Top Places to Stay on Kauai, Hawaii: Your Ultimate Island Accommodations Guide
Kauai is nicknamed the “Garden Isle.” It’s one of the most beautiful places anyone can spend a vacation in Hawaii—amidst lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and tranquility. No matter if it’s a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventurous retreat, Kauai has a range of choices that fit every traveler’s needs. Here we will cover the best places to stay on Kauai, Hawaii, highlighting top hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals across the island’s most popular areas.
1. Poipu: The Sunny South Shore
Poipu is on the south shore of Kauai and tops the list of areas to stay on the island. You will never go wrong with the sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere found in Poipu. This place offers luxurious resorts and charming vacation rentals amidst its beautiful landscapes.
Top Places to Stay in Poipu:
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa: Whether for the pristine beachfront site, the lush gardens, or the world-class amenities, which include an acclaimed spa and several fine dining options, the grand nature of this luxury resort is suitable for couples and families looking for a touch of class.
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort—This award-winning boutique oceanfront hotel has an intimate setting ideal for couples. Sleek, modern, and minimalist in design, this resort is fitted with all the luxuries of a full-service spa and an award-winning restaurant called Red Salt.
The Lodge at Kukui’ula—If you’re thinking of luxurious vacation rentals, this more than just provides you with very private bungalows, cottages, or villas with the use of exclusive amenities like a golf course, spa, and farm-to-table dining.
Why Stay in Poipu? The great weather, to-die-for beaches, and highly varied choices of accommodation – it’s just one of the best places to stay on Kauai. From high-end resorts to boutique hotels and VRs, you’ll love Poipu.
2. Princeville: Luxurious North Shore
On the north shore of Kauai lies Princeville, famous for dramatic cliffs and green landscapes, many of which hold very upmarket resorts. This area has stunning ocean and mountain views and is always in demand by people seeking a stylish retreat amidst nature.
Best Places to Stay in Princeville:
Princeville Resort: It is a luxury resort sprawling on the side of a cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay with beautiful, stylishly furnished interiors, sumptuous amenities like world-class spas, and championship golfing. The best way to spend your vacation would be amidst such luxurious serenity.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is a family-friendly resort with spacious villa-style accommodations and fully equipped kitchens for extended stays. It has multiple pools, a fitness center, and easy access to all area attractions.
Hanalei Colony Resort: The diminutive boutique beachfront resort just outside Princeville offers a truly relaxed and intimate atmosphere. With its very large suites, the views stretching out towards the ocean, and a relaxed atmosphere, this place is ideal for couples or small groups of people.
Why Stay in Princeville? Located on Kauai, Princeville is an ideal place to stay for travelers seeking luxury, nature, and peace. With its high-end resorts and beautiful landscapes, this spot tops the list of places to visit for couples and families alike who come to enjoy the best of Kauai’s North Shore.
3. Kapaa: The Convenient East Side
Kapaa is a quaint coastal town on Kauai’s east side, offering a more affordable and laid-back option than staying at one of the many resorts. It’s known for its very central location, and it’s often considered the best place to stay while you’re seeing the whole island. Below are some of the top places to stay in Kapaa:
Waipouli Beach Resort: This resort front faces the beach, offering condo-style luxurious accommodations, fully equipped with kitchens—ideal for families or longer stays. The property features a heated river pool complete with waterfalls, a spa, and an on-site restaurant.
Plantation Hale Suites: This is one of the more affordable options in Kauai. It has one-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, so it’s perfect for families and budget-minded travelers. This resort is within walking distance to the beach and nearby shopping and dining.
Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy: Comfortable, condo-style accommodations with full kitchens and private lanais, this resort fronts the beach and includes many amenities like an oversized pool and a spa, along with easy access to beaches and other attractions in the surrounding area.
Why stay in Kapaa? Well, its central location, pocket-friendly accommodation, and cute atmosphere make Kapaa one of the best places to stay on Kauai if you’re looking to point yourself in the middle of the island. Here, there is a mix of different hotels and vacation rentals that will suit all tastes and budgets, hence being versatile for any kind of traveler.
4. Hanalei: The Picturesque North Shore Town
Hanalei is a small, hippie town with a beautiful bay and green surroundings on the North Shore of Kauai. Visitors like it because of the real, relaxed vibes of Hawaii.
Best Places to Stay in Hanalei:
Hanalei Bay Resort: This beachfront resort provides condo-style accommodations with stunning views down Hanalei Bay and across the mountains. There are multiple pools, a hot tub, and direct beach access—with all this having spacious interiors and comfortable furnishings, it makes for an ideal place of stay for a family or a couple.
Hale Ho’o Maha Bed & Breakfast: This small, cozy B&B is a favorite among families who appreciate comfortable rooms with private lanais for a more intimate experience. With a homey, laid-back atmosphere yet just a short walk to the beach, the Hale Ho’o Maha is perfect for couples and solo travelers.
Vacation Rentals: The most famous thing about Hanalei are the elegant and pretty vacation rentals, which range from really small, comfy beach cottages to luxurious, expansive beachfront homes. Holiday rentals in these towns let you feel a little of the local life right next to shops and restaurants and close to beaches.
Why stay in Hanalei? Located on the North Shore, Hanalei boasts some of the most beautiful settings with laid-back vibes and charming accommodations—making it one of the best places to stay on Kauai for visitors who are on the lookout for more authentic experiences. From resorts to B&Bs to simple vacation rentals, Hanalei offers an experience that is worth your memory.
5. Waimea: The Gateway to West Side
Located on Kauai’s west side, Waimea is the entrance to Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” It’s a great location for active and nature-loving visitors, with hiking to waterfalls and other knockout views within easy reach.
Top Places to Stay in Waimea:
Waimea Plantation Cottages: A classic oceanfront property of plantation-style cottages, each fully equipped with kitchen and featuring a private lanai. The cottages are nestled among lush gardens, giving way to a peaceful and nostalgic feel.
The West Inn Kauai: This is one of the budget-priced properties. The West Inn Kauai offers clean, comfortable accommodations only a short drive from Waimea Canyon. This small inn provides free Wi-Fi, BBQ facilities, and access to several attractions within an easy drive.
Barking Sands Beach Cottages: Teemed with the rustic feel of seclusion, miles from civilization, these cottages join forces to create something unusual and out-of-the-way. Very ideal for getting some solitude and sampling a bit of adventure, Barking Sands is a hidden gem located on the west side of Kauai.
Why Stay in Waimea? If there could be one best place to stay on Kauai, it would of course be Waimea. Not only is it near Waimea Canyon, but also many more wondrous natural landscapes, so you can have an entertaining adventure and exploration time in this lovely town. Its very diverse kinds of accommodations, including historical cottages and low-cost inns, will provide accommodation for all kinds of visitors.
From diversified landscapes to quaint towns, Kauai offers different types of accommodations that can suit the needs of every kind of traveler. Be it luxury in Princeville, family stays in Poipu, or adventure retreats in Waimea, each of these best places to stay on Kauai offers a perfect place from where one can explore this lovely Hawaiian island.
From luxury resorts to cozy vacation rentals, Kauai’s accommodations suit every taste and wallet, making sure that your stay on the Garden Isle is as great as the island itself. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of Kauai, since heaven is here!
