Kauai is likely one of the most stunning Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful selection 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 a whole lot 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 wonderful selection.
Of course, Kauai can also be filled with a number of the greatest lodges 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 facet or the west facet? And what are the most effective lodges and resorts to select from in every space? This information will provide you with the complete rundown on the place to keep in Kauai. We’ve bought 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 full of vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – good if you’d like a vacation filled with sightseeing and memento buying. The south facet of Kauai can also be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental vehicles. In quick, the south shore is the place to keep in Kauai if you’d 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 probably 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 superb to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Beach Park is the world surrounding this sandy seaside. It is right for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You can seize a seat on certainly one of many picnic benches.
Similarly, Shipwreck Beach is a incredible spot. A little bit quieter than many different south shore seashores, getting to this seaside includes a brief coastal hike. Instead of turtles, we advise mountain climbing 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 may 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 glorious seaside entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is positioned proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has an extended highway main instantly to Waimea Canyon, with a handful of beautiful viewpoints alongside the way in which. If you need to go to Waimea Canyon (nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), staying in Waimea is a wonderful 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 good looking, budget-friendly lodge on the south coast. The south facet of Kauai isn’t identified for reasonable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for funds choices.
Guests lease a complete unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the worth of a resort or different lodge. While not as widespread as a number of the alternate options in this information, it’s undoubtedly worthwhile if you’d like to lower your expenses.
Mid-Range: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a dreamy mid-range property and certainly 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 usually are 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, chill out with incredible 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 middle.
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 might 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 final 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 snug and fairly priced at underneath $200 per night time (relying on the season).
2. North Shore
The north shore of Kauai is way, 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 all the 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 sights. You are really spoiled for selection, 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 trip – a fully unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Chances are, you’ll acknowledge photos 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 method 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 sort out 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 average distance. If you’d want beautiful views with out the hassle 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 luxurious 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 principle 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 seaside and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is way bigger and comprises 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 sights 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 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 outside adventures which are so stunning that they demand a digicam.
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 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 swimsuit any funds traveler.
Mid-Range: Hanalei Bay Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort is a beautiful mid-range lodging selection 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 snug residing areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally scorching tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a incredible 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 gives 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 do you have to need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an opulent 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 might have incredible entry to all of the city’s facilities and sights. However, you even have beautiful views and a way of serene privateness thanks to your clifftop locale. You can entry an virtually non-public seaside 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 condominium stood out for apparent causes. We love the look of the pure setting and the sense of privateness regardless of being positioned outdoors of Princeville. Definitely pay attention to this property.
3. West Shore
If the north shore is quiet, the west facet of Kauai is totally asleep. The west facet is sort of totally undeveloped pure landscapes, with just some tiny cities (extra akin to villages) dotted alongside the shoreline. The majority of the west facet 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 facet. For these fascinated by nature and reserves, staying on the island’s west facet 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 facet of Kauai. Pack your mountain climbing boots, binoculars, a digicam, and an enormous 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 totally different parks and trails. Plus, while you need to head into the most important cities, it’s simply a straightforward drive away.
In phrases of official sights, Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is a superb place to go to. The reserve is located alongside the west shoreline. It has a brief path for hen watchers to spot its everlasting and momentary winged residents. Bring binoculars and a digicam; 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 superb 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 mountain climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back mountain climbing days.
The solely actual city on the west facet of Kauai is Kekaha, a tiny city on the southwest coast. Kekaha has all the most important amenities you might want when visiting Kauai. If you continue to need a ‘town’ expertise of the island, we suggest staying right here reasonably than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. Otherwise, if you’d like the entire distant expertise, you could find 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 wonderful budget-friendly lodging possibility proper in the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but snug, this three-star lodge is a enjoyable spot to select when trying to find Kauai lodgings on a funds. 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 lodges. 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 amenities that embrace an outside pool. With extras like BBQ amenities and personal patios, it’s a actually snug 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 company 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 model, it’s modernly embellished and ideal for an elegant, stylish place to keep in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an outside scorching 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 bushes. 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 guts of the motion. There will likely be no want to lease a rental automotive in the event you don’t fancy driving, as every little thing is accessible and tour operators provide pick-up transportation companies. The east coast is full of actions, the most effective seashores, and loads of character.
The neatest thing to do on the island’s east is to go to the seaside 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’d 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 trade of sugar plantations and the property itself on certainly 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 seaside parks). Kealia Beach and Kalapaki Beach are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes via the inland east facet. 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 most important 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 also be dwelling to an airport, which is basically handy.
Where to Stay on the East Shore
Budget: Kauai Beach House Hostel
Finding budget-friendly lodges in Kauai is fairly difficult. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Beach House Hostel is notable. Situated on the shoreline, company have virtually doorstep seaside entry and ocean views. Depending in your preferences, you may go for a non-public or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Beach House Hostel is a incredible method to make new pals 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 totally different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Ideal for a mid-range funds, you may take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals funds low but additionally benefit from the luxurious amenities. These mentioned amenities embrace a pool and tennis courts.
Luxury: Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons
Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons is the chief of all the posh resorts on Kauai. And whereas the east facet is famend for its top-tier number of luxurious lodging selections, 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 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 superb renting a vacation dwelling might be when visiting Hawaii.
The top-floor condominium is modernly embellished and just lately renovated to present a flashy place to keep on Kauai. The profitable characteristic is the big balcony with ocean and seaside views. You can get pleasure from your mornings with beautiful views of the Hawaiian shoreline with somewhat breakfast bar and stools. During the day, you’ll have rapid entry to Kealia and its seaside. The property additionally has a non-public pool, BBQ space, and tools like mountain climbing poles and boogie boards to borrow. You’ll be extraordinarily snug 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 facet 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 outside actions. But, if you’d 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’d like a south coast expertise, with a busy seaside vibe and enjoyable ambiance.
What is the most effective facet of Kauai to keep on?
The greatest facet of Kauai to keep on is the north. The north facet 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 method, regardless of the place you select to keep, you received’t be preventing over spots to your seaside towel or attempting 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 chill out, 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 actually includes a number of selections. Whether you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a incredible time. The island is ideal for many who need to spend a lot of 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 a whole information on the greatest issues to do on Kauai – from mountain climbing the Kalalalu Trail to attempting shave ice. And, after all, in the event 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 effectively.