While Kauai is a popular island for honeymooners, it’s also ideal for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Known as the lush “garden isle,” Kauai has much to offer everyone. Where to stay on Kauai depends on what you want to see and do.
Snorkeling along the Napali Coast, kayaking, helicopter tours, and zip lining are among the many fun things to do on the island of Kauai – the fourth-largest Hawaiian island. Or simply enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches. No matter where you stay, if you have a rental car you can easily tour Kauai.
Kauai South Shore
This side of the island has some of the best beaches like Poipu Beach in Koloa. For this reason, the south shore of Kauai is one of the best places for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and relaxing on the beach. You’ll also find many of the best hotels on this part of Kauai. From large beachfront resorts to luxury villas, there are a variety of beautiful accommodations.
Sheraton Kauai Resort
2440 Hoonani Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
808-742-1661
Choose from a variety of guest rooms with garden or ocean views at the Sheraton Kauai Resort. Amenities include two restaurants, two outdoor pools, and a spa facility. The family-friendly resort is near Poipu Beach and the Poipu Shopping Village.
Sheraton Kauai Resort Highlights
- Free use of cribs
- Guest rooms with ocean views
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
1571 Poipu Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
808-742-1234
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is an upscale resort with a variety of room options from guest rooms to suites. Located near Shipwreck Beach and Poipu Beach, the beachfront Grand Hyatt has a golf course, two tennis courts, three outdoor pools, a lazy river, and a full-service spa. One of the best features of Grand Hyatt Kauai is the saltwater lagoon. Children ages 3 to 12 years old can participate in Camp Hyatt activities. Tidepools restaurant serves Hawaiian cuisine in a cozy setting.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort Highlights
- Beachfront location
- Onsite playground
- Babysitting (surcharge)
- Three outdoor pools and a lazy river
- Full-service spa
- Fitness center
The Villas at Poipu Kai
2373 Ho’ohu Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
808- 377-4988
If you’re looking for a place to call home while on Kauai, consider the Villas at Poipu Kai. The plantation-style 2- to -5 bedroom garden and poolside villas have gourmet kitchens, natural stone bathrooms, and spacious lanais. It’s a short walk along landscaped pathways to the beach, outdoor pools, and tennis courts.
The Villas at Poipu Kai Highlights
- Multi-bedroom plantation cottages
- Private lanais
- Short walk to beaches
- Onsite fitness center
Koloa Landing Resort
2641 Poipu Rd
Koloa, HI 96756
808-240-6600
Boasting the largest accommodations in Poipu, the Koloa Landing Resort has an assortment of studios and luxury villas. The resort has three swimming pools including a children’s pool. But the main attraction is the giant infinity edge pool with waterslides, swim-through waterfalls, grotto, and multiple Jacuzzis. A 24-hour fitness center and full-service day spa are among more amenities.
Koloa Landing Resort Highlights
- Spacious studios and villas
- Kids stay free
- Three swimming pools and 5 hot tubs
- Near shopping centers
Kauai’s North Shore
The rugged and dramatic side of the island, Kauai’s North Shore is home to the famous Napali Coast. Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves line the 17 miles of coastline. Find luxurious accommodations in the upscale town of Princeville, situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Nearby is the charming town of Hanalei Bay. Tunnels Beach, Hideaway Beach, and Hanalei Pier are among the fun places to visit.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Vistana, 3838 Wyllie Rd
Princeville, HI 96722
808-827-8700
Situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean, the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is a luxury resort with four outdoor swimming pools. Princeville Resort accommodation options include studios and 1- and 2-bedroom villas. Kids stay free. Villas have fully-equipped kitchens, washers/dryers, sofa beds, furnished lanais, and other amenities. Studios have kitchenettes.
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Highlights
- Kids stay free
- Fully equipped studios and villas
- Four outdoor swimming pools including a children’s pool
- Beach access
- About a 15-drive drive to Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay Resort
5380 Honoiki Rd
Princeville, HI 96722
877-344-0688
For those seeking a budget-friendly Kauai vacation, check out Hanalei Bay Resort. The three-star property offers 1- and 2-bedroom condos and vacation rentals with kitchens and laundry facilities. Plus, a free shuttle provides easy access to the beach.
Hanalei Bay Resort Highlights
- 1- and 2-bedroom fully-equipped condos
- Easy access to the beach
- Free beach shuttle
East Side Kauai
The East Side, also called the Coconut Coast, is a central location that makes it a good option for those planning to tour the island. But this part of Kauai is worth exploring too. Kayak or paddle on the Wailua River, visit Wailua Falls, relax at Lydgate Beach Park, walk to waterfalls, and take a boat ride to Fern Grotto.
Aston Islander on the Beach
440 Aleka Pl
Kapaʻa, HI 96746
808-822-7417
You’ll feel Hawaii’s aloha as soon as you step into the plantation-style Aston Islander on the Beach. With the white sand beach, swimming pool and guest rooms with garden or ocean views you might not want to leave the resort. Plus, BBQ grills, a picnic area and laundry facilities make it easy to stay and relax. But nearby top Kauai attractions await and the front desk staff can provide tour and ticket assistance. Note that while there’s an onsite Imua Coffee Roasters, the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant. However, the Coconut Marketplace across the street has numerous shopping and dining options.
Aston Islander on the Beach Highlights
- Beachfront resort with ocean/garden views
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ grills and picnic area
- Self-serve laundry facilities
- Walking distance to Coconut Marketplace
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
650 Aleka Loop
Kapaʻa, HI 96746
808-822-3455
The oceanfront Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort is a solid choice for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations and congenial amenities. Enjoy the beach, outdoor swimming pool, children’s pool, and the short walking distance to Island Country Markets in the Coconut Marketplace.The property has two restaurants and a snack bar.
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort Highlights
- Oceanfront property
- Swimming pool and children’s pool
- Hot tub
- Walking distance to shopping and dining
Kauai Shores Hotel
420 Papaloa Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
808-822-4951
Sitting on the beach, Kauai Shores Hotel offers guest rooms with garden, pool views or ocean views. Kids stay free. Enjoy the resort’s two swimming pools and meals at the Lava Lava Beach Club.
Kauai Shores Hotel Highlights
- Located on the beach
- Kids stay free
- Two swimming pools
- Walking distance to shopping and dining
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
3-5920 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaʻa, Hawaii 96746
808-823-6000
As the only
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay Highlights
- Adjacent to Lydgate Beach Park
- Kids stay free.
- Rooms feature balconies and ocean views
- Free wifi and parking
- The Lihue Airport is within a 15-minute drive
Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons
3325 Holokawelu Wy
Lihue, HI 96766
808- 632-8202
Located near Nawiliwili Harbor, the oceanfront Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons offers spacious 2- and 3-bedroom fully-equipped villas with deluxe amenities. There’s also an onsite fitness center and two swimming pools.
Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons Highlights
- Spacious 2- and 3-bedroom villas with deluxe amenities
- Oceanfront property near Nawiliwili Harbor
- Onsite fitness center
- Two swimming pools
The West Side of Kauai
This part of Kauai is more remote but definitely worth visiting on a day trip. Here you’ll find the town of Waimea Town, charming Hanapepe, Waimea Canyon, and Kokee State Park.
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