The south side of Kauai is known as the sunny side of the island and Po-ipu Beach, where the Sheraton is located, has been recognized many times over the years as one of the world’s best beaches.

Fully remodeled in 2012, the Sheraton-Kauai covers nearly 20 acres along this beautiful sandy coast. With nearly 400 guestrooms, the property focuses its attention on the beach, although only half of the rooms actually allow an ocean view.

While this hotel may not have a full complement of activities located directly on the property, there are so many great activities in less than a 5-mile radius that it would be redundant to offer them onsite. Horseback riding, golf and tennis are among the activities you’ll have to leave the property for, but the area has a wonderful neighborhood feel to it. You’ll never know that you’re still not on the Sheraton grounds.

As a Sheraton, this hotel offers complete vacation packages that include air, rental car or hotel transfers, along with your guestroom and activities. Based on your family’s needs, check out those options because it could represent a big savings on both time and money.

Depending on what part of the world you arrive from, you may arrive at the Sheraton after dark. The first thing you’ll notice is that it is indeed very dark. The lights are kept low intentionally along the coast to minimize distractions for ocean birds and turtles that navigate by the light of the moon and stars. It’s not uncommon to have confused birds land in parking lots or other lighted areas. Locals know exactly what to do to get them back on their course, so if you notice a confused bird at night, be sure to tell a hotel employee.

If you arrive after dark, you’ll have missed one of the coolest roadway experiences ever. For about a quarter mile, the highway passes through a tunnel made entirely of centuries-old eucalyptus trees that have grown together over the road. Take the kids back in the daytime for some pictures and conversation about the age and strength of those trees.

Another gift of nature on Po’ipu Beach is the beautiful Hawaiian Monk Seal. There are only 1,200 left in the world, but for some reason, they like the sand on Po’ipu Beach and often pull themselves ashore to sunbathe right alongside humans. One little fellow named Kimo often comes right up on the beach at the Sheraton. Don’t approach him or any of the monk seals because they are wildlife. But Kimo, the turtles and birds are all unexpected treats on Kauai’s south shore that just very well may become the highlight of your visit to the Sheraton.

To learn more about Sheraton, please visit Sheraton.

Eight buildings make up the 20-acre complex that is the Sheraton Po' ipu. None are higher than three stories, which is about the size of a mature coconut tree. This is where the 394 guestrooms, including 11 suites, provide ocean and garden views for hotel guests.

There is no additional charge for cribs. Rollaways are available for an additional $70 per night. Many rooms come with whirlpool tubs, but not standard bathtubs. Infant tubs are available upon request.

Garden View Rooms
These are the simplest configuration and best bargain at the hotel. The rooms are a compact and efficient 410 square feet. They are the furthest away from the ocean - less than a five-minute walk, but you will have to cross a small roadway.

Ocean Luxury Rooms
The 530 square feet of the standard guestrooms offer either a queen bed or two double beds. The terraces or balconies are spacious enough for two chairs and a table.

Suites
All of the 11 suites are 1,310 square feet. Nine of those face the ocean; two are garden suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows on the living area and a spacious balcony remind you that you are on the sunny side of Kauai. Large tables in the suites are perfect for in-room dining or family game night in your room.

Beach Activities
Each day, complimentary introductory lessons are offered on the beach for surfing and snorkeling. In the Ocean Pool, free scuba lessons are offered for those 10 and older. Beach cabanas are available as well, and are offered on a first come, first served basis.

A great educational activity takes place at night during low-tide when trained staff lead reef walks into the tide pools to showcase the marine life that is visible only at this time. The program is limited to 10 people per night, so check in with the activities desk early in your stay to ensure that your family will get to participate.

Horseback Riding
About 4 miles away is the CJM Country Stables that offers two hour horseback rides on the beach. This is great for families with kids 8 years old and up. Hotel services can book the ride for you.

Golf
Golfers in your family can enjoy two courses within 3 miles of the Sheraton. The Kiahuna Golf Course is located on the grounds of a former Hawaiian village.

When Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed the course, he maintained some of the old buildings. There are six different tee settings, 18 holes par 70 and 6925.

Located on a cliff about 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course has a view that may distract your game. A number of ancient stone walls from the time these grounds were a worship area for native Hawaiians are among the historic landscape of the groups. Your challenge will include the trade winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. The PGA Grand Slam was held here for more than ten years, ending in 2006.

Lawn Games
The beach activities desk is the keeper of fun for lawn games. The toys rotate from time to time, but usually badminton, bean bag toss and croquet are among the offerings.

Pools
Two pools highlight this property. One is for adults or quiet children. It's appropriately named the Garden Pool. The other meandering pool is oceanfront and where all of the fun and activity takes place. It was expanded and updated in 2014 and includes two levels, a number of cabanas and yes -- a fabulous view of the ocean.

The children's pool is not separate from the primary Ocean pool, but there is a distinct circle of the pool that is 1.5 feet deep for children. Also, a wading pool for children is a popular asset at the Po'ipu Beach Park, just a few miles away.

Tennis/Basketball
It's not available on the property, but is a few miles away in the Po'ipu Beach Park.

Lava's on Poipu Beach
Kids under 10 years old eat breakfast and lunch for free with an adult at this comfortable, open-air restaurant overlooking the pool and beach front. The keiki menu includes healthy choices such as chicken Caesar salad and grilled chicken and rice in smaller portions. Breakfast is buffet-style, lunch is a la carte, and dinner, offered only two nights a week, is a la carte. Live entertainment is a part of the fun several days/nights per week.

Link@Sheraton Café
Part souvenir and sundries store and part eatery, this lovely café offers fresh pastries, juice and coffee in the morning for those in a hurry. For lunch, grab a light salad or pre-made sandwich and any time of the day, stop in for ice cream or other treats. The fresh made-to-order pizza is as good as any place on the island. Get it to go to your room and enjoy a lazy evening with games and pizza.

RumFire
Reservations are required for this dinner-only restaurant and you'll want to pack some nicer clothes for everyone in the family. But the extra effort is worth it for the fabulous nighttime view of the ocean lined by tiki torches. This is the property's signature restaurant, which features locally sourced ingredients and live entertainment each night. Adults may enjoy Hawaiian paella with seafood and Portuguese sausage. The kids may appreciate the teriyake beef bowl or fish stir-fry with vegetables.

Luau
Each Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., the Sheraton hosts a traditional luau with Hawaiian cuisine, dancing and storytelling. With the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at sunset, this is a remarkable event for those in your family old enough to appreciate the activity.

In-Room Dining
Room service is available from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

All About the Extras
Babysitting Services
Babysitters can be arranged through a local service.

Resort Fee
An additional nightly fee covers valet parking and Wi-Fi.

Fitness Center
Newly renovated in December 2015, the fitness center's many assets include an ocean view. That makes any workout better. You'll find a large selection of stationary bikes, treadmills, free weights and more to give your body a thorough conditioning.

Yoga classes are offered at no charge every day, but to really up your work out - how about hula classes? It's not as easy as it looks and will work your abs in ways you never thought possible.

Laundry Services
The Sheraton offers two coin-operated, self-service laundry facilities for guests. Or you can pay a little extra and they'll do the laundry for you.

Rainforest Spa
All of the traditional spa services are available here for your relaxation, as well as couples massages and outdoor cabanas. While you are in Hawaii, you may want to try a "lomi-lomi" massage. It's a Hawaiian word that best translates to "knead." However, if you have a cat and are familiar with the kneading they do when they are happy and contented - that is another translation for lomi-lomi. Services are not offered for children under 16 years of age.

Flashlights
The Sheraton is one of many properties that does what it can to protect the wildlife of this area, and as a result, the lights outside the property are dimmer than you may be used to. This is because a number of sea birds fly by the light of the moon, thus lights from the hotel and automobiles can confuse them. Your phone may have a flashlight app, but if not, you may wish to pack a flashlight in case you like to be out at night.

The Art of Smart Timing
No season is really considered the off-season or the bargain time to visit Hawaii. It's beautiful all of the time. Early summer or autumn months will often provide the best bargains and fewer crowds.

Getting There
The Sheraton is on Kauai's south shore, about 30 minutes for the Lihue (LIH) airport. A taxi ride will cost about $45 (without tip). If you plan on staying put at the resort, this is your best bet.

Getting Around
Renting a private vehicle while on the island is your most convenient and possibly least expensive option for getting around Kauai. Note that there is a $10 daily parking fee added to your bill at the Sheraton. Self-parking is included in the $30 daily resort fee and you vehicle will be a block or more from your room.

For Mom and Dad
Dinner at RumFire is always a special treat, especially with a great table to see the sunset. Or, make arrangements in advance to enjoy dinner under the stars at a private table on the beach. But here's a simple idea: The courtyard offers several fire pits and is lit at night only by tiki torch. Order a great bottle of wine or special drinks and enjoy the tropical breeze and company of your favorite adult by firelight.