The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue has unveiled a comprehensive multi-year renovation with refreshed design, new culinary concepts and expanded cultural and wellness programming.
The multi-million-dollar transformation is designed to build on the resort’s legacy of authentic Hawaiian hospitality. The Hawaiian resort—which includes 345 guestrooms and 11 suites—blends contemporary style with preserved historical elements and a deep sense of place, according to the company.
“This renovation represents more than just a material transformation. It showcases the evolution of one of Kaua’i’s most treasured resorts,” General Manager Jim Pedone said in a statement. “Every detail was crafted to honor the deep traditions of Kaua’i, introducing an enhanced level of style, comfort and amenities for today’s traveler.”
An open-air lobby has large bi-fold glass doors that frame ocean views and bring in cooling trade winds. Natural materials, sculptural accents crafted from native hardwoods and polished lava-stone flooring are designed to reflect the island’s landscape, Meanwhile, historic features—including an oversized koi pond and a signature wooden outrigger canoe—anchor the space in Kaua’i’s cultural heritage.
The guestrooms and suites have been redesigned with custom woodwork, kapa-inspired textures and an ocean-hued palette. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private lanais highlight views of the gardens, pool and Kalapaki Beach. Bathrooms include basalt countertops from Hawaiʻi Island and step-in rainfall showers, while the two-story Presidential Suite offers gathering spaces, a private dining room and a wraparound lanai with panoramic ocean vistas.
The resort includes Hawaiʻi’s largest single-level swimming pool, a 26,000-square-foot lagoon-style showpiece with a distinctive flower-like layout, five hot tubs and new shaded pergolas and alcoves. Eight cabanas with food and beverage service and a separate kids’ pool with a waterslide round out the refreshed pool experience. Dining options include Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach, Kai’s Bar and the pool hut, home to the resort’s signature shave ice.
Dining has been updated across four venues. The Royal Lanai now transitions from a grab-and-go breakfast spot to Sushi & Spirits in the evening, serving sushi, sashimi and sake alongside live entertainment. Kukui’s on Kalapaki Beach showcases a refreshed Pacific Rim menu with locally sourced ingredients, while Kai’s Bar has handcrafted cocktails and island-inspired bites. Duke’s Kaua’i offers fresh seafood, kalua pork, and its Hula Pie and Café Portofino offers Italian cuisine with island influence.
With more than 27,000-square-feet of upgraded indoor and outdoor event space, the resort is looking to attract corporate groups, weddings and social gatherings. The 17,280-square-foot Kaua’i Ballroom remains the island’s largest indoor venue, while newly enhanced outdoor spaces—including the Kamala O Kalapaki Gardens and the oceanfront Wai’ale’ale Lawn—are designed to provide flexible options.