We truly enjoyed the Koa Kea for our first visit to Kauai. The staff is truly AWESOME. It's a very nice facility in a good location. We recommend it highly.
Downsides: 1. Skip the ocean view upgrade.
2. Valet parking only. If you aren't used to it, it's a pain in the butt to always be worried about coming up with money for tips. The valets are great, and well worth the tip, but I can park my own car, thank you.
3. The fake little Nespresso machines in the room don't cut it. I can never understand why nice hotels can't get the coffee thing right. You can have a couple espressos in your room, or you can walk up to the shop and wait for a couple $5.00 cups of black coffee. I just don't get it. Sometimes we just go to Walmart and buy a coffee maker, but forgot this time.
4. The free logo flip flops are a nice touch.
This is a great place to stay.