Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club — Attraction in Kauai

Aloha from the breathtaking Garden Isle of Kauai…|Where do I begin? As with all great stories, it’s best to start at the beginning.|Back in August 2019, my fiancé and I were looking for the perfect destination to say “I do.” After exploring many options, one place stood out above the rest — Kauai. We had no idea that decision would lead us not only to the most beautiful island on Earth, but to a place that would truly feel like home: Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club.|Nestled on the golden shores of Poʻipū Beach — just a short, scenic 30-minute drive from Lihue Airport — this resort became much more than just a place to stay. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm smiles, genuine hospitality, and the kind of care you can’t find just anywhere.|We’ve now visited three times — in 2019, 2024, and 2025 — and each stay has been more memorable than the last. And yes… we’re already counting down the days until we return in 2026. YES!|What makes Marriott Waiohai Beach Club so special? Of course, the location is unbeatable — oceanfront views, swaying palm trees, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. But it’s the people who truly make the difference. Every single team member — from the front desk to the grounds crew to housekeeping — radiates aloha. They remember your name, your story, and greet you like family. Their warmth is sincere, and their service is exceptional.|Kyla, Faith, Tyler, Jess, Jessica, Dean, Bob, Anna, Carole, Cat, Rand, Kai, Alvin, and Becca — each of you has made our stays unforgettable. Whether it was a friendly chat in the lobby, going the extra mile to help with a request, or simply offering a warm smile when we needed it most — you all made us feel like we belonged. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for your hospitality, care, and kindness.|It’s no surprise we've met guests who’ve returned to this same resort over 20 times. Because at Waiohai, you’re not just checking into a room — you’re becoming part of a community. You’re cared for, remembered, and appreciated.|Whether it’s the clean, spacious villas… the lush, well-kept grounds… or the helpful tips from employees who truly love this island, every moment spent here is a reminder of why we fell in love with Kauai in the first place.|To the team at Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club — mahalo nui loa. Thank you for making every visit unforgettable. We’re already dreaming of our next...

I will start with location- that is a 5/5. But that’s where it ends. We checked in and our room wasn’t ready until well after the 4 PM check in time. When we drove we asked if we could get help with our bags and were told we could self-park and bring our own bags up to the room later. Room was supposed to be ocean view but the view was of the parking lot with a tiny tiny peek of ocean through the trees (see picture). That is if you left the windows open because the windows were so dirty you couldn’t see through. We asked for another room and were given one that was slightly better in terms of view but the room was filthy. Fingerprints on the countertops, hair in the bathroom sink and on the night stand, bird poop half cleaned off of the outdoor furniture (leaving smears) and bird poop all over the lanai, dirty windows. Since it was after 4 pm, cleaning service was not available so they sent the one maintenance person on call. He was great (he deserves a 5/5), and did the best he could but didn’t have time to do a full clean because had a lot of calls to deal with and agreed the condition was unacceptable and we should request a full clean the next day. The next morning we asked at the desk if we could get the room fully cleaned. The front desk person “listened” without listening. Clearly they are just told to say “they understand”. She called the service supervisor and told him the room wasn’t cleaned “to our liking”. She clearly hadn’t listened to the areas we were requesting cleaning for. The rest of the property is fine. I wouldn’t recommend it if you are looking for relaxation. It’s crowded, loud and there is, for example, no pool towel refresh. You get one set of towels and need to keep track of them for the whole time you are there. No on-site restaurant. Rooms are dated and showing it. The prices are very high for what you get and I would instead recommend a smaller room at the Ko’a Kea next door- much nicer facility and the staff actually seems to care about the guests, rather than just reciting rote “we understand” answers without...

First, this is a timeshare property through and through. If you are renting a room through Marriott (using money or points) just know that this is NOT a hotel. There is a small poolside/oceanside bar and grill. There are no valets, bellmen, room service...

Second, if you are renting through Marriott know that you are almost guaranteed to get a room that overlooks a parking lot. I'd put your odds of getting an inward-facing room at 5% and an oceanfront room at 0%. So, if you are looking for a resort where you can sit on your lanai and look out over the water, this is not the place.

Third is the price. I first stayed at the Waiohai about 15 years ago. Since then the property has done nothing, literally nothing, to improve. Which, if you like consistency, OK. However, what used to cost $250/ night now lists for $1,000/nt! Seriously? And that's before taxes and fees. The only way $9,000 per week makes sense (to me, it will never ever make sense) is if you put 3 families in one villa (room), which, with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, plus 3 pullout sofa beds, and a full kitchen and dining area, is technically possible. However, the Waiohai is usually sold out (with timeshare owners) so supply/demand I suppose.

All of this means very little though if you come to Kauai for being outdoors (which is really the only reason to come to Kauai). The Waiohai sits right on Poipu Beach. It is centrally located on the south shore (the warm sunny dry side of the island) halfway between the airport in Lihue and Waimea (home of the not to be missed Waimea Canyon - the Grand Canyon of the Pacific - and also home of Porky's - grilled cheese Kailua pig sandwiches! So good!). The views from the lawn chairs and lower pool are awesome. The property is well maintained. The weather is great.

I obviously have a love/hate relationship with the Waiohai. Maybe I need a few more days of...