Kauai Hotels Guide
Kauai is the epitome of paradise with its pristine beaches, lush green mountains, wild canyons, and tropical valleys of palms. This Hawaiian island truly has accommodations for every travel style. If you’re looking for lavish resorts, you will find them on Kauai. Many of the island’s hotels offer comparable amenities to Kauai’s top resorts but focus more on your individual travel needs. Take a look at all of the best Kauai hotels that this beautiful island has to offer.
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Where to Sleep
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North Shore
The North Shore of Kauai is home to the picturesque Napali coast, beaches, and the affluent Princeville. The area is postcard-worthy and an excellent base for your time on the island.
East Side
The East Side of Kauai is the most populated part of the island, and it’s as busy as the island gets. A significant portion of the island’s east side is dedicated to commercial development, with a wide selection of stores and restaurants. There is still plenty to see and do here on the East Side, but you will find it to be a bit more commercial than other parts of the island.
South Shore
This part of the island gets the best weather, and as a result, you’ll find it is the most popular with travelers. Anchored by Poipu, there are a variety of resorts, accommodations and noteworthy beaches on the South Shore.
West Side
If you want a more raw and wild feel, then the West Side of Kauai is for you. This part of the island is intriguing in both the lack of development and the amazing geology. You’ll find that the west side of the island is more barren. However, it is home to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific and the beginning of the Napali Coast.
Budget Hotels
Banyan Harbor Resort
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.5/5
The Banyan Harbor Resort is an ideal base for your next island getaway. You’ll feel the aloha spirit from the moment you set foot in the island-styled lobby. The Banyan Harbor Resort is a tropical resort that is perfect for the whole family. Each spacious condo is comfortable and clean, with tropical decor and full-sized kitchens. Guests can plan their excursions from the comfort of the spacious living room or take in the beautiful views from the private lanai. This hotel is close to many of Kauai’s top attractions, Kalapaki Beach, shopping, delicious restaurants, activities and thrilling entertainment. Guests will also be in close proximity to three of Kauai’s top golf courses.
The Kauai Inn
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.2/5
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Lihue (East Side), look no further than The Kauai Inn. This family-friendly hotel is your “home away from home.” Each room offers a refrigerator and air conditioning. Guests have access to a concierge, a picnic area and a sun terrace during their stay. In addition, The Kauai Inn offers a pool and barbeque facilities, free parking available to all guests. The inn is a short distance from popular attractions, including the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall and Ninini Point Lighthouse.
Kauai Shores Hotel
Price: $ Average Rating: 4.5/5
The Kauai Shores Hotel is a beachfront, resort-like hotel along a secluded beach on Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast. Each contemporary guest room features retro-modern designs, vibrant island colors, mini-refrigerators, and Keurig coffee makers. Each room has a private lanai with a beautiful mountain, garden, pool or ocean view. The property features six beachfront acres of lush tropical lawns and gardens and 2 outdoor swimming pools. A complimentary bike rental is included with your stay. You can also dine at the Lava Lava Beach Club at the hotel for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kauai Palms Hotel
Price: $ Average Rating: 4/5
Nestled in Lihue, the Kauai Palms Hotel offers affordability and style just minutes away from the Lihue Airport. Perfect for the budget-minded traveler, this vintage hotel was built in the 1950s and has been updated and decorated to reflect the days of “old Hawaii.” With a variety of room options, including standard, deluxe, and studio rooms, as well as 2 bedroom cottages. Each room comes complete with a kitchenette or full kitchen, air conditioning and comfortable plush beds. Take a stroll around the tropical grounds in the evening before heading to Lihue to grab some delicious local cuisine.
The West Inn Kauai
Price: $ Average Rating: 4/5
The West Inn Kauai is in Waimea on the West Side of the Garden Isle. This vintage inspired hotel offers rooms and suites with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. The location of The West Inn can’t be beat with its attractions like Waimea Canyon, historic Waimea Town, and Polihale Beach. You won’t find a better base for your Kauai adventures on the island’s West Side. If you are looking for a tropical escape, you’ve found it!
Kauai Beach Villas
Price: $ Average Rating: 4/5
Kauai Beach Villas is set in stunning Hanamaulu. This resort features spacious 1 and 2 bedroom condo-style resort suites that comfortably sleep up to six guests. Each room features a private balcony and/or patio and a fully equipped kitchen, including refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave. These are an ideal option for larger families, as some suites offer multiple bathrooms and bedrooms. During your stay, you can enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub.
*Be advised there are no elevators in this hotel.
Midrange Hotels
Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.5/5
Whether your dream trip includes high-energy fun, quiet relaxation or the best of both worlds, the Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas is perfect for you. Nestled high into the cliff terrain of Princeville, near the Makai golf course, this resort features the best Kauai’s north shore has to offer. Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas offers spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom resort suites featuring full kitchens and the convenience of a washer/dryer. Plus, a private lanai, perfect for enjoying the Kauai views. Enjoy the lush gardens and the 2 pools that create a serene tropical setting perfect for relaxing in the Kauai sunshine.
Hotel Coral Reef Resort
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.5/5
Hotel Coral Reef was built in 1956 and is famously known as the island’s original boutique hotel. With its beautiful oceanfront location, the historic town of Kapaa is just steps from the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Each room offers an ocean or garden view, and the private lanai is perfect for enjoying beautiful Kauai sunsets. The hotel itself is perched on a beautiful coral reef, making it an ideal place to snorkel. The hotel has direct access to the Ke Ala Hele Makalae, or “the path that goes by the coast,” allowing you to bike, walk, or stroll the magnificent coastline.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai at Wailua Bay
Price: $$$ Average Rating: 4/5
The Hilton Garden Inn Kauai has a beachfront location on beautiful Wailua Bay that will take your breath away. The hotel has been renovated recently and now features suites and 2 room cottages. Each room has an ocean, mountain, or garden view from your private lanai. Relax by one of the pools and make sure to check out the new poolside tiki bar, Mamahune’s. This beautiful hotel makes an excellent base for your Kauai adventure as it’s a 5-minute drive from famous Opaekaa Falls, Sleeping Giant Trail Head, and Fern Grotto. It’s also within 15 minutes of Kapaa Town, Wailua Falls, and Lihue Airport.
Waipouli Beach Resorts and Spa
Price: $$ Average Rating: 4.6/5
Located in Kapaa, the beachfront Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa offers up a family-friendly, amenity packed stay on beautiful Kauai. Rooms at the resort feature flat screen TVs and kitchenettes, providing both entertainment and convenience. Enjoy the pool, full-service spa, and lounge during your stay, all of which will have you relaxing in no time. You’ll also have direct access to the Kauai Bike Trail while staying at the resort. If you’re feeling hungry, make sure to check out Big Wave Dave’s, a pub that is popular with locals and travelers alike.
The Iso
Price: $$$ Average Rating: 4/5
You’ll find that The Iso is unequaled when it comes to romance, adventure, and Hawaiian culture. Located in Kapaa on Kauai’s east coast, this boutique hotel encompasses the best the Garden Isle has to offer. Each room features a private lanai to enjoy the gorgeous ocean views. The rooms are meant to feel like your own private retreat and to help you relax during your island getaway. Enjoy yoga and tai chi, or grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s famous Bull Shed Restaurant. You can dine on steak, seafood and sip delicious tropical cocktails with an ocean-side view. Enjoy the live entertainment that is performed nightly by local artists.
High-End Hotels
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
Price: $$$ Average Rating: 4.7/5
The Koloa Landing Resort is nestled in the heart of Poipu on the sunny South Shore of Kauai. Situated on 25 acres of lush tropical gardens, this resort offers everything from deluxe studios to 1, 2, 3, & even 4-bedroom luxurious villas, making this the perfect base for couples and families alike. Each studio offers a kitchenette and a full-size washer/dryer. Each villa features a full kitchen, expansive lanai, washer/dryer, and private bathrooms for every bedroom. Guests can enjoy the signature pool, complete with swim and walk-through grotto, water slides, and poolside cabanas. The resort also features an adult-only pool with a lagoon and a waterfall.
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Price: $$$$ Average Rating: 4.5/5
You can rest easy at the Sheraton Kauai Resort, an oasis nestled on the shores of the world-famous Poipu Beach. Guest rooms and suites feature stunning oceanfront or garden views from private lanais. You can spend your days soaking up the sun on Poipu Beach or relaxing in a cabana next to the stunning Ocean Pool. The location of the Sheraton Kauai Resort is close to pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and many world-class golf courses. Dining at one of the resort’s restaurants, including RumFire Poipu Beach, Lava’s on Poipu Beach, or Link Café is a treat.
Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
Price: $$$ Average Rating: 4.5/5
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue sits on beautiful Kalapaki Beach. This family-friendly resort offers rooms boasting private terraces or balconies with views of the ocean, gardens, or the tropical pool. Each room provides a pillow-top mattress, a walk-in shower, and a Keurig coffee maker. Unique among resorts in Kauai, The Royal Sonesta offers a wide variety of amenities that include easy beach access and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus championship golf course at the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. Make sure to dine at one of the Royal Sonesta’s 3 restaurants and bars. Kukui’s is right on Kalapaki Beach and offers a delicious variety of international cuisine.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Price: $$$$ Average Rating: 4.8/5
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a sustainable sanctuary on Kauai’s North Coast, and it’s perfect for those looking for an eco-friendly island stay. This family-friendly resort offers rooms with spacious living areas, private balconies, and beautiful views. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is a wellness sanctuary designed to completely immerse you in Kauai’s natural wonder. With plenty of outdoor adventures and activities that include spa treatments, fitness, curated events, and local experiences. You can also enjoy the resort’s 7 restaurants and beverage outlets that offer fresh, local, sustainably sourced farm-to-table ingredients. Don’t miss their signature restaurant, 1 Kitchen, where seasonal dishes are perfected using only the freshest local foods.
Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club
Price: $$$ Average Rating: 4.7/5
The Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club is a beachfront resort on stunning Poipu Beach, and the resort offers both guest rooms and 2 bedroom vacation rental villas that provide comfort and chic Kauai island style. Perfect for families, guest rooms offer a king bed and sofa bed for added space. The 2 bedroom villas feature ocean or island views with separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and plenty of space to spread out. Enjoy one of several outdoor pools, including a children’s pool and whirlpool spas. At the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Kauai and Poipu Beach.
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