Koa Kea

March 1, 2022 – Insider travel tips from our local expert.

December 20, 2021 – Incredible weather, beautiful beaches and an aloha vibe make Hawaii a top destination for people from around the world. But we humans aren’t the only ones who love to visit this tropical paradise! Each year, the warm, shallow waters of Hawaii attract humpback whales, or kohola, who come here to breed, calve and nurse their young before heading back to the colder waters of Alaska.

December 1, 2021 – With its majestic natural surroundings, beautiful sunsets and aloha spirit, Kauai is one of the most romantic places in the world. What better place to ask the biggest question of your life? For those ready to level-up their relationship, we’re sharing our favorite, one-of-a-kind ideas for truly epic proposals on the Garden Isle.

September 8, 2021 – Summer may be coming to an end but that doesn't mean your summer has to end. Here on the garden isle, we believe any time of year is the best time of year to enjoy a tropical cocktail. Hawaiian drinks can transport you to the islands with just one sip. Here are two of our guest favorites. Drink it all in.

August 13, 2021 – Adventurers are always on the hunt for the unusual and exciting and crave explorations into unknown territory. Kauai is their perfect playground with famous natural beauty, dramatic landscapes and aloha spirit that invite escapades. For those who want to go deeper, get off the beaten path, maybe even experience a little adrenaline rush, we’ve gathered the Garden Isle’s most intriguing tours, trips and experiences – each absolutely one-of-a-kind.

July 27, 2021 – There is something magical about celebrating the holidays on the Hawaiian Islands. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of Elvis’ Blue Hawaii song, or the melodies of Bing Crosbie’s Mele Kalikimaka, or the more recent feels from Netflix’s Operation Christmas Drop. Regardless of the why, the islands create tropical holiday traditions unlike anywhere else on earth. That is why we gathered our top five reasons to trade in snowmen for sandcastles this festive season.

July 2, 2021 – Tried & True Hawaiian Hair & Skincare Secrets

June 22, 2021 – As Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” Kauai is famous for exquisite surroundings. From majestic towering waterfalls to verdant canyons, emerald mountainsides to coastal blowholes, Kauai’s natural wonders are unrivaled. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking vistas, a romantic proposal setting or simply an incredible backdrop for a selfie, we’ve gathered our favorite natural wonders of Kauai for your discovery.

May 24, 2021 – Hawaii has some of the finest, most breathtaking beaches in all the world, and Kauai has more of them than any of the major islands. All of them are exquisitely picturesque, but each one has its own unique attributes that make it especially appealing to different types of travelers. So whether you’re looking to lounge, laze, snorkel, swim, spot wildlife or wander, you will find your perfect piece of paradise in Kauai – we’ll tell you where:

May 3, 2021 – Brandon Baptiste uses his culinary training to put a new spin on shave ice at Wailua Shave Ice on the island of Kauai.

May 1, 2021 – One of the many indulgent pleasures of a Hawaiian getaway is the delectable food. Hawaiian cuisine is a melting pot of fresh, local, tropical flavors paired, blended and perfectly matched with influences from around the world. One sweet way to experience the local culture - through the island-inspired flavors of sweet confections and tropical indulgences: dessert! We’ve rounded up our favorite, absolute must-try desserts from Kauai for you to devour.

April 1, 2021 – In an effort to inspire mindful travel, industry partners and volunteer organizations across Hawaii have come together with an initiative that encourages visitors to leave Hawaii better than when they arrived.

February 10, 2021 – In most of North America, March is a time of transition, "coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb" the saying goes, recognizing that the month straddles winter and spring. In St. George, Utah, the weather is pleasant and the scenery is spectacular. In Napa Valley, colorful signs of spring show up during the month, and the same goes for Washington, D.C. and Charleston, where flowers announce the...

January 13, 2021 – It's no secret that meditation is good for you. In fact, studies show that avid practitioners enjoy numerous health benefits including relief from insomnia, back pain and PMS, reduced blood pressure and so much more. But for those who have never tried it, it might seem daunting to know where to start. That's why our director of wellness and sustainability, Kenzie Vath, has taken out the guesswork and created three meditation videos to help you slow down and quiet your mind. Commit to just five minutes a day and help melt the stress away.

January 6, 2021 – Practicing self-love is as easy as trying one of the Six-Day Self-Love Reset’s self-care strategies every day.

January 5, 2021 – Visualization is about harnessing the power of those thoughts.

October 27, 2020 – If you are interested in booking a trip and taking advantage of some incredible prices, now is the time.

October 26, 2020 – You have never truly visited Hawaii unless you have eaten your way through the islands. With robust farms and greenery, mother nature harvests her best flavors in the aloha state. From exotic fruits, to new takes on classics, and international influences, Hawaii is one of the best places on earth to visit to send your taste buds on a culinary journey. To celebrate the flavors of the island, we have gathered our top five flavors to try on your next vacation.

October 13, 2020 – According to US News and World Report, the best time of year to visit Kauai is from September to November and we couldn’t agree more. Although there are few days where the highs on the island are below 70 degrees, the fall months are full of picturesque sunny days. Although 2020 has brought many challenges, there are still plenty of things to do. Here are our top 5 things to do on Kauai in the months ahead.

September 16, 2020 – Nothing reminds of the island life quite like a mai tai or a mojito. That's why we wanted to share with you our favorite coconut mojito recipe you can enjoy at home or on your next visit to our resort.

September 8, 2020 – The Meritage Collection has tapped all of their executive Chefs—from Hawaii to California—and they have compiled their favorite recipes (cocktails included!) for you to make at home. Here is a new chicken dish for you to try from Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort Chef Noelani Planas!

August 19, 2020 – The garden isle is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. With more than 90% of the island inaccessible by road, we believe there is no better way to see the island than exploring it on foot. That’s why we composed our top five favorite hikes to visit while on Kauai.

August 16, 2020 – Sometimes we don’t realize the effect stress has on our skin until the damage is already done. This is where good daily skincare routines can help.

August 4, 2020 – Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

August 1, 2020 – Tiki torches at Sunset

July 10, 2020 – Have you been scrolling through Pinterest and overwhelmed with the number of recipes at your fingertips? We’ve been there too! Lucky for all of us, the Meritage Collection has tapped all of their executive Chefs—from Hawaii to California—and they have compiled their favorite recipes (cocktails included!) for you to make at home. Here are new recipes for Meyer Lemon Jam and a cocktail perfect for Summer, from Meritage Resort & Spa Chef Jose Mejia!

July 2, 2020 – In a world with lots of uncertainty, a little bit of happiness can go a long way.

June 30, 2020 – Unmasking SOS Facial Tips. While wearing a face mask has been this season's must-wear accessory, they can wreak havoc on your skin. We have tips from our pros for a beautiful “unmasking” DIY facial.

June 26, 2020 – Pets brighten up even the best days. And we know some of you may be working from home still. So, in celebration of National Take Your Dog to Work Day, we are giving you some tips to make your at-home work day with your new coworker, more relaxed and stress-free.

June 16, 2020 – These days, there’s a tremendous sense of community even if all our connections are happening virtually. Which is why we’ve compiled 10 virtual drinking games to play with friends, colleagues, and family members alike.

June 10, 2020 – To get the scoop on how exceptional wine glasses help you savor even more of what great Napa wines have to offer, join us and Riedel for a wine glass webinar on Wednesday June 24th, from 5:30PM to 6:30PM PST, in partnership with Trinitas Cellars.

June 8, 2020 – For the many people who don’t live by the ocean it may seem that your daily choices don’t affect our vast waters. But shockingly they do! Our Director of Wellness and Sustainability Kenzie Vath has provided best practices to maintain clean oceans.

May 29, 2020 – Explore the flavors of the garden isle with native Kauai chef, Noelani Planas. Join the Ko'a Kea team as chef guides you through making flavorful poke bowls and coconut mojitos.

May 26, 2020 – Life’s new reality: you’re home now for at least a few weeks with your kids, not knowing how to fill time since playdates and outings are limited.

May 20, 2020 – Looking to relieve stress without leaving the house? We’ve got you. Head to your pantry, grab these items, and then fill up the bath!

May 18, 2020 – Explore the flavors of Napa-Valley with a keto twist. Join Chef Vincent Lesage as he guides you on a light, keto menu to get you ready for those days in the sun, with wine pairings from Trinitas Cellars.

May 18, 2020 – The Meritage Collection has tapped all of their executive Chefs—from Hawaii to California—and they have compiled their favorite recipes (cocktails included!) for you to make at home. Time to spice things up first with Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa Chef Vincent Savignano!

May 13, 2020 – At Meritage Collection, it is no secret we love wine. No, like we really love wine. That is why we put a bottle of Trinitas Cellars Wines from Napa Valley in every single room.

May 11, 2020 – Listen up, friends, families and loved ones: You don’t want to miss out on the best milkshake recipes for your next movie night indoors.

May 8, 2020 – Trying to stay healthy when our daily activities are limited is rough, no question about it. But try taking this time to look at the positives!

May 6, 2020 – In recognition and celebration of National Nurses Day, our Meritage Collection family extends their gratitude and thanks to the nurses and countless healthcare workers on the front lines during this time.

May 5, 2020 – Maintain a Zen-state-of-mind while staying indoors. We asked our Area Director of Spa, Brisa Huezo, for tips on the art of staying busy and relaxed while we all stay safely at home.

April 29, 2020 – A mother’s love is instant and endless; her support, guidance, and affection stay with you your entire life. She celebrates with you during the good times, lifts you up during the bad, and lets you know you are loved every day. Tell her just how much she means to you with a relaxing Mother’s Day surprise.

April 29, 2020 – Mother's Day is right around the corner, so show her some love with a fool proof dinner with Estancia Chef, Vincent Savignano. Tune in live on Facebook as he guides you through an easy-to-prepare meal to treat mom

April 27, 2020 – ​The Meritage Resort and Spa’s Assistant Director of Food and Beverage and Certified Sommelier, Mike Lee, shares how to best pair dinner with the perfect Trinitas Cellars Carneros Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a cozy night in, so you can feel like a true wine pro at home.

April 23, 2020 – Reading allows us to explore the world without ever leaving our homes. So, in honor of World Book Day, April 23rd, we thought it would be fun to share a book list inspired by our resorts. Whether it’s a beach, garden, island or countryside you’re craving, this list will transport out of your house and on an adventure.

April 20, 2020 – Join Katie Dunlop of @LoveSweatFitness as she shows you how to stay active and well in the comfort of your own room or outdoors at our celebrated destinations. Katie is a nationally recognized fitness expert that is well traveled and knows a thing or two about how to stay active on the road. We call this: Love, Sweat, Paséa

April 11, 2020 – Chef Prabeen brings his beach side grilling favorites into your home. Join us live from the Huntington Beach as Chef Prabeen Prathapan guides you step-by-step through some HB grilling favorites with wine pairings from Trintas Cellars wines.

April 10, 2020 – As most of us have shifted to working from home with social distancing measures restricting our ability to meet in person, online meetings have become the new normal. So instead of your living room or home office as your backdrop, why not brighten up those virtual meetings for you and your team members with some inspiring views from the beautiful hotels in The Meritage Collection? Sunset by the pool anyone?

April 5, 2020 – Have you been daydreaming of walking through the tropical gardens of Hawaii? Always wished you could take a trip to Italy, to marvel at Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel? Perhaps you’d even like to spend an afternoon enjoying the sight of frolicking giant pandas at San Diego’s famed zoo? Now, you can turn daydreams into reality without leaving your own couch.

April 2, 2020 – We will miss our guests' smiling faces this year for Easter brunch so we wanted to do something special for you to enjoy at home. Join us live from the Napa Valley Food & Wine Center as Chef Mackenzie Rupp guides you step-by-step through a home made Easter dinner with wine pairings from Trintas Cellars wines.

April 1, 2020 – Looking for a way to add a little relaxation and Zen time into the household? Normal life can get so hectic that we sometimes let those small, yet most precious, moments slip away from us. That is why during this time, it’s important to enjoy every moment and take advantage of being with your loved ones--but in a blissful way, of course! That’s why our Spa Director, Brisa Huezo, (a hard-working mom of three) is spilling the details on how to curate the perfect spa day at home for the family.

March 26, 2020 – Stay connected and be social with your friends and family.

March 23, 2020 – ​HOW TO DESIGN YOUR HOME OFFICE PER FENG SHUI GUIDELINES

November 26, 2019 – ​Secluded beaches. Unforgettable scenery. Captivating sunsets. Kauai was made for romantic getaways. Located on the sunny side of the island just steps from famed Po’ipu Beach, Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort is an intimate hideaway with an air of romantic relaxation.

May 16, 2019 – 7 Spots To Experience The Joy Of Missing Out

March 6, 2019 – Beach, luxury, and amenity cravings will all be satisfied at Koa Kea Resort. The property, which came in third last year in Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards for Hawaii, is a prime example of Pacific hospitality. Those who seek to capitalize on the Hawaiian aesthetic should book an oceanfront suite which comes with a lanai inspired bedroom, living room and balcony that gives guests a front row seat to Poipu’s iconic sunsets and surfer-dotted waves.

February 4, 2019 – The right environment is key to maintaining inner peace and wellbeing while away from home.

April 26, 2018 – Hawaii’s favorite food—poke—has been around for centuries.

January 25, 2018 – Red Salt, Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort’s signature restaurant, is the four-time recipient of Honolulu Magazine’s Hale ‘Aina awards..