Life slows down at Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows, a steadfast hub of Hawaiiana on Kauai’s south shore. But at the same time, the property is moving forward, fine-tuning its offerings to stay current for today’s travelers.
That makes it a great example of the overall philosophy of Castle Hospitality Group (CHG), a hotel, resort and vacation rental management firm that manages 182 units at the resort (Outrigger manages another 100).
“Through innovation, we have adjusted our business model to remain relevant to guests,” said Cara Goodrich, vice president of sales and revenue development for CHG.
Accommodations With Aloha
Kiahuna covers 35 acres of prime oceanfront land, yet feels cozy and intimate, from its charming, old-Hawaii reception building to the warmth of its staff.
Kiahuna units feature full kitchens, and they're cooled by natural tradewinds and ceiling fans.
Credit: 2020 Castle Hospitality GroupWith a plantation design reflecting island lifestyle, the resort’s one- and two-bedroom units eschew air conditioning. Instead, they’re cooled by ceiling fans and tradewinds wafting through sliding doors and louvered windows. Each dwelling is individually owned and features personal touches such as family photos and distinctive keepsakes.
With full kitchens and living and dining spaces, accommodations are ideal for multiple generations and groups. Better yet, Kiahuna creates opportunities for clients to get acquainted with other guests as they stroll its manicured grounds, relax on its beach or take advantage of its 14 barbecue areas.
For meals out, the resort presents Plantation Gardens, set in the restored 1930s manager’s home of Hawaii’s first sugar plantation. Tables on the veranda showcase views of surrounding gardens of exotic cacti and succulents, while the classic dining room boasts wood and bamboo furnishings.
Adding to Kiahuna’s allure is its location, which is well-poised for clients to explore the attractions of south and west Kauai.
Keeping Competitive
As Kiahuna retains its long-standing spirit of hospitality, it’s also making notable changes.
Strategically placed barbecue areas invite Kiahuna guests to mingle while firing up their meals outside.
Credit: 2020 Castle Hospitality GroupOver the last six months, for instance, CHG has substantially increased its Kiahuna inventory, giving clients more units to choose from.
During their stay, guests enjoy free access to the pool, fitness center, tennis courts and locker rooms of Poipu Beach Athletic Club, which is located across the street. As a new perk, departing clients who don’t fly home until later in the day or evening can buy a full-day pass to the club, where they can use the facilities and store their luggage after checkout ($25 for up to six people).
Those and other upgrades mirror CHG’s progressive approach to all its properties.
“We’re nimble and flexible and have the unique ability to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the marketplace,” Goodrich said. “This allows us to remain competitive with other hospitality brands of all sizes.”
CHG is touting its new technology platform that lets it sell by both individual unit and room category. In addition, its Hawaii-based support and service center provides expertise in the destination and products offered.
Travel advisors can make the most of those tools as they craft perfect itineraries for their clients. Travelers, meanwhile, can continue to savor blissful vacations at Kiahuna, where the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The Details
Castle Kiahuna Plantation & The Beach Bungalows
www.castleresorts.com
