By: Julie Means

Honoring Hawaiian Heritage, Celebrating Home Design and the Ho’ohuli Festival

Exclusive, elevated, and expansive, The Lodge and The Residence at Kukui’ula provide an immediate sense of relaxation and deep peace. Located on the South shore of Kauai, the area is blessed by warm rays of sunshine and kissed by tradewinds. Spectacular views connect you to the sea, the sky, and the serene feeling of being home. Senses awaken as bright and fragrant plumeria and hibiscus blossoms are set against the backdrop of the lush golf course, designed by Tom Weiskopf. Graceful palms sway, and a tunnel of monkeypod trees beckons you to the Plantation House, your first entry into Kukui’ula.

The Lodge at Kukui’ula offers guests a glimpse into a world like no other. Honoring Hawaiian heritage, the relaxing resort was thoughtfully crafted from a former plantation. Spending a few priceless days in paradise in one of their luxurious vacation homes was a blessing for my friend Emma and me! Our bungalow offered ocean views from the spacious lanai. At the same time, inside, the gourmet kitchen and living area were beautifully designed in warm colors of Hawaiian earth. Native materials, including lava rock, thoughtfully complemented the spacious primary suite, with a reading nook, washer/dryer and lush outdoor shower. We were in Hawaiian heaven, and spent late evening hours gazing at the endless expanse of stars from the front porch.

Vacation homes are located in two plantation-style neighborhoods and a third enclave of contemporary Hawaiian villas. Offering one to four bedrooms, options include a private plunge pool or guest cottage, perfect for multiple generations or getaways with friends. Exclusive access to The Club at Kukui’ula's sprawling amenities is included, along with special programs and events.

Aloha spirit is at the center of it all, woven into every encounter with a team member. At the Welcome Center, our hosts provided bikes, snorkel gear, and golf cart rides to our bungalow, the harbor, and to The Farm, all with a smile. It felt like a fairytale, as every wish we had was granted. The Plantation House at the heart of the property is the gateway to gourmet meals at Umeke Kitchen + Bar, indoor games of ping pong and pool, and an endless expanse of lawn that leads to recreational opportunities beyond. Golf, tennis, pickleball, biking, snorkeling and swimming are just a few options. Gorgeous saltwater pools cascade into each other from waterfalls, leading to a family-friendly lagoon. Innovative classes, such as core fusion and
vinyasa yoga, are held at the fitness center, offering a perfect view of Spouting Horn.

A luxurious oasis awaits at The Hi’ilani Spa, where an indulgent water ritual is included with treatments. We started with a salt scrub in a stone shower; then experienced the sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and cold plunge. A swim in the idyllic pool relaxed my mind, body and soul. Next, I indulged in the Hawai‘i Coffee Slimming Therapy, 120 minutes of pure bliss, including a coffee scrub, wrap and full body massage with specialty oils.

Upcountry from the resort, a magnificent tree presides over the center of The Farm, a private 10-acre space perfect for hosting special occasions. Fresh flowers, tropical fruit, seasonal herbs and vegetables are harvested and are also available at the Farm Stand, located near the welcome center. The chicken hale (house) is a highlight for the little ones.

Enraptured by the magic of Kukui’ula, those who wish to extend their stay may purchase a home in the 1,010-acre private club community, the first in Kauai. Featuring new homes, resale homes, condos and homesites in Plantation, Pacific Tropical or Island Contemporary designs in the heart of Koloa’s rich history, luxurious resort-style living is highlighted by natural materials such as teak, ipe and bamboo. Ohana (family) is important, and many of the homes have guest houses. They may also be used as income properties.

Arriving at this slice of paradise during their Parade of Homes, we visited 15 luxury homes currently available. Featuring bright pops of color against black and white, a plantation-style home beautifully mixed Hawaiian tradition with clean lines, while multiple residences featured abundant natural materials and spaces designed for entertaining. Throughout the nine distinct neighborhoods, Hawaiian heritage was honored with high standards, reflecting the beauty of Kauai. As a bonus, we saw two custom homes under development, highlighted by incredible curved indoor/outdoor pools. The Parade of Homes is held every six months and benefits a local charity. This event benefited the Wilcox Hospital Foundation and Star, a black lab who is the Wilcox Health Facility’s chief canine officer, greeted us at one of the homes.

All homeowners become members of The Club at Kukui’ula. Members and guests of The Lodge are granted the utmost in extravagant amenities, including access to special events such as Calabash, a world-class week-long event celebrating Hawaiian and global cuisine, wine, spirits, fitness, and fun. Featured events included a champagne-and-caviar brunch at The Farm. A Japanese Spirits Extravaganza enhanced the freshest, tastiest poke, carved expertly from an ahi by Kukui’ula’s chef. Guest Chef Santi from Brazil, masterfully combined bold flavors with fresh Hawaiian ingredients during a six-course dinner accompanied by specialty rums, elevating the Caipirinha and Daiquiri to new heights.

Calabash concluded with the grandest event of all. The Ho’ohuli Festival, a global celebration held at The Lodge and on the expansive Clubhouse lawn, featured food, wine, champagne and spirits from the United States, Italy, France, Spain, Japan and Brazil. The sumptuous feast and festive atmosphere were an enticing introduction to an unforgettable evening.

As the sun slipped toward the horizon, music became magic as musicians and songwriters from the Paniolo Sessions took the stage. The songwriter showcase featured chart-topping hits and behind-the-scenes stories from Grammy-nominated songwriters Ben Johnson, John Byron, Ilsey Juber and friends. Echoing the Hawaiian tradition of talk story in a heartfelt, fun and fresh way, or as Johnson called it, “Nashville style,” they shared insights into some of music’s biggest
hits, and sang their versions of “Truck Bed,” by Hardy; “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen and “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” by Miley Cyrus.

And while they may have closed out their session with a rousing rendition of “Friends in Low Places” that got the whole crowd up and dancing, their friends are actually in high places – the top of the charts. Johnson is a natural-born storyteller who has written 12 No. 1 songs across multiple genres and can be seen on the Netflix show “Hitmakers.” He agreed to attend the Paniolo Sessions, a writer’s camp founded by Landon Williams, as long as he could “bring his wife and friends.” He did, and the talented group spent the week writing songs for artists in country, pop and even K-pop. John Byron is Morgan Wallens’ most successful collaborator, writing “Last Night” among others. Kiddo AI (aka) Amanda Ibanez sang one of her biggest hits – Selena Gomez and Rema’s “Calm Down” remix. Newly married and still celebrating, she was on her way to work with Katy Perry next.

As our enchanted evening at Kukui’ula ended, we said farewell to our new friends. We look forward to returning to Kauai soon to see more of the magic of the Garden Isle and to embrace and experience the Kukui’ula Ohana.

Insider Tips: With so many options for relaxation and recreation on the property, we only left for a few excursions. These are our recommendations:

Snorkeling: Just across the lawn is the boat harbor where you may spot sea turtles. Go farther afield to world-famous Poipu Beach, a double crescent of soft sand, warm water and tropical fish.

Shops at Kukui’ula: Easily reached via a bike ride or walk along the edge of the golf course. Dine at Merriman’s, then enjoy shave ice while shopping for Maiele’s popular bath products, SoHa’s Hawaiian decor and necessities at Long’s Drugs.

Poipu Shopping Village: Featuring Keoki’s Paradise, a long-time family favorite for fresh fish; Papalani Gelato - get the lilikoi (passion fruit); ABC store for inexpensive souvenirs and necessities and Na Hoku, inspired Hawaiian jewelry. Free live entertainment Monday and Thursday evenings at 5 p.m.

Fun Fact: The origin of Kukui’ula comes from the combination of kukui, from the kukui nut, or candlenuts, and ula, also known as breadfruit. Chosen as Hawaii’s state tree, the kukui nut represents protection, peace, enlightenment and light. Ancient Hawaiians created light by burning oil from the kukui nut. Today, kukui nuts are used for leis, oil, dye and inamona spice for poke.

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