Marriott Kauai Beach Club(MKW)

[Volcom32001]

Hello,
I will be staying at Marriott Kauai Beach Club in early May. I had a few questions regarding my trip. Here are the details; staying in 2-bedroom got it through II. The unit code is HZZAA which I believe is OV, but I know that's not guaranteed. There will be 4 children(1yr, 3yr, 5yr, and 7yr). I'll have a rental car so we can explore;

1. What tower/floor should I request?
2. Any local restaurants you prefer?
3. Local activities?
4. Any tips/recommendations?

 

[b2bailey]

Hello,
I will be staying at Marriott Kauai Beach Club in early May. I had a few questions regarding my trip. Here are the details; staying in 2-bedroom got it through II. The unit code is HZZAA which I believe is OV, but I know that's not guaranteed. There will be 4 children(1yr, 3yr, 5yr, and 7yr). I'll have a rental car so we can explore;

1. What tower/floor should I request?
2. Any local restaurants you prefer?
3. Local activities?
4. Any tips/recommendations?

At those ages, your kids will be happiest at 'waters edge' -- be it the beach or pool. I'd consider taking the free shuttle from airport -- and only rent a car for a day or two.

 

[hangloose]

Hello,
I will be staying at Marriott Kauai Beach Club in early May. I had a few questions regarding my trip. Here are the details; staying in 2-bedroom got it through II. The unit code is HZZAA which I believe is OV, but I know that's not guaranteed. There will be 4 children(1yr, 3yr, 5yr, and 7yr). I'll have a rental car so we can explore;

1. What tower/floor should I request?
2. Any local restaurants you prefer?
3. Local activities?
4. Any tips/recommendations?

Sounds like a great vacation! We love Kauai and love KBC.

We were in Kahili Wing last year, ocean view, on the 8th floor. Higher floor the better in my view. You can see our view here https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/marriott-view-from-the-balcony.231478/post-2812368

To the comment earlier. KBC does have a free shuttle to / from the Lihue airport. It's probably a 15 min ride. If you don't think you will need a rental car the entire week, you can save and use the shuttle. With that said, we've rented a car for a full trip.. partial trip...and also not one at all. Just depends on your plans.

The KBC pool is huge, great fun for kids. And Kalapaki beach is calm, since it sits in the bay. Sandy bottom near the shoreline but coral/rocky bottom further out. Both of those can definitely keep your age kids busy for days.

Kauai has plenty of good hiking trails. Our favorite activities are a catamaran sail up the Nepali coast. That might be challenging with a 1 yr and 3 yr old. We also enjoy exploring the island, with a drive up to Hanalei / Princeville area. Or drive up and see Waimea Canyon.

We find Duke's and Cafe Portofino both to be good on-site eats. Get a Hawaiian Ice in Hanalei or elsewhere, kids love them!

 

[altiste1]

My wife and I were in a studio there last month and loved every minute. The Marriott (timeshare only) building shares facilities with what is now the Royal Sonesta hotel. They jointly operate a free shuttle service from the Lihue airport (which is just minutes away) so when you arrive and have your bags, call (808) 818-3500 option 8 and ask to be picked up. The building faces the ocean so all the units are ocean view - no worries there. Others will know better but the two bedroom units may only be on certain floors.

I agree with b2bailey - you only need a couple of days in a car to see the island. And with kiddos the ages you have, beach and pool will probably get you a lot of mileage. You can also rent snorkel equipment and other beach gear from Kauai Beach Boys on property. They may also have some family-friendly boat tours that leave from the nearby harbor. We booked an adults-only sunset river cruise with them.

Restaurants onsite (American grill and Italian) are okay. There are also some decent options across the street. We went to Rob’s Good Times Grill in Lihue, which is kind of like a Hawaiian version of Buffalo Wild Wings, and the food was surprisingly good (very tasty poke).

And ask around for the locals’ best recommendations for a shave ice place.

 

[Volcom32001]

Thank you all for the recommendations. I will definitely get the Hawaiian shaved ice for the kids. Great to know about the shuttle. I might have to shorten my car rental.

 

[travelhacker]

I recently stayed there with our kids ages 9, 5, 5.

This is probably the least favorite Marriott in Hawaii (on TUG).

However, we absolutely loved the place.

Here is why I think it doesn't get more love:

1) The parking situation (it really is a pain to walk from your car to the units)
2) The building itself is dated
3) It's a hotel conversion (no full kitchens, murphy beds, etc)

Here's why we loved it:
1) Huge pool. Our kids had a really fun time here.
2) The beach is VERY kid friendly. We also stayed at Waiohai and generally the kids preferred that beach more because they loved to play in the waves, but had we never gone there they would have been perfectly content to play for hours and hours in the sand and splashing in the ocean.
3) The views. We had an oceanfront unit that was fantastic.
4) Centrally located
5) We really enjoyed the walks they did in the activities center.

I think if we were to ask our 5 year old's if they would prefer Waiohai or Kauai Beach Club, they would have gone with Kauai Beach Club. Our 9 year old prefers Waiohai because she would spend hours and hours bodysurfing.

I always get a rental car whenever I go anywhere. I'd see how much it would cost to do a couple of day rentals (probably the day after arrival to stock up on food and snacks, etc), and then for any must do activities.

I don't have much in the way of restaurant recommendations. We liked Duke's but it was a bit spendy for us.

 

[hangloose]

Agree with travelhacker.

KBC has a mixed crowd. Some love it, some don't. We do.

Main complain is the buildings and villas are not the best layout/quality Marriott Vacation Club has to offer, especially when comparing to the other Hawaii Marriott timeshares. But, the villa worked fine for us. Still way better than a standard hotel room. My kids enjoyed the Murphy bed (as we were in a 1 BR last trip). We like KBC due to the beautiful grounds, gorgeous views, enormous pool, safe ocean water for kids, proximity to airport, central location, etc. In my view, it still has a lot going for it. And Kauai is still the most lush of the Hawaiian Islands....while it's has growth throughout the years..it's still far less built up and busy than islands like Oahu, Maui, etc.

At KBC, I will second the Activity Desk nature walks. My kids enjoyed those and they get everyone out walking a little bit on a nice morning or evening.

We also took a midday trip to Poipu Beach, where Waohai is located. Definitely beautiful! Good snorkeling. Some small sandy-bottom wading pools...for the younger kids who don't want the full ocean experience. Worth a trip to check it out for a few hours one day. Bring towels, lunch, etc. If asked, my kids...12 and 15...still preferred KBC's pool/beach.

 

[Dean]

Agree with travelhacker.

KBC has a mixed crowd. Some love it, some don't. We do.

Main complain is the buildings and villas are not the best layout/quality Marriott Vacation Club has to offer, especially when comparing to the other Hawaii Marriott timeshares. But, the villa worked fine for us. Still way better than a standard hotel room. My kids enjoyed the Murphy bed (as we were in a 1 BR last trip). We like KBC due to the beautiful grounds, gorgeous views, enormous pool, safe ocean water for kids, proximity to airport, central location, etc. In my view, it still has a lot going for it. And Kauai is still the most lush of the Hawaiian Islands....while it's has growth throughout the years..it's still far less built up and busy than islands like Oahu, Maui, etc.

At KBC, I will second the Activity Desk nature walks. My kids enjoyed those and they get everyone out walking a little bit on a nice morning or evening.

We also took a midday trip to Poipu Beach, where Waohai is located. Definitely beautiful! Good snorkeling. Some small sandy-bottom wading pools...for the younger kids who don't want the full ocean experience. Worth a trip to check it out for a few hours one day. Bring towels, lunch, etc. If asked, my kids...12 and 15...still preferred KBC's pool/beach.

We don't, I'd rather be working than on vacation staying there.

 

[cowboy]

You’re kidding

 

[Dean]

You’re kidding

I am not!!!

 

[zentraveler]

You’re kidding

No he is not! @Dean and I have had this conversation before; we love KBC for many of the reasons you do (no young kids so not about that part).

I have been in a few places (thankfully very few) where the experience was one of "I wish hadn't spent the time to come here", but KBC is certainly not one of them for me. I am grateful for people who don't want to go where I want to go; it is very lucky that we all don't want to go to the same place.

 

[Dean]

No he is not! @Dean and I have had this conversation before; we love KBC for many of the reasons you do (no young kids so not about that part).

I have been in a few places (thankfully very few) where the experience was one of "I wish hadn't spent the time to come here", but KBC is certainly not one of them for me. I am grateful for people who don't want to go where I want to go; it is very lucky that we all don't want to go to the same place.

And it's not like anything specific bad happened that we are just associating with the resort or our time there. Stayed 7 nights in an OF unit. I was not anticipating that feeling as we'd stayed there when it was the Kauai Surf ($84 room & car) and enjoyed it back when we lived on Oahu. My wife and I both felt the same way and her reaction was maybe even stronger than mine.

 

[altiste1]

Not sure I follow Dean's explanation of the negative feeling, but I could see how some people might object to the rather dated atmosphere, especially on the hotel side. When we were there last month, I was pointing out to my wife the opportunities management had to freshen the place up - i.e. to replace all the stuff that looks so 1970s. And there were other, smaller things, like the cracked glass with duct tape residue in our hallway that no one seems bothered to replace. On the flip side, the hotel had started to repaint its exterior (a nice light cream color), and boy, what a difference a new coat of paint can make! Hopefully that project reaches the timeshare side too.

We visited Waiohai and Ko Olina while we there, just to scope them out for future trips, and the comparison made KBC look even worse. Both of those resorts looked really nice and new, and made KBC seem tired. But KBC has one great advantage over those other two: most (if not all - not sure) of the units are ocean front, basically right on the beach, and for us that makes up for a lot. All in all, we had a great time. If KBC were the only Hawaii Marriot resort we'd gladly go back. But there are others, and we'll probably pick a different one for our next trip.

 

[Dean]

Not sure I follow Dean's explanation of the negative feeling, but I could see how some people might object to the rather dated atmosphere, especially on the hotel side. When we were there last month, I was pointing out to my wife the opportunities management had to freshen the place up - i.e. to replace all the stuff that looks so 1970s. And there were other, smaller things, like the cracked glass with duct tape residue in our hallway that no one seems bothered to replace. On the flip side, the hotel had started to repaint its exterior (a nice light cream color), and boy, what a difference a new coat of paint can make! Hopefully that project reaches the timeshare side too.

We visited Waiohai and Ko Olina while we there, just to scope them out for future trips, and the comparison made KBC look even worse. Both of those resorts looked really nice and new, and made KBC seem tired. But KBC has one great advantage over those other two: most (if not all - not sure) of the units are ocean front, basically right on the beach, and for us that makes up for a lot. All in all, we had a great time. If KBC were the only Hawaii Marriot resort we'd gladly go back. But there are others, and we'll probably pick a different one for our next trip.

Actually I wasn't trying to explain my feelings as much as pointing out that it was the resort itself and not something that happened. If I had to try to explain, it'd be that we hated the rooms themselves.

 

[craft]

KBC has a mixed crowd. Some love it, some don't. We do.

Main complain is the buildings and villas are not the best layout/quality Marriott Vacation Club has to offer, especially when comparing to the other Hawaii Marriott timeshares. But, the villa worked fine for us. Still way better than a standard hotel room. My kids enjoyed the Murphy bed (as we were in a 1 BR last trip). We like KBC due to the beautiful grounds, gorgeous views, enormous pool, safe ocean water for kids, proximity to airport, central location, etc. In my view, it still has a lot going for it. And Kauai is still the most lush of the Hawaiian Islands....while it's has growth throughout the years..it's still far less built up and busy than islands like Oahu, Maui, etc.

At KBC, I will second the Activity Desk nature walks. My kids enjoyed those and they get everyone out walking a little bit on a nice morning or evening.

We also took a midday trip to Poipu Beach, where Waohai is located. Definitely beautiful! Good snorkeling. Some small sandy-bottom wading pools...for the younger kids who don't want the full ocean experience. Worth a trip to check it out for a few hours one day. Bring towels, lunch, etc. If asked, my kids...12 and 15...still preferred KBC's pool/beach.

Absolutely, gear choices for snorkeling can vary based on personal preferences and comfort. Full-face masks offer convenience, especially for beginners and kids, but traditional masks can provide a snug fit. Regarding your query, both options are viable, consider what suits your group's needs and comfort level. Speaking of snorkeling experiences, have you ever considered turtle snorkeling tours?

 

[VacationForever]

It's one of those you either love or hate the resort, and I suspect it has to do with the lack of kitchen. I used 100K Marriott hotel points to split the stay into 4-3 at Kauai and Maui more than 2 decades ago. I absolutely loved the Marriott hotel at Kauai and disliked Maui. I loved the views, pool and and food at the Marriott Kauai Beach Club. Fast forward to now, I grabbed 2 weeks for next year and spoke to my husband. He has never stayed there and absolutely refused to go because it does not have full kitchen. Sadly, I retraded the weeks out.

 

[kiko412]

Stayed at KBC last January also. Got it through an exchange also with II. We have been to Kauai a few times before. There were 3 of us, all adults this time. We also had a 2 bedroom OV. We did not stay at the Kahili tower (our 1st choice) but rather was assigned to the Nounou tower which faces east, next to Kahili (see pics). Fortunately, we were on the 5th floor (top floor of that building) so we had a decent view looking out. Depending on where you are at the resort, the floor setup will seem different. The 5th floor is actually the ground level floor from the front of the resort when you arrive. You take the long escalator (elevator available) down to the bottom and check in on that level (beach level). You will notice the setup after you arrive. Ask for directions to where you are going at first so you won't feel lost. As far as accomodations, I would have preferred to stay in the Kahili tower as that building faces directly towards the water (and resort). We usually request a high floor so the view is better. Restaurants and eats, as said in the previous posts, there are a few of them at the resort and nearby, all within walking distance. Kukui's, on the resort, and Cafe Portofino, and our favorite-Duke's, both within a short walking distance to the right facing the beach. There is a small shopping outlet on Rice St across from Duke's including a restaurant called Lilikoi Bar and Grill (good eats and family atmosphere also). Of course, a few others around the island. Local activities, pick your pleasure. From lounging at the beach to driving and sightseeing to taking a sunset cruise to the Napali coast. Visit Waimea Canyon (Grand Canyon of Hawaii), the various waterfalls, the blowholes-and on the way there, stop by Poipu Beach area. You may see Monk seals lounging around on the beach. Just a short description of our experiences on Kauai. Yours may or may not differ just a bit. Enjoy!

 

[kiko412]

Forgot to mention, 2 lanais (balconies) in our particular unit

 

[cp73]

We love Hawaii and go a lot. Have three trips planned in 2024 at Ko Olina and Maui. We stayed at KBC last year (Oct). Here were the things that made it not my favorite Marriott resort. I didn't like the Cruise ships going in and out of the harbor a few times. On the fews days they were docked there were lots of cruise ship tourists all over the resort area and restaurants nearby. The beach area had some transients on it a few times we noticed. The beach didn't seem clean. Was told to be careful of glass in the water and in the sand. The resorts itself was kind of like a ghost town. At one time it was probably a great place to stay. But today just a lot of vacant hotel shopping/conference spaces. Our room had a nice view and was fine. The pool was nice. Just didn't like the beach/area vibe/cruise ships.

 

[hapstersmom]

Actually I wasn't trying to explain my feelings as much as pointing out that it was the resort itself and not something that happened. If I had to try to explain, it'd be that we hated the rooms themselves.

I also dislike the property. It is my least favorite in HI. I don't like the units and the restaurants and beach in the area are meh for me. I don't love the older units at Maui BC but I would take those units over KBC in a second.

 

[normab]

We own at Waiohai but like to spend a week at KBC while in Kauai. We love the pool, the beach, the ability to walk to restaurants and the location mid-island. We love the 2 bathrooms in a one bedroom. We don’t miss the full kitchen for the week we are there. However, we will ONLY stay in oceanfront view based on the poor locations they could give you in other views. (Yes we have experienced this even as Chairman’s club, and they did not budge on even letting us move the next day.)

We always rent a car because we always drive the whole island in two day trips. We make an early rental booking, and just before we go I check Priceline and Hotwire for their last minute prices. We almost always get a really great rate at Avis, Hertz or National last minute.

If you go, I bet you will enjoy it unless you need the full kitchen experience.

 

[ljmiii]

We own at Waiohai but like to spend a week at KBC while in Kauai. We love the pool, the beach, the ability to walk to restaurants and the location mid-island. We love the 2 bathrooms in a one bedroom. We don’t miss the full kitchen for the week we are there. However, we will ONLY stay in oceanfront...

Exact same thing with us. We own at Waiohai and after our most recent stay in an OF 1BR at KBC (as part of our 2024 Hawaiian trip) we decided to buy a week.

Staying mid-island for a week means we can focus on the South Shore while at Waiohai. And from KBC it's a short drive to Nounou (aka Sleeping Giant) and Ke Ala Hele Makalae (aka the Kapaa Bike Path). And a much quicker drive up to the North Shore (Kilauea Lighthouse NWR, Hanalei, Hāʻena State Park, etc.) because we're going against traffic the whole way.

 

[jstoeber]

We are planning to return to KBC as part of a multi-week trip next year. A few years ago we stayed in a OF studio in the Wai'ale'ale which worked well for us. We will probably do a studio again. I am wondering which buildings have OF studios with an actual lanai?

 

[ljmiii]

We are planning to return to KBC as part of a multi-week trip next year. A few years ago we stayed in a OF studio in the Wai'ale'ale which worked well for us. We will probably do a studio again. I am wondering which buildings have OF studios with an actual lanai?

Only the three floors of Wai'ale'ale have OF studios with lanais and not Juliette balconies.