Meet The ISO, Kauai’s Hip New Hideaway

In Greek, iso means equal. On Kauai, The ISO — a newly rebranded and updated hotel managed by Castle Resorts & Hotels — stands for “island, sky and ocean,” which clients can enjoy in equal abundance.

The ISO is a $5 million renovation of Mokihana Resort, which opened in 1967 on Kauai’s eastern coastline. After a soft launch in March, The ISO celebrated its grand opening on April 27.

The name was dreamed up by a design team as they stood on the hotel’s oceanfront lawn and marveled at the scenery, according to Cara Goodrich, vice president of sales for Castle Resorts & Hotels.

“The designers were inspired by the property’s expansive views of the island, the sky and the ocean, which they shortened to ISO,” Goodrich told me during my recent visit to the hotel. “That helped us think outside of the box as we moved forward with the rebranding.” 

Oceanview Rooms for All
Thanks to its seaside perch, the boutique oasis promises views of the water from each of its 79 revamped rooms. Ranging in size from 290 to 580 square feet, the accommodations sport a bright, fun color scheme that draws on the natural beauty surrounding the property. Splashes of orange and green enliven the furnishings, while paintings by Hawaii-based artist Stephanie Boinay evoke cheery tropical settings. Dressers and side tables made from recycled pine wood inject a rustic look into the contemporary decor.

The reimagined guestrooms come with amenities such as refrigerators, ample USB and power outlets, clock radios, complimentary Wi-Fi access and coffeemakers with Hawaiian Paradise brew. Unlike the Mokihana, The ISO provides televisions — specifically, 43-inch flat-screens — in its units. While there’s no in-room air conditioning, the combination of sleek ceiling fans and steady tradewinds keeps the indoor climate cool and comfortable. (Room rates start at $135, plus a $10 per night resort fee.)

Around the grounds, improvements include a resurfaced swimming pool and a fire pit by the lawn. In the future, the bottom of the pool will display the hotel’s distinctive logo. 

Value-Added Amenities
Budget-conscious clients find plenty to like at The ISO. The nightly resort fee includes a generous array of extras, starting with a complimentary continental breakfast of fresh fruit, juices, yogurt, granola, oatmeal, toast, coffee, tea and grab-and-go snacks. Guests can also take part in free morning yoga classes on the lawn (mats are provided in-room). Looking ahead, hotel officials hope to add tai chi, Pilates and other gratis fitness options, Goodrich says.

Before clients head out to their daily activities, they can fill up their reusable, souvenir logo bottles with filtered water from a handy station in the hotel’s lobby. Canteen coffee cups are available for guests who crave caffeine for the road. Right outside the front door, classic cruiser bikes stand ready for clients who want to ride around the area, which offers a picturesque 4-mile-long coastal path. Guests also receive complimentary parking.

Location figures prominently in The ISO’s sales appeal. A 10-minute drive from Lihue Airport, it’s close to golf courses, hiking trails, beaches, gardens and drive-up waterfalls. Various shops and restaurants await nearby, as do farmers markets and luaus. Despite its convenient address, however, the hotel is tucked just far enough away from the busy main highway to create a sense of peace and privacy for its guests.

Award-Winning Restaurant
The ISO is home to Bull Shed Restaurant, a top-notch eatery with windows facing the ocean. Open since 1973, renovated in 2012 and refreshed in 2016, the restaurant has earned a devoted following thanks to its gourmet steaks, prime rib, chicken and seafood. An outdoor patio that serves dinner nightly was recently added, as well.

Goodrich says guests of The ISO will eventually have signing privileges at Bull Shed, but for now, they can sip its newest cocktail, which was introduced in honor of the rebranding. Called an ISO-tini, it’s a heady blend of blueberry vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and blue curacao.

With its new identity, The ISO is setting its sights on value-seeking, adventurous travelers ready to explore the island by land, air and sea.

“For our guests, we want to provide an experience, not just a product,” Goodrich said.

The Details
The ISO 
www.theiso.com