Kauai is likely one of the most stunning Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful selection should you’re deciding the place to keep in Hawaii. Kauai is residence to beautiful 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 wonderful selection.
Of course, Kauai can be stuffed with a number of the greatest inns 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 inns and resorts to select from in every space? This information offers you the total 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 filled with vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – good if you would 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 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 superb to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Beach Park is the realm surrounding this sandy seaside. It is good 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 implausible spot. Somewhat quieter than many different south shore seashores, getting to this seaside includes a brief coastal hike. Instead of turtles, we recommend 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’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 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 wonderful seaside entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is situated 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 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 stupendous, 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 finances choices.
Guests hire a complete 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 one in all Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is about throughout an enormous expanse of river-style swimming pools and tropical gardens. Each lodge 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 take pleasure in complimentary cultural experiences, calm down 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 might be no want for a kitchen in the morning as you may 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 good 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 evening (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 your entire island is beautiful, 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 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 motion pictures. 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 journey – 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 unbelievable surroundings and an enormous draw of the north shore.
As we talked about, the Kalalau Trail is a stupendous means to expertise the shoreline. You ought to undoubtedly attempt to full this difficult route if you’re 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 desire 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 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 seaside and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is far bigger and accommodates a combination of residential properties and apartment complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is residence 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 good 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 might be 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 gained a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2022, it is rather 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 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 simple winner. The resort gives apartment-style rooms with comfy residing areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally scorching 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 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 expensive 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 may have implausible 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 nearly non-public 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 situated 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 completely 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 a giant water bottle. Because the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental automobiles 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 key cities, it’s simply a simple 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 chook watchers to spot its everlasting and short-term winged residents. Bring binoculars and a digicam; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is residence to many endangered species. The Kokee Natural History Museum is one other gem in 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 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 facet of Kauai is Kekaha, a tiny city on the southwest coast. Kekaha has all the key amenities it’s possible you’ll want when visiting Kauai. If you continue to desire a ‘town’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here slightly than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. Otherwise, if you would like the entire distant expertise, you could find 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, beautiful 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 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’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, non-public 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 won’t seem to be the epitome of luxurious inns. 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 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 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 fashion, it’s modernly adorned and ideal for an elegant, fashionable 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 good for guests who need to be in the center of the motion. There might be no want to hire a rental automobile should you don’t fancy driving, as every little thing is accessible and tour operators provide 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 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 flora. 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 be taught extra concerning the trade of sugar plantations and the property itself on one in all 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 by 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 good entry to seashores, resorts, and nightlife. Lihue can be residence to an airport, which is de facto handy.
Where to Stay on the East Shore
Budget: Kauai Beach House Hostel
Finding budget-friendly inns 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 nearly doorstep seaside entry and ocean views. Depending in your preferences, you’ll be able to go for a personal or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Beach House Hostel is a implausible means 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 finances, you’ll be able to benefit from having a kitchen to maintain your meals finances low but additionally benefit from the luxurious amenities. These mentioned 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 facet is famend for its top-tier choice 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 gives a choice 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 superb renting a vacation residence might be when visiting Hawaii.
The top-floor apartment is modernly adorned and just lately 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 beautiful views of the Hawaiian shoreline with somewhat breakfast bar and stools. During the day, you’ll have instant entry to Kealia and its seaside. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and gear 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 facet of Kauai is greatest to keep on?
Overall, the north coast of Kauai is the most effective to keep. It is residence 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 stupendous city to keep in Kauai. The city is surrounded by wildlife refuges, golf programs, and a surprising shoreline.
Is it higher to keep in the north or south of Kauai?
In quick, it depends upon what you need. We advocate the north as it’s shut to a few of Kauai’s greatest sights 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 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 means, irrespective of the place you select to keep, you gained’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 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 per week to discover Kauai. The island is a stupendous 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 includes 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 individuals who need to spend plenty of time outside. 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, after all, should 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.