Condo

Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater

Photo gallery for Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater

These Hang Loose hammock chairs are what dreams are made of.
Hawaiian Chic living room. The couch pulls out into queen sized bed.
Unit 28 on the breezy side of the crater.
Cozy LR with smart tv.
Master and full master bathroom.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61100 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Koloa, HI
  • Poipu Beach
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Shipwreck Beach
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Kiahuna Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Lihue, HI (LIH)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Hide-a-bed in Living Room

1 Queen Bed

Main Floor Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Master Bedroom Upstairs

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Main Floor Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater

***FYI- swimming pool will be closed April 15th-May 15, 2024 for repairs***

Being on the ocean is amazing, but is it as amazing as having a one of a kind condo in a secluded crater? It has many of the same amenities as a $1000/night nearby resort does, for a much better price, bigger lanai, better kitchen, better decor, and a much more private and unique Kauai experience. If you want something quiet, private and low key this is the place. We are a 10 minute walk to world famous beaches like Brenneckes, Shipwrecks, and Poipu Beach Park. When you leave those world class beaches you come home to an updated, uniquely decorated designer Polynesian style villa with a swimming pool, tennis court, club house with communal BBQ's, and putting green. Unlike other resorts it is so secluded most of the time you feel like you are the only one in the crater. This house is newly listed and has no reviews, but you can see my reviews that I have received at my other properties I have for rent on VRBO at Vrbo.com/1028506 and Vrbo.com/1629288 for reference. They are 4.9 and 5.

The Poipu Crater:
This is a 7.6 acre private community of 15 private Polynesian style duplex condos with a swimming pool, club house, tennis court, putting green and ping pong table. The condo has one shared wall, but nobody above or below you. Each duplex has lush tropical gardens separating them with lanais that were designed to provide privacy from the other units. With the distance between the units and the size of the crater, most of the time you feel like it is just you and the birds. It's very secluded. Rarely will you have to share the pool, or wait for the tennis court. Each unit comes with one reserved parking space with guest spots sprinkled throughout the crater. Located in the heart of Poipu on the sunny south shore of Kauai close to world class beaches, shops, golf courses and amazing restaurants you can't go wrong staying here.

Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat-
This unit just had all new floors put in (vinyl floors resembling wide planked hard woods), fresh fun paint and Hawaiian print wall papers to bring Aloha to your stay. It's like walking through a Kaleidoscope as the colors change and you move through the condo. The vaulted ceilings with exposed beams make this place feel open and airy. There is no A/C, but we just put in 62" fans with 6 speeds in the living room, master bedroom and kitchen to keep you cool. There is a smaller ceiling fan in the spare room, and a couple of extra floor fans if needed. This unit is located on the shadier side of the crater and the trade winds blow almost every day, and they really help keep the place cool. There are screen doors at the front door and both lanai entrances, having them open will give you a nice breeze as well. It is a true tropical paradise.

Kitchen:
A small but well appointed kitchen has everything you should need. There is a full size refrigerator with ice maker, stove, microwave and dishwasher. We have lots of pots, pans, bowls and dishes for cooking at home. There is a coffee maker, toaster and blender too. There are 2 windows with jalousies and a 62" fan that help keep you cool while you cook.

Dining Room:
The dining room is right on the other side of the kitchen. It is separated by counter and cabinets that act as pass through between the kitchen and dining room. There is a lovely new monkey pod wood table, bench and chairs that seats 6 people. Between the large fan in the kitchen and the sliding glass doors to the lanai it stays nice and cool.

Living room:
A large room with beautiful vaulted ceiling, large picture windows, and sliding glass doors to the lanai. Both the windows and doors have blinds that can be drawn to darken the room for guest sleeping on the hide a bed. There is a rattan hide a bed and 2 big comfy rattan chairs, and a smart tv. The large ceiling fan keeps the room nice and cool.

Main floor bedroom:
This bedroom is smaller than the master and has 2 twin beds, a large dresser and a nice size closet.

Main floor bathroom:
This is a .75 bathroom located right off the main floor bedroom. It has a walk in shower, toilet and sink. Also in this bathroom is a full size, stacked washer and dryer.

Master bedroom:
Up the stairs is a large master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and fun Hawaiian wallpaper. This bedroom has a comfy king bed, 2 dressers, 2 night stands with lamps next to the bed and 2 good sized closets. The large fan has 6 speeds and is whisper quiet for a comfortable night sleep. The windows all have jalousies for fresh tropical air.

Master bath:
Just off the bedroom is a full bath with a shower/bathtub combo, toilet and sink. There is a nice skylight above the sink providing some nice natural light.

Lanai:
The lanai has a small dining table and fun chandeliers. Have your morning coffee out there, set up your laptop and work (there is an outside outlet), enjoy a lovely meal, or sit out and just listen to the birds or look at the stars on a lovely Hawaiian night.

Communal Amenities:
There is a swimming pool that is 8 ft deep on the deep end that is surrounded by all sorts of tropical plants, and enclosed by a lava rock wall. Also inside the lava wall is the club house with 2 BBQ for all guest to use (there is no BBQ allowed on the lanai), a ping pong table, chairs for lounging and table and chairs for sitting and eating or just hanging out. Our unit is closet to the clubhouse swim pool area. Also right next to that is the putting green and tennis court. We have 4 tennis rackets and balls for our guest to use in the condo.

Property manager

Alycia Prather
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
The crater is a very quiet place, please honor it.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: The crater is a very quiet place, please honor it.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Property Registration Number TA-052-762-8800-01, GE-052-762-8800-01, 2802003500028

About the area

Koloa

Located in Poipu, a neighbourhood in Koloa, this condo is in the mountains and near the beach. Lawai International Center and Kilohana Plantation are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Poipu Shopping Village and Shops at Kukuiula. ʻAuliʻi Lūʻau and CJM Country Stables are also worth visiting. With scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing/body boarding nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Koloa, HI

What's nearby

  • Brennecke Beach - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Poipu Beach - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Shipwreck Beach - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Kiahuna Beach - 7 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Lawai Beach - 9 min drive - 4.2 km

Getting around

  • Lihue, HI (LIH) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Poipu Shopping Village - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Brennecke's Beach Center - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bubba Burgers - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Keoki's Paradise - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat- a tropical jungle escape in a secluded crater located?

Located in Poipu, this condo building is within a 15-minute walk of Brennecke Beach and Poipu Beach. Poipu Kai Tennis Center and Keoniloa Bay are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dominique C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private Crater Oasis

We have stayed in many different locations in Hawaii and we are pleased to say that this was the best one. The place was clean, well decorated, well stocked with supplies and equipment for sports, beach or pool. Because of the amenities provided, we had a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Mike K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Poipu Crater

Great spot close to Poipu Beach/Brenecke’s Beach. Easy to access, great communication with owners. The porch hammocks were great, the kids loved reading in them. Not having A/C took some getting used to, but the fans and the atmosphere was easy to acclimate to.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Billie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

We loved this place! Beautifully decorated and well supplied. Nice quiet location near Poipu Beach and Old Kaloa Town.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Has everything

Very clean, extremely well stocked including beach towels, chairs, boogie boards everything you need. Kitchen well stocked as well. Very secluded as advertised.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larry G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Two Oregonians named Larry & Cheryl

This is our second time we have stayed at Poipu Crater.The location has all the qualities to make our stay so enjoyable.The landscape is beautiful and the complex is quiet and you feel very safe to be staying here.We will definitely be back at this location when we return to Kauai.Larry & Cheryl
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judith D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise in Poipu

We were a family of five adults and loved this condo. It was in a beautiful crater surrounded by trees and plants. It was well stocked with everything you need including toiletries and snorkeling gear, beach chairs and an umbrella. Loads of towels for the bathroom and beach. The kitchen had all the utensils one needs in a kitchen including plenty coffee. If we return to this beautiful island we would certainly try to stay here again. It was also in walking distance of Brenneke Beach. The walk does include a steep hill and as we had surf boards we drove to the local beach where there is plenty public parking spots. I only wish we’d booked more nights!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Lovely lazy lanai mornings and great central location.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Preston M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

It was everything we could have wanted and more!
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful garden setting makes it extra special

If you are looking to stay in one of Kauai’s resorts, you can’t go wrong with the Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat. The location is within walking distance of a nice swimming beach and is halfway between two of the island’s most popular sightseeing areas – The Waimea Canyon and the North Shore. It is about a 10-minute drive to the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Even if you’ve never been to a botanical garden, you really should not miss this one. It is one of the best places to visit on the island. Hawaiian Chic Crater unit #28 was spotlessly clean and well equipped with everything we needed. There’s enough space for 2, 3, or 4 people to live together comfortably. My favorite spot was the small porch surrounded by tropical greenery. It is a great place to have coffee in your pj’s while waiting for the sun to come up. The quiet is broken only by the sound of birds as they start singing in the trees and the occasional crow of a distant rooster. I do not usually book resorts, condos or other multi-family structures, preferring to stay in individual homes on private lots. But the Hawaiian Chic Crater unit offers much more privacy than the typical resort, apartment or condo unit. The neighborhood was quiet though our duplex shared a wall with another unit, it is designed so that neither unit is much aware of the other. If you want to stay in the Poipu area, this is one of the best options.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun family beach holiday

Loved the hammocks on the lanai and spending time at the nearby beach. We were welcomed with a Christmas tree and lights on our arrival. This place was well stocked with everything we needed to enjoy our vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tanaya M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for family

We had the best stay. It was perfect for our family. Beautiful location. Cute and clean. Love the wallpaper! Close to the beach and restaurants. We would go back in a heartbeat.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden gem in paradise

My family of 5 had a great stay at Chic Crater. The location is perfect and close to multiple restaurants and the beach. Everything seen in the pictures matched up when we arrived. I would definitely recommend this place and would return again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim K., Madison, WI, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise is EASY here!

The other reviews are SPOT on. This rental/host makes it easy to enjoy paradise! They supply everything you need (and don't want to rent/buy or pack). Our kids enjoyed the boogie boards in the nearby surf, the towels were helpful and even goggles for the pool! And the kitchen and bathrooms were STOCKED with all of the basic needs (paper towels, ketchup, spices, shampoo, soap, etc.). I LOVE the WHIMSY of this house. It's super relaxing and has an authentic Hawaiian feel, immersing us in the whole Hawaiian experience from start to finish. The pool was AWESOME! Quiet and bigger in person than the pictures show. The beds were comfortable!!! We LOVED the hammocks and lanai, a very peaceful place to unwind. If you are sensitive to the heat and prefer A/C, do note that you. are relying on fresh air (trade winds, which are lovely) and the high powered fans. This was only a little challenging a few nights in the second bedroom on the main level. Our kids were warm in that room, but we managed. Otherwise, it's LOVELY to hear the birds chirping in the morning with all of the windows open. I would HIGHLY recommend this house! ENJOY!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hawaiian Chic Crater

Great condo, very well stocked, comfortable beds and linens, plenty of towels and washcloths, centrally located. We used the grill, pool and ping pong table one evening. Our kids LOVED the hammocks, there were plenty of games and books for us to use as well. It would have been nice to have a/c units in the bedrooms, not just for temperature control but because the roosters were quite loud early in the morning with the windows open. Of course the owners fully disclosed this so no stars off for this. The living room furniture, though it looks great and matches the asthetic of the condo, was not the most comfortable. Overall we greatly enjoyed our stay here and would not hesitate to stay here again, but I would bring a sound machine next time.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darrell C., Santa Clara

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Week in Paradise

This home is a lovely retreat and is very well accommodated with everything you’ll need to enjoy your stay in Kauai. Highly recommend this exceptional property.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jodi B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

This place was very comfortable and fully stocked with everything you could need on vacation. I was worried about no a/c initially, but there was a great breeze all the time and with the ceiling fans, a/c was not needed at all. The unit was very private feeling, but noises carried easily among the close units, so you definitely want to be conscientious about your noise level after certain hours. Alycia was very prompt with all responses and provided detailed information so there were very few questions or concerns along the way. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, relaxing stay

My family of 5 (with two teens and a pre-teen) very much enjoyed our stay. We spent a lot of time in the two hammock swings on the porch, and enjoyed the pool, sauna and grill and tennis courts. The property was thoughtfully provisioned, from the cooler and ice packs, baking supplies and electric kettle in the kitchen, to the tennis rackets, beach chairs and clothes drying rack in the supply closet. The beds were comfortable. Almost every morning we walked towards shipwrecks beach across the cliffs. So gorgeous! It was also an easy walk to Poipu beach. Highly recommend staying in the Hawaiian Chic Crater Retreat!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Devani B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private House Paradise

Wow, quickly book this if you have the chance. Skip the crowed, hotel like condo experience and enjoy this private garden oasis. This may be called a condo but it feels exactly like a private home. It sits down in a crater covered in spectacular foliage. Get your camera out this place is amazing! You have a private walk up entrance, a parking space right out front, and complete privacy inside the unit. Every window has a beautiful garden view. Leave the windows open and walk around in your pajamas, no one can see in except the beautiful birds. We went the whole trip and never saw the neighbors. It is a short, lovely walk to three beaches and she has all the gear you will need for your stay. The place was immaculate and is obviously meticulously cared for by the owner. When I VRBO I want to stay somewhere designed for the area and she nailed it. The interior is so fun and feels like a Hawaiian artists home. My only complaint is I don’t own this. Don’t hesitate to book it, it’s better than most homes in the area. There is a pool, grill area and it’s never crowded like other condos. We never even saw anyone when we were in the pool area. Gorgeous! I hope you get it, have fun!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great place to stay in Poipu

This is the third time and the second unit we have stayed in the Poipu Crater resort so we are very familiar with the area. This condo was great for a family of four. We all enjoyed the hammocks on the lanai, and another thing we came to appreciate was the fact that the condo was on the shady side of the crater in the afternoon because it was pretty hot throughout our stay. It also appeared to be on the quiet side of the crater because there were more units on the other side. We would stay here again.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynette C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful home set in a lush tropical area.

This home has everything you'll need for your vacation to Kauai. Located within walking distance of beautiful beaches and shopping. Many restaurants nearby and grocery stores to stock up on meal items. The large ceiling fans make up for no air conditioning. We stayed during the hottest month (August) and the fans worked great. Plus, there is always an ocean breeze that makes its way through the home. The area is quiet and secluded. The bird songs in the morning are wonderful as you enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast on the Lani. Our family of six enjoyed staying at this home and will return again in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nick K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place. Quiet and relaxing. Easy to walk to the beach

Fantastic
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Colleen K., Frisco, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise Perfection

Every single need is thought of at this amazing home!! Just bring a small suitcase (carry-on even!) with casual clothes, bathing suits, water shoes and snorkel gear - nothing else is needed! We loved having the boogie boards, the beach chairs, towels, floats, noodles, cooler and even freezer packs there to use. We stopped at Costco (only 25 minutes away and very near the airport!) as soon as we landed and bought a few ready-made meals, snacks, drinks and breakfast items and we were good to go for the week. The lanai was our favorite “room”. We ate, played cards, read and even napped on the hammocks out there. The BREEZE through the whole house was cool enough to feel perfect - even while sleeping. I kept asking my family to pinch me because I was sure I was dreaming - it is truly paradise! We walked to sunrises and sunsets (don’t miss the 15+ turtles that come up to the edge of Poipu beach every evening at sunset to sleep!) at the multiple beaches nearby. We snorkeled, and partook in some of the great local tours. Everything is within a 20-minute drive (Princeville takes an hour but our boat tour and helicopter tour both left within a 20-minute drive from the home). The whole crater is so peaceful and quiet. We found ourselves whispering on the lanai so we wouldn’t disturb the people or the birds. AND there weren’t any bugs or mosquitoes to bother us at all - we are from NY originally and we grew up constantly fighting mosquitoes every summer - we couldn’t believe that none of us got bit by anything once the entire week! I have to include the flowers and fruit trees all over the crater. There are starfruit trees, banana trees, avocado trees and mango trees. The flowers are all so beautiful- it is like having constant free access to a botanical garden! We also used the pool (we were the only ones using it our first day and very few people after that) and played ping pong. We didn’t use the tennis courts - but would’ve if we had more time - never saw anybody on them. Don’t hesitate to stay here - perfect in every way!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic property

We loved everything about the condo from its location to the decorations. Having the pool and tennis court close was very helpful for our post-beach activities. The birds in the morning made it seem like we were in a rainforest and the breezes kept the condo cool, even in June!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Alycia Prather

Host profile image
I live in Seattle, where we also have a couple of short term rentals. We started hosting short term stays 4 years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I love decorating these homes with a one of a kind style that I believe gives the guest a heightened experience, and making sure they are stocked with everything you need. I lived in Poipu 30 years ago and am beyond elated to be back. When we can't stay there ourselves we rent it out for others to enjoy.

Why they chose this property

When I first drove down into the crater I was instantly in love. The crater is a magical one of a kind tropical retreat. With just 15 dwellings (30 units) it is very secluded. These are as close to a single family house as a condo can be. You are off the beaten path, while being in the heart of sunny Poipu and all the other resorts. The vegetation and birds are bar none. Being in the crater you feel like it is just you and Mother Nature.

What makes this property unique

The biggest benefit of the crater is the peace, privacy, beauty and tropical lushness, while being close to everything on the south shore.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests