Luxury Resort Living at Kukui'ula on Kauai

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Kukui’ula Private Club Community and getting to know the newest Hawaii luxury resort real estate development in the Poipu, Kauai area.  Kukui’ula means the glow of the kukui or candle nut, which were used by native Hawaiians for their bright and beautiful light, when burned, and the healing properties of its oil.  The name is appropriate, as Kukuiula is unlike anything Kauai has ever seen, both a beautiful and healing place in the sun, evoking a sense of nostalgia and relaxation, which is unparalled in luxury Hawaii real estate and Hawaii resort properties.

There are timeshare resorts, and there are luxury homesites. This plantation style home community is neither of those. It is much more.  Kukui’ula is a Members-only Residence Club on Kauai that spares no expense and has every amenity imaginable.  And all of this is offered in a non-pretentious, gracious “Old Hawaii” tropical environment.  Kukui’ula and its people welcome all who enter the grounds with a warm and genuine “Aloha.”

There are two types of properties one may purchase in Kukui’ula in fee simple:  Luxury Homesites or Luxury Club Cottages.  

The Kukuiula Club Cottages are vacation residences with resort zoning, enabling owners to do nightly vacation rentals, if they so choose. They are not timeshares.

In my opinion, the Kukui’ula Club Cottages are an amazing opportunity for investors, as the nightly rental rates, while not guaranteed, start at about $1,200 per night for a 2 bedroom home with a detached 1 bedroom cottage.  In total, this property could comfortably sleep 7 or 8.  Luxury Kukuiula Club Cottages start at around $2.5M.  You can do the math, yourself, on this. It is a great rate of return and would allow for having your own time on island, to enjoy the property, as well.  There are only 15 of the Club Cottages available and half are already sold out.  They are sold furnished and turn-key to owners.

Example of a 3BR Club Cottage, Available for Nightly Rental

Club Cottage Kitchen at Kukuiula

Club Cottage Dining Area at Kukuiula

Club Cottage Screen Porch at Kukuiula

Club Cottage Bedroom at Kukuiula

Club Cottage BackYard & Fire Pit at Kukuiula

Luxury Cottages and Homesites, called Makai Cottages, Mauka Homesites, and Maki Homesites (more on these later, in another blog), start at around $1M, but do not afford the opportunity for nightly rentals, as do the Club Cottages.  These fine residences are more appropriate for full-time Kauai residents or second or third home owners who do not wish to have others using their property.  Owners may choose between various models or custom plantation home designs.

What makes all of these luxury plantation style homes really unique are the Amenities offered at Kukuiula’s $100 Million Dollar Private Club Community facility.  All Club amenities are available to both property types. And golf or non-golf memberships are available.

AMENITIES available at Kukuiula on Kauai must really be seen to appreciate.  There is an expansive ipe-decked Clubhouse, called the Plantation House, with multiple indoor and outdoor dining and recreation areas, for both adults and children.

Front of Plantation House at Kukuiula On Kaui

Fire Pit at Back of Plantation House at Kukuiula Kauai

The 20,000 square foot Plantation House, offers dramatic ocean views and stunning sunsets, and it, along with all other buildings on the property, are in a charming historic plantation style, using the finest materials and plantation period detail.

Beautiful Plantation Style Cottage Detail at Kukuiula

The Tropical Hawaiian Landscape on the property also is impeccable, featuring fruit bearing trees, some unique and rare species of hibiscus, and creative use of lava rock walls, stepping stones, fire pits, and gushing fountains. 

Ocean Views and Relaxation at Kukuiula Kauai

Beautiful Tropical Landscaping at Kukuiula Kauai

The Kukuiula property has a World-class Championship Golf Course, by pro golfer, Tom Weiskopf.  The 18 hole course feauture picturesque vistas, as well a beautiful tropical plantings, over 216 acres. There is also a separate Golf Clubhouse for golfers. 

Golf Club House at Kukuiula Championship Golf Course Kauai

Kukuiula also features a fantastic Fitness Center with state of the art equipment, a Yoga and Pilates Studio, a Full-service Spa at Kukui’ula for massages, hydrotherapy, steam, sauna, and other treatments, with its own pool and jacuzzis, and many other healthful and recreational opportunities.  And during your workout, you will very often enjoy an amazing ocean or hillside view.  

Spa Pool at Kukuiula Kauai

Yoga, Pilates & Dance Studio at Kukuiula

Yoga Garden at Kukuiula

Behind the Plantation House and across the grassy lawn to the beach are Several Boat Slips, for members’ use, which will accomodate even large yachts. There is also a variety of Swimming Pools on property, some with infinity edges and others with sandy bottoms, which are enjoyed by mutiple generations.  Pool tables, pinball machines, and a special recreation room for children are also fun features for kids and adults, alike.

Sandy Beach Bottom Swimming Pool at Kukuiula On Kaui

Infinity Edge Pools at Plantation House at Kukuiula Kauai

The area is dotted with hammocks and tiki torches, enhancing the island flavor of the resort. The Kukuiula property also has its own local Island Pursuits Professionals who can lead you on or direct you to the island adventures of your dreams, from stand-up paddling, surfing and canoeing, to hidden trails with waterfalls, and secret beaches around the island of Kauai.  

Kukuiula also has its own Upcountry Farm and Fully-Stocked Lake, where members may fish for Peacock Bass and pick their own fresh produce and gather fresh eggs daily.  This Farm-to-Table concept carries over to the Kukuiula dining experience, where Chef Ben Takahashi creates divine creations which he has coined “Red Earth Epicure” cuisine, using the fresh herbs and produce from the farm.

Fine Farm to Table Dining with an Ocean View at Kukuiula Kauai

Plantation House Activities will vary and may include offerings such as a daily continental breakfast, nightly wine and cheese, and pupus at sunset, with live music.  

Breakfast Room at Kukuiula

All Kukiu’ula Club Cottage properties feature a concierge level of service with basic membership.  Refrigerators are stocked for guests, linens are changed and there is weekly housekeeping service.  With the purchase of this luxury Hawaii real estate, there are start-up fees to join Kukuiula. Monthly AOAO maintenance fees and a monthly Club membership fees, in addition to property taxes, are recurring expenses.

I would be happy to provide more details on Kukui’ula, this lovely luxury resort property and Private Club Community on Kauai, and to assist qualified Buyers with their purchase.

Please call Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn, Principal Broker, Home Shoppe Hawaii at 808-721-8088 for more information.

~ Aloha