Best Places to Stay in Kauai, Hawaii: Your Ultimate Guide
Kauai, also well known as the Garden Isle, is a paradise of dramatic cliffs, verdant valleys, and pristine beaches. Whether you’re here on a honeymoon, family vacation, or simply taking off on a solo retreat, important to a good stay is good accommodation. Let’s walk you through the best places in Kauai, ranging from top resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, and much more. From luxurious oceanfront resorts to budget-friendly stays, we’ll help you find the perfect home base for your Kauai adventure.
1. Princeville: Luxury and Scenic Views
Best For: Couples, Honeymooners, Luxury Seekers
Perched on the dramatic North Shore of Kauai, Princeville is nothing less than legendary, with its top golf courses, exclusive resorts, and unrivaled ocean views. This is the area for the traveler who is looking for a luxury, private, scenic experience.
Top Stays in Princeville:
Princeville Resort Kauai—Nestled upon a beautiful cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay—with sumptuous rooms, an infinity pool, and beach access right outside the door, it is basically a paradise for couples and honeymooners.
Hanalei Bay Resort: A little bit more budget but still ultra-luxurious, offering ample suites, an aesthetically pleasing pool, and access to some of the best beaches in the area. The view of the bay and the mountains is unparalleled.
Vacation Rentals: If you have a family or are traveling with a group that needs a bit more space and privacy, Princeville has a plethora of different vacation rentals to choose from – whether that is in the form of oceanfront condos or large private villas, there is something for everyone.
2. Hanalei: Laid Back Beach Vibes
Best For: Surfers, Beach Lovers, Families
Only a few miles north of Princeville lies Hanalei, a small, laid-back, surfer town;a top destination for surfers and sunbathers, where a little charming village lives surrounding a crescent-shaped bay.
Places to Stay in Hanalei:
Hanalei Colony Resort: Located right on the beach, there is an inherent calm vibe through the large dimensions of the beachfront condos. It’s the sort of place that makes your group easy to contain in the event you need solitude from a crowd and close quarters with the sea.
Hanalei Surfboard House: This boutique stay is completely unlike any other, with suites that have themes reflecting the surf culture of the island. It’s a fun and quirky option for those who look for a different experience not too far away.
Vacation Rentals: These include beachfront bungalows or bigger family houses in Hanalei. The location will place you only steps from the beach and just about everything this charming shops-and-restaurants town has to offer.
Best For: Families, Snorkelers, Sun Seekers
Poipu is located on the South Shore of Kauai and has a reputation for sunny days, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly resorts. It’s a great option for those just wanting to hang out at the beach and have time to wander around other close-by places like Spouting Horn and Allerton Garden.
Best Places to Stay in Poipu:
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: It offers a lot of everything by having its own private beach, a golf course, several swimming pools, and fine dining. It’s an easy first choice for any family or couple looking for an entirely serviced resort experience.
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort: This boutique oceanfront hotel is a great accommodation to stay at, providing an intimate surrounding with elegantly designed rooms, a relaxing spa, and an on-site restaurant. This property works well for couples or those with more reserved personalities.
Vacation Rentals: Many rentals include houses and condos with the best options for families and are a short distance to Poipu Beach, one of the island’s best beaches for swimming and snorkeling.
4. Kapaa: Best For Budget, Adventure, Central Location
Kapaa on the East Side is a bustling town offering varying levels of budget-friendly accommodation, shopping and dining. Its central location makes it a perfect base for you to head out and explore the island.
Top recommended stays in Kapaa include:
Kauai Shores Hotel: Being an affordable oceanfront hotel, Kauai Shores is colorful, with modern rooms, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. It is a good alternative that will give value regarding staying on the beachfront but not having to spend too much.
Aston Islander on the Beach: Located right in the town center of Kapaa, this property is beachfront and offers super comfortable rooms, a pool, convenient access for shopping, and good dining. So any guest needing convenience and comfort will do great here.
Vacation Rentals: Kapaa boasts countless vacation rentals, from studios to larger homes. Staying in one here will grant you greater space and cooking facilities, which can really help save a pretty penny for cooking versus dining out.
5. Lihue: Convenience and Local Flavor
Best For: Proximity, Business, One Night
Lihue, also the biggest town on Kauai, is home to the Kauai airport and offers a mixed bag of places to stay, shopping centers, and local attractions. This is a good spot for short visits, or for travelers who want to remain close to the airport for their flight out.
Best Places to Stay in Lihue:
Kauai Marriott Resort: This hotel is conveniently located near the airport and Kalapaki Beach. It has large rooms, a beautiful swimming pool, and a great, vast dining area. Just the perfect place—you are near everything.
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort: Another excellent option if you are looking for accommodation in Lihue and ranging from many facilities to a golf course, spa, beach access, this accommodation works for just about every need out there. The town of Lihue itself also has a couple of vacation rentals available, really allowing a local experience. These are convenient for those who want to be in town but with the conveniences of home.
6. Waimea: Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Best For: Hikers, Nature Lovers, Off-the-Beaten-Path Travelers
Waimea is found on the West Side of Kauai, and located within its bounds is Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. This area is perfect for travelers looking for adventure, hiking, and stunning natural landscapes.
Top Stays in Waimea:
Waimea Plantation Cottages: Unusual and one-off, the historic plantation cottages do transport one’s stay into an era from the past, set within tropical gardens and lay tucked away in restful seclusion from the more identifiably touristy spots.
The West Inn Kauai: This is a small, privately owned hotel, and the standard is high for a budget place. It’s a great base for exploring Waimea Canyon and the surrounding area.
Vacation Rentals: Vacation rental opportunities here include rustic cabins and characteristic houses. Ideal for visitors looking to obtain a more authentic appreciation of the scenic beauty of the West Side of Kauai.
Conclusion
Kauai has accommodations that meet the demands of any traveler, from the grandest resort in Princeville to budget hotels in Kapaa. Be it a romantic getaway, family vacation, or all-out adventure, the Garden Isle has you covered. Use this guide to find the best possible places to stay while on Kauai and have one incredible Hawaiian vacation.
