Where to Stay in Kauai In 2023: How to Choose The Best Areas & Hotels

Kauai is among the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a superb alternative in the event you’re deciding the place to keep in Hawaii. Kauai is dwelling to beautiful hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and tons of of sandy seashores. Kauai is so filled with magnificent nature that it’s nicknamed the ‘Garden Isle’ – a well-deserved title. We can see why you might be selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a superb alternative.

Of course, Kauai can be filled with a number of the greatest motels and greatest resorts in Hawaii. The variety of selections provides an additional issue to deciding the place to keep in Kauai. You’ll have an actual deal with with Kauai’s hospitality.

Best Places to Stay in Kauai

So, the place is greatest to keep in Kauai? Should you select the north shore or the south shore? The east aspect or the west aspect? And what are the perfect motels and resorts to select from in every space? This information gives you the total rundown on the place to keep in Kauai. We’ve received tons to cowl, so let’s begin instantly.

1. South Shore

The south shore of Kauai is among the island’s hottest locations to keep. This area is full of vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – excellent if you would like a vacation filled with sightseeing and memento buying. The south aspect of Kauai can be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental vehicles. In brief, the south shore is the place to keep in Kauai if you would like every thing inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy ambiance.

Apart from its nice location, the south shore’s points of interest are an enormous draw to this area of Kauai. Poipu Beach is essentially the most well-known on the island and sits proper on the south shore. It is a hotspot for nesting turtles (that are at all times wonderful to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Beach Park is the world surrounding this sandy seashore. It is right for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You can seize a seat on considered one of many picnic benches.

Similarly, Shipwreck Beach is a implausible spot. A bit of quieter than many different south shore seashores, getting to this seashore entails a brief coastal hike. Instead of turtles, we recommend mountaineering to Shipwreck Beach to admire the sundown – which is beautiful over the rocky shore and scenic headland. And, for extra of an city expertise, you possibly can go to the buying facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s lots to do and at all times pockets of nightlife to indulge in.

The hottest locations to keep on the south shore are Waimea, Kalaheo, Lawai, Hanapepe, Pakala Village, and Koloa Town. Koloa is a small city that adjoins Poipu and has wonderful seashore entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is positioned proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has a protracted highway main immediately to Waimea Canyon, with a handful of beautiful viewpoints alongside the best way. If you need to go to Waimea Canyon (nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), staying in Waimea is a superb possibility. Koloa and Waimea are our high two suggestions when narrowing down the place to keep on the south shore of Kauai.

Where to Stay on the South Shore

Budget: Poipu Beach Surf Song

Poipu Beach Surf Song is a gorgeous, budget-friendly lodge on the south coast. The south aspect of Kauai isn’t identified for affordable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for finances choices.

Guests hire a whole unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the worth of a resort or different lodge. While not as in style as a number of the options in this information, it’s undoubtedly worthwhile if you would like to lower your expenses.

Mid-Range: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a dreamy mid-range property and considered one of Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is about throughout a large expanse of river-style swimming pools and tropical gardens. Each lodge room has a non-public balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And when it comes to your night meal, there should not one however seven completely different eating places to select from.

Guests on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious ambiance. You can get pleasure from complimentary cultural experiences, chill out with implausible amenities, and have a central location to discover Kauai.

Luxury: Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu, Autograph Collection

Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu, Autograph Collection is a deluxe property well-suited to luxurious seekers on the south coast. You’ll discover two resort swimming pools set in dramatic tropical gardens with torchlit walkways and a top-of-the-range health heart.

Guests can select rooms and suites, the latter of which comes with a full kitchen. Of course, there will likely be no want for a kitchen in the morning as you could have a continental breakfast to look ahead to.

VRBO: One Bedroom House With Residential Walkways to Two Beaches

Vacation leases are extremely wanted on Kauai, and  this property, it’s clear why. Set in Poipu, this VRBO property is right for these wanting the last word location on the south shore. You are simply minutes from the Grand Hyatt – extremely praised for its wonderful location in Kauai. You are surrounded by not only one however three world-class golf programs, plus over fifty eating places inside a five-minute drive radius. The property is primary however comfy and fairly priced at beneath $200 per night time (relying on the season).

2. North Shore

The north shore of Kauai is far, a lot quieter than the south shore. Kauai’s nickname ‘the Garden Isle’ comes from its lovely, underdeveloped north shore. This a part of Kauai is roofed in lush greenery, from tropical rainforest to the crinkled inexperienced cliffs alongside the Napali Coast. While the whole island is beautiful, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For those that love images, nature, and outside adventures, the north shore is the place to keep in Kauai.

The north shore of Kauai is roofed in pure points of interest. You are really spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to mountaineering trails and beautiful seashores like Hideaways Beach and Tunnels Beach. However, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so lovely that it has been wanted by Hollywood producers and featured in numerous films. This part of the coast is lined by lush inexperienced mountains and bizarrely crinkled cliff faces. You can view the shoreline by mountaineering the Kalalau Trail or taking a scenic helicopter trip – a fully unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Chances are, you’ll acknowledge footage of the Napali Coast. It is a world-famous piece of unimaginable surroundings and a large draw of the north shore.

As we talked about, the Kalalau Trail is a gorgeous approach to expertise the shoreline. You ought to undoubtedly attempt to full this difficult route in case you are an skilled hiker. You can e-book a allow to camp and deal with the observe as an in a single day route or hike it in a full day. Equipment is a should, because the terrain is demanding regardless of the path being only a reasonable distance. If you’d desire beautiful views with out the trouble of lengthy hikes, take a look at the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is an excellent possibility. This lookout has sweeping views of the valley and plush greenery, excellent for getting a perspective of the island’s scale and vegetation. Just behind the lookout, Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is one other lovely place to go to – with mountaineering trails, lookouts, and animal sightings galore.

In phrases of neighborhoods, the primary cities on the north shore are Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei. All of those neighborhoods are positioned on the shoreline. Hanalei is located in Hanalei Bay, with a sheltered seashore and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is far bigger and incorporates a mix of residential properties and condominium complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is dwelling to the Princeville Shopping Center and Makai Golf Course, so that you’ll have all of the leisure facilities you want. Finally, Kilauea is a quieter city, sandwiched between a wildlife refuge, botanical gardens, sculpture park, ocean, and lighthouse. You have peaceable points of interest and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a nice, laid-back ambiance.

The north shore of Kauai is right for these wanting a quiet expertise on the island with out sacrificing quick access to the perfect seashores and points of interest. We love the proximity to Kauai’s greatest seashores, the Napali Coast, golf programs, and wildlife refuges. The north shore is the place to keep on Kauai for outside adventures which are so lovely that they demand a digital camera.

Where to Stay on the North Shore

Budget: Hanalei Surfboard House

Hanalei Surfboard House is among the most budget-friendly spots on the north shore. Having received a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2022, it is vitally a lot a rising star on a budget lodging entrance in Kauai. And whereas it specializes in offering lodging for surfers wanting to expertise Hanalei Bay for themselves (a sought-after surf spot), its self-catered suites and pleasant ambiance go well with any finances traveler.

Mid-Range: Hanalei Bay Resort

Hanalei Bay Resort is a beautiful mid-range lodging alternative only a fifteen-minute drive from Hanalei Pier. If you have an interest in staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a simple winner. The resort presents apartment-style rooms with comfy residing areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally sizzling tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a implausible location and spectacular amenities.

Luxury: The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

Up subsequent is the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Princeville Resort is dramatically located on the highest of a cliff on Kauai’s north shore. It boasts a rural and scenic location. Yet Princeville Resort additionally offers a complimentary shuttle service for points of interest and facilities inside a 2.5-mile radius. Each villa has its personal kitchen and whirlpool tub, though there’s a spa and restaurant on web site do you have to need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an expensive spot on the north shore.

VRBO: Oceanfront Condo With Stunning Views

This condominium is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Situated on the outskirts of Princeville, you could have implausible entry to all of the city’s facilities and points of interest. However, you even have beautiful views and a way of serene privateness thanks to your clifftop locale. You can entry an nearly personal seashore set in a little-known cove out of your backdoor. And in sure seasons, you possibly can watch migrating whales out of your window.

While Kauai has some fairly spectacular VRBO leases, this condominium stood out for apparent causes. We love the look of the pure setting and the sense of privateness regardless of being positioned exterior of Princeville. Definitely be aware of this property.

3. West Shore

If the north shore is quiet, the west aspect of Kauai is totally asleep. The west aspect is nearly solely undeveloped pure landscapes, with only a few tiny cities (extra akin to villages) dotted alongside the shoreline. The majority of the west aspect of Kauai is taken up by the Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve, Kekaha Game Management Area, Waimea Canyon State Park, Kokee State Park, and Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve. A large proportion of Kauai’s protected acreage is on the island’s west aspect. For these fascinated by nature and reserves, staying on the island’s west aspect is heaven on Earth.

It goes with out saying that with so many wildlife areas and parks, you’ll spend a number of time mountaineering and wildlife-watching on the west aspect of Kauai. Pack your mountaineering boots, binoculars, a digital camera, and a giant water bottle. Because the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental vehicles and investing in one to your keep on Kauai is worth it. It helps to get round and entry all of the completely different parks and trails. Plus, if you need to head into the key cities, it’s simply a simple drive away.

In phrases of official points of interest, Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is an excellent place to go to. The reserve is located alongside the west shoreline. It has a brief path for chook watchers to spot its everlasting and non permanent winged residents. Bring binoculars and a digital camera; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is dwelling to many endangered species. The Kokee Natural History Museum is one other gem to your itinerary. It is a good indoor attraction to escape the solar for a bit. Similarly, Waimea Canyon has loads of beautiful drive-in lookouts for many who aren’t as eager on mountaineering or aren’t up for back-to-back mountaineering days.

The solely actual city on the west aspect of Kauai is Kekaha, a tiny city on the southwest coast. Kekaha has all the key amenities chances are you’ll want when visiting Kauai. If you continue to desire a ‘town’ expertise of the island, we suggest staying right here relatively than in a extra distant setting on the west aspect. Otherwise, if you would like the entire distant expertise, yow will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. Book a rental automotive and revel in being nestled away in the center of lush valleys and abandoned, beautiful seashores.

Where to Stay on the West Shore

Budget: The Cabins at Kokee

The Cabins at Kokee is a superb budget-friendly lodging possibility proper in the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but comfy, this three-star lodge is a enjoyable spot to select when trying to find Kauai lodgings on a finances. You’ll be based mostly in the center of Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park.

Mid-Range: The Inn Waimea

The Inn Waimea is a relaxed mid-range property set throughout two tales with an assortment of only one visitor room and three suites. Just one block from the ocean, you possibly can get pleasure from a central location inside Waimea, on the south finish of the west coast. The inn has a quiet, personal really feel thanks to its restricted variety of visitor rooms. However, thanks to the property’s city setting, you might be by no means too removed from the motion.

Luxury: Waimea Plantation Cottages

A cottage may not appear to be the epitome of luxurious motels. Still, Waimea Plantation Cottages are the best choice for high quality on the west shore. The plantation-style property has a sequence of 1-3 bed room cottages to select between, plus amenities that embody an outside pool. With extras like BBQ amenities and personal patios, it’s a actually comfy place to expertise Kauai. You are additionally based mostly proper in the center of Waimea – a particular bonus.

VRBO: Two Bedroom Plantation Cottage

This beautiful cottage sleeps up to 4 visitors throughout two bedrooms. The design is spacious and ethereal, with over nine-foot ceilings and large home windows for maximized views. While the cottage is constructed in conventional plantation type, it’s modernly adorned and ideal for a classy, stylish place to keep in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an outside sizzling bathe.

4. East Shore

Have you heard of the ‘coconut coast’? The east shore of Kauai coined the nickname the coconut coast thanks to its acres and acres of coconut timber. It is a populous area of the island and, just like the south shore, is industrial and built-up, with loads of city facilities. It is right for guests who need to be in the center of the motion. There will likely be no want to hire a rental automotive in the event you don’t fancy driving, as every thing is accessible and tour operators supply pick-up transportation companies. The east coast is full of actions, the perfect seashores, and loads of character.

The neatest thing to do on the island’s east is to go to the seashore parks. There’s Anahola Beach Park, Kapa’a Beach Park, and Lydgate Beach Park – plus many extra. Lydgate Beach Park is beautiful, with expansive views and enclosed areas for swimming and snorkeling. In the water, you’ll be mesmerized by the tropical fish and subterranean vegetation. You may even camp with a delegated tenting and picnic space if you would like.

Grove Farm is a extra conventional museum-style attraction. The preserved sugar plantation is an ode to a few of Hawaii’s extra troubling historical past. You can study extra concerning the business of sugar plantations and the property itself on considered one of many excursions. While, for extra informative actions, simply up the highway, there’s additionally the Kauai Museum. This museum is centered round artifacts and archives of native historical past and tradition. You’ll discover a great deal of displays – from sections on WWII to sections on Kauai’s historical past of browsing.

Don’t overlook to take a look at a number of the east coast’s seashores as effectively (not simply seashore parks). Kealia Beach and Kalapaki Beach are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes by the inland east aspect. Cooling off with a swim or having fun with watersports is a should when visiting Kauai.

Looking at neighborhoods is massively important when deciding the place to keep in Kauai. The major cities in the east are Wailua, Lihue, Hanamaulu, Kapa’a, Kealia, and Anahola. These cities have sensible entry to seashores, resorts, and nightlife. Lihue can be dwelling to an airport, which is actually handy.

Where to Stay on the East Shore

Budget: Kauai Beach House Hostel

Finding budget-friendly motels in Kauai is fairly difficult. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Beach House Hostel is notable. Situated on the shoreline, visitors have nearly doorstep seashore entry and ocean views. Depending in your preferences, you possibly can go for a non-public or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Beach House Hostel is a implausible approach to make new mates and lower your expenses on a single complement.

Mid-Range: Wyndham Kaua’i Beach Villas

Wyndham Kaua’i Beach Villas is a pleasant resort with a central location in Lihue. The three-star lodge takes a barely completely different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Ideal for a mid-range finances, you possibly can profit from having a kitchen to hold your meals finances low but additionally benefit from the luxurious amenities. These stated amenities embody a pool and tennis courts.

Luxury: Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons

Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons is the chief of all the luxurious resorts on Kauai. And whereas the east aspect is famend for its top-tier number of luxurious lodging selections, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out in specific. Located in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property presents a number of elegant villas. Guests additionally obtain entry to a health heart and expansive outside pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.

VRBO: Oceanfront Condo With Gorgeous Balcony View

When it comes to trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a number of selections. However, this VRBO property is proof of how wonderful renting a vacation dwelling might be when visiting Hawaii.

The top-floor condominium is modernly adorned and not too long ago renovated to present a flashy place to keep on Kauai. The profitable characteristic is the big balcony with ocean and seashore views. You can get pleasure from your mornings with beautiful views of the Hawaiian shoreline with a bit of breakfast bar and stools. During the day, you’ll have quick entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a non-public pool, BBQ space, and tools like mountaineering poles and boogie boards to borrow. You’ll be extraordinarily comfy and much more well-entertained.

Where to keep in Kauai FAQs

Now that we’ve lined the place to keep in Kauai, what about some frequent FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars you want to know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.

What aspect of Kauai is greatest to keep on?

Overall, the north coast of Kauai is the perfect to keep. It is dwelling to the Napali Coast and spectacular pure surroundings, plus it isn’t too removed from facilities and socializing. It balances the remoteness of the west coast with the leisure of the south and east coasts.

What is the perfect city to keep in Kauai?

Kilauea is a gorgeous city to keep in Kauai. The city is surrounded by wildlife refuges, golf programs, and a shocking shoreline.

Is it higher to keep in the north or south of Kauai?

In brief, it depends upon what you need. We suggest the north as it’s shut to a few of Kauai’s greatest points of interest and outside actions. But, if you would like a extra resort city ambiance, the south is best to go to.

What is best Poipu or Princeville?

Princeville is greatest for visiting the Napali Coast and experiencing the north shore of Kauai. The area round Princeville is roofed in parks and pure magnificence. Poipu is greatest if you would like a south coast expertise, with a busy seashore vibe and enjoyable ambiance.

What is the perfect aspect of Kauai to keep on?

The greatest aspect of Kauai to keep on is the north. The north aspect of Kauai is roofed in iconic pure landscapes. It is terrific for getting a style of the island’s distinctive geography.

When is the perfect time of 12 months to go to Kauai?

Stick to the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This approach, regardless of the place you select to keep, you received’t be combating over spots to your seashore towel or making an attempt to peer over crowds of different vacationers at lookout factors. The off-peak seasons are September to December and April to June. September is probably going the perfect of those months, with the mildest climate and barely any rain.

How a lot time do you want in Kauai?

Give your self round per week to discover Kauai. The island is a gorgeous place to hike and chill out, and cramming tons into a brief size of time will solely negatively influence your expertise. The longer, the higher.

Deciding on Where to Stay in Kauai

Deciding the place to keep in Kauai actually entails a number of selections. Whether you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a implausible time. The island is ideal for many who need to spend plenty of time outdoor. The stacks of attention-grabbing seashores, hikes, and all of the facilities in Kauai’s cities make exploring thrilling.

Fancy some extra Kauai inspiration? We have a whole information on the greatest issues to do on Kauai – from mountaineering the Kalalalu Trail to making an attempt shave ice. And, in fact, in the event you can go to a couple of Hawaiian island, why wouldn’t you? Maui is one other great island to go to in Hawaii, and we’ve compiled a information on the place to keep in Maui as effectively.