Kauai is likely one of the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a superb selection if you happen to’re deciding the place to keep in Hawaii. Kauai is dwelling to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and tons of 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’re selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a superb selection.
Of course, Kauai can be stuffed with among the greatest lodges 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 facet or the west facet? And what are one of the best lodges and resorts to select from in every space? This information gives you the complete rundown on the place to keep in Kauai. We’ve acquired 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 – excellent if you’d like a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento purchasing. The south facet 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’d like all the things inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy environment.
Apart from its nice location, the south shore’s points of interest 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 good 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. Just a little quieter than many different south shore seashores, getting to this seaside entails a brief coastal hike. Instead of turtles, we recommend mountaineering 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’ll be able to go to the purchasing facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s a lot 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 street main straight 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 superb possibility. Koloa and Waimea are our prime 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 an exquisite, budget-friendly resort 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 price range 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 common as among the options in this information, it’s undoubtedly worthwhile if you’d like to get monetary savings.
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 resort room has a non-public balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And when it comes to your night meal, there will not be one however seven totally different eating places to select from.
Guests on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious environment. You can take pleasure in complimentary cultural experiences, calm down with implausible 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 heart.
Guests can select rooms and suites, the latter of which comes with a full kitchen. Of course, there will probably 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 this property, it’s clear why. Set in Poipu, this VRBO property is good 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 evening (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 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 all the island is gorgeous, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For those that love pictures, 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 actually spoiled for selection, from verdant mountains to mountaineering trails and lovely 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 motion pictures. 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 journey – 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 unbelievable surroundings and a large draw of the north shore.
As we talked about, the Kalalau Trail is an exquisite approach to expertise the shoreline. You ought to undoubtedly strive to full this difficult route in case you are an skilled hiker. You can ebook 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 average distance. If you’d want attractive views with out the hassle of lengthy hikes, try 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, 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 seaside and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is way bigger and comprises a mix of residential properties and apartment 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 pleasing, laid-back environment.
The north shore of Kauai is good for these wanting a quiet expertise on the island with out sacrificing quick access to one of the best 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 might be so lovely 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 received 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 environment go well with any price range 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 lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a straightforward 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 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 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 must you need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an opulent spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Condo With Stunning Views
This apartment is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Situated on the outskirts of Princeville, you’ve gotten implausible entry to all of the city’s facilities and points of interest. However, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness thanks to your clifftop locale. You can entry an virtually personal seaside set in a little-known cove out of your backdoor. And in sure seasons, you’ll be able to watch migrating whales out of your window.
While Kauai has some fairly spectacular VRBO leases, this apartment 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 nearly 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 lots of time mountaineering and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your mountaineering boots, binoculars, a digital camera, and an enormous water bottle. Because the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental vehicles and investing in one in your keep on Kauai is worth it. It helps to get round and entry all of the totally different parks and trails. Plus, whenever you need to head into the most important cities, it’s simply a straightforward 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 chicken 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 in your itinerary. It is a good indoor attraction to escape the solar for a bit. Similarly, Waimea Canyon has loads of gorgeous 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 facet of Kauai is Kekaha, a tiny city on the southwest coast. Kekaha has all the most important services chances are you’ll want when visiting Kauai. If you continue to need a ‘town’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here fairly than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. Otherwise, if you’d like the entire distant expertise, you’ll 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, gorgeous 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 resort is a enjoyable spot to select when trying to find Kauai lodgings on a price range. 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’ll be able to take pleasure in 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’re by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxury: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage may not appear to be 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 sequence of 1-3 bed room cottages to select between, plus services that embrace 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 attractive cottage sleeps up to 4 company 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 fashion, 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 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 bushes. 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 good for guests who need to be in the guts of the motion. There will probably be no want to hire a rental automotive if you happen to don’t fancy driving, as all the things is accessible and tour operators supply pick-up transportation companies. The east coast is filled with actions, one of the best 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 attractive, with expansive views and enclosed areas for swimming and snorkeling. In the water, you’ll be mesmerized by the tropical fish and subterranean flora. You may even camp with a chosen 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 be taught extra in regards to the trade of sugar plantations and the property itself on considered one of 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 neglect to try among 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 important cities in the east are Wailua, Lihue, Hanamaulu, Kapa’a, Kealia, and Anahola. These cities have good entry to seashores, resorts, and nightlife. Lihue can be dwelling to an airport, which is absolutely handy.
Where to Stay on the East Shore
Budget: Kauai Beach House Hostel
Finding budget-friendly lodges in Kauai is fairly tough. 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’ll be able to 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 buddies and get monetary savings 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 price range, you’ll be able to profit from having a kitchen to preserve your meals price range low but additionally benefit from the luxurious services. These mentioned services embrace 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 facet is famend for its top-tier number of luxurious lodging decisions, 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 lots of decisions. However, this VRBO property is proof of how superb renting a vacation dwelling may be when visiting Hawaii.
The top-floor apartment is modernly embellished and not too long ago renovated to present a flashy place to keep on Kauai. The profitable function is the big balcony with ocean and seaside views. You can take pleasure in your mornings with gorgeous 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 seaside. The property additionally has a non-public pool, BBQ space, and gear 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 widespread 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 one of the best 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 one of the best city to keep in Kauai?
Kilauea is an exquisite 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 is dependent upon what you need. We advocate the north as it’s shut to a few of Kauai’s greatest points of interest and outside actions. But, if you’d like a extra resort city environment, 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 environment.
What is one of the best 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 one of the best time of 12 months to go to Kauai?
Stick to the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This approach, irrespective of the place you select to keep, you received’t be preventing over spots in your seaside 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 one of the best 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 an exquisite place to hike and calm down, and cramming heaps 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 definitely entails lots of decisions. 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 numerous time open air. 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 an entire information on the greatest issues to do on Kauai – from mountaineering the Kalalalu Trail to making an attempt shave ice. And, after all, if you happen to can go to multiple Hawaiian island, why wouldn’t you? Maui is one other fantastic island to go to in Hawaii, and we’ve compiled a information on the place to keep in Maui as effectively.