Kauai is likely one of the most stunning Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful alternative should you’re deciding the place to keep in Hawaii. Kauai is dwelling to beautiful hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and a whole bunch of sandy seashores. Kauai is so stuffed 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 wonderful alternative.
Of course, Kauai can be stuffed with among the greatest motels and greatest resorts in Hawaii. The variety of decisions 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 most effective motels and resorts to select from in every space? This information offers you the total rundown on the place to keep in Kauai. We’ve received heaps to cowl, so let’s begin instantly.
1. South Shore
The south shore of Kauai is likely one of the island’s hottest locations to keep. This area is filled with vacationer infrastructure and business pleasure – good if you would like a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento procuring. The south aspect of Kauai can be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental automobiles. In quick, the south shore is the place to keep in Kauai if you would like every little thing inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy ambiance.
Apart from its nice location, the south shore’s sights 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 all the time 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 one in all many picnic benches.
Similarly, Shipwreck Beach is a incredible spot. A little bit quieter than many different south shore seashores, getting to this seashore entails a brief coastal hike. Instead of turtles, we propose mountain climbing to Shipwreck Beach to admire the sundown – which is gorgeous over the rocky shore and scenic headland. And, for extra of an city expertise, you may go to the procuring facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s lots to do and all the time 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 glorious seashore entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is situated proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has a protracted street main immediately to Waimea Canyon, with a handful of gorgeous 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 wonderful choice. 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 good looking, budget-friendly resort on the south coast. The south aspect of Kauai isn’t recognized for reasonable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for finances choices.
Guests hire a complete unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the worth of a resort or different resort. While not as well-liked as among 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 one in all Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is ready throughout a large expanse of river-style swimming pools and tropical gardens. Each resort room has a personal balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And when it comes to your night meal, there are usually not one however seven totally 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, calm down with incredible services, 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 middle.
Guests can select rooms and suites, the latter of which comes with a full kitchen. Of course, there shall be no want for a kitchen in the morning as you’ve gotten 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 taking a look at 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 glorious 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 stunning, 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 complete island is gorgeous, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For those that love images, nature, and out of doors adventures, the north shore is the place to keep in Kauai.
The north shore of Kauai is roofed in pure sights. You are actually spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to mountain climbing trails and lovely seashores like Hideaways Beach and Tunnels Beach. However, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so stunning 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 mountain climbing the Kalalau Trail or taking a scenic helicopter experience – a completely 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 good looking 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 choose beautiful views with out the hassle of lengthy hikes, try the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is a superb choice. This lookout has sweeping views of the valley and plush greenery, good for getting a perspective of the island’s scale and vegetation. Just behind the lookout, Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge is one other stunning place to go to – with mountain climbing 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 situated on the shoreline. Hanalei is located in Hanalei Bay, with a sheltered seashore and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is far bigger and accommodates a combination of residential properties and rental 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 sights and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a pleasing, laid-back ambiance.
The north shore of Kauai is right for these wanting a quiet expertise on the island with out sacrificing easy accessibility to the most effective seashores and sights. 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 out of doors adventures which might be so stunning that they demand a digital camera.
Where to Stay on the North Shore
Budget: Hanalei Surfboard House
Hanalei Surfboard House is likely one of the most budget-friendly spots on the north shore. Having gained a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2022, it is extremely 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 stunning Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a straightforward winner. The resort presents apartment-style rooms with comfy dwelling areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally sizzling tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a incredible location and spectacular services.
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 supplies a complimentary shuttle service for sights 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 must you need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an opulent spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Condo With Stunning Views
This rental is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Situated on the outskirts of Princeville, you’ve gotten incredible entry to all of the city’s facilities and sights. However, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness thanks to your clifftop locale. You can entry an nearly non-public seashore set in a little-known cove out of your backdoor. And in sure seasons, you may watch migrating whales out of your window.
While Kauai has some fairly spectacular VRBO leases, this rental stood out for apparent causes. We love the look of the pure setting and the sense of privateness regardless of being situated exterior of Princeville. Definitely pay attention to this property.
3. West Shore
If the north shore is quiet, the west aspect of Kauai is totally asleep. The west aspect is nearly completely undeveloped pure landscapes, with just some 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. An enormous 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 mountain climbing and wildlife-watching on the west aspect of Kauai. Pack your mountain climbing boots, binoculars, a digital camera, and a giant water bottle. Because the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental automobiles and investing in one on your keep on Kauai is worth it. It helps to get round and entry all of the totally different parks and trails. Plus, if you need to head into the foremost cities, it’s simply a straightforward drive away.
In phrases of official sights, 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 chicken watchers to spot its everlasting and short-term 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 on your itinerary. It is a superb indoor attraction to escape the solar for a bit. Similarly, Waimea Canyon has loads of gorgeous drive-in lookouts for individuals who aren’t as eager on mountain climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back mountain climbing days.
The solely actual city on the west aspect of Kauai is Kekaha, a tiny city on the southwest coast. Kekaha has all the foremost services it’s possible you’ll want when visiting Kauai. If you continue to need a ‘town’ expertise of the island, we suggest staying right here somewhat than in a extra distant setting on the west aspect. Otherwise, if you would like the entire distant expertise, you will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. Book a rental automobile and revel in being nestled away in the center of lush valleys and abandoned, gorgeous seashores.
Where to Stay on the West Shore
Budget: The Cabins at Kokee
The Cabins at Kokee is a wonderful budget-friendly lodging choice proper in the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but comfy, this three-star resort is a enjoyable spot to select when looking for Kauai lodgings on a finances. You’ll be primarily based 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 may get pleasure from a central location inside Waimea, on the south finish of the west coast. The inn has a quiet, non-public 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 won’t look like the epitome of luxurious motels. Still, Waimea Plantation Cottages are the most suitable choice for high quality on the west shore. The plantation-style property has a collection of 1-3 bed room cottages to select between, plus services that embody an out of doors pool. With extras like BBQ services and personal patios, it’s a actually comfy place to expertise Kauai. You are additionally primarily based proper in the guts 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 massive home windows for maximized views. While the cottage is constructed in conventional plantation fashion, it’s modernly adorned and excellent for a classy, fashionable place to keep in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an out of doors 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 business and built-up, with loads of city facilities. It is right for guests who need to be in the guts of the motion. There shall be no want to hire a rental automobile should you don’t fancy driving, as every little thing is accessible and tour operators supply pick-up transportation companies. The east coast is filled with actions, the most effective 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 flowers. You may even camp with a chosen 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 in regards to the business of sugar plantations and the property itself on one in all many excursions. While, for extra informative actions, simply up the street, 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 try among the east coast’s seashores as nicely (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 admittedly 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 may go for a personal or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Beach House Hostel is a incredible approach to make new buddies 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 resort takes a barely totally different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Ideal for a mid-range finances, you may take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals finances low but additionally benefit from the luxurious services. These stated services 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 decisions, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out in explicit. 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 middle and expansive out of doors 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 decisions. However, this VRBO property is proof of how wonderful renting a vacation dwelling might be when visiting Hawaii.
The top-floor rental is modernly adorned and just lately renovated to present a flashy place to keep on Kauai. The successful characteristic is the massive balcony with ocean and seashore views. You can get pleasure from your mornings with gorgeous views of the Hawaiian shoreline with just a little breakfast bar and stools. During the day, you’ll have speedy entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and tools like mountain climbing 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 coated 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 most effective 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 most effective city to keep in Kauai?
Kilauea is a good looking 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 quick, it will depend on what you need. We suggest the north as it’s shut to a few of Kauai’s greatest sights and out of doors actions. But, if you would like a extra resort city ambiance, the south is healthier to go to.
What is healthier 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 most effective 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 most effective time of yr to go to Kauai?
Stick to the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This approach, irrespective of the place you select to keep, you gained’t be preventing over spots on 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 most effective of those months, with the mildest climate and barely any rain.
How a lot time do you want in Kauai?
Give your self round every week to discover Kauai. The island is a good looking place to hike and calm down, and cramming heaps into a brief size of time will solely negatively affect your expertise. The longer, the higher.
Deciding on Where to Stay in Kauai
Deciding the place to keep in Kauai definitely entails a number of decisions. Whether you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a incredible time. The island is ideal for individuals who need to spend numerous time outdoor. The stacks of fascinating seashores, hikes, and all of the facilities in Kauai’s cities make exploring thrilling.
Fancy some extra Kauai inspiration? We have an entire information on the greatest issues to do on Kauai – from mountain climbing the Kalalalu Trail to making an attempt shave ice. And, in fact, should you can go to multiple 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 nicely.