottages are also ideal for hikes in Waimea Canyon. It is 30 minutes' drive from Waimea Canyon Lookout. Already on the way, you will find great nature and breathtaking views.
Even if you book a helicopter flight with Maverick Helicopters, you will not be far from the heliport in Port Allen. We strongly recommend a helicopter flight on Kauai. It's definitely one of our best experiences so far.
Even the lonely, very imposing Polihale Beach is easily accessible. But beware, you should have an SUV for the bumpy road. The rental car providers mostly exclude unpaved roads in their terms of insurance - so increased caution in such ways.
An overview of the highlights of the island of Kauai and Hawaii in all our Hawaii highlights.
Conclusion to the Waimea Plantation Cottages Kauai
Our time in Waimea Plantation Cottages was really nice. We felt very comfortable during our stay. All other guests were very pleasant and friendly, so we could enjoy the tranquility - day and night - to the fullest.
If you come to the beautiful island of Kauai, just enjoy a few days of rest and the hotel's prime location.
We fully recommend Waimea Plantation Cottages.
