Kauai is likely one of the most stunning Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful alternative in case you’re deciding the place to remain 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’re selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a wonderful alternative.
Of course, Kauai can also be stuffed with a few of the greatest accommodations and greatest resorts in Hawaii. The variety of selections provides an additional issue to deciding the place to remain 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 remain in Kauai? Should you select the north shore or the south shore? The east aspect or the west aspect? And what are the perfect accommodations and resorts to select from in every space? This information gives you the total rundown on the place to remain in Kauai. We’ve received tons 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 remain. This area is filled with vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – excellent if you’d like a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento procuring. The south aspect of Kauai can also be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental automobiles. In brief, the south shore is the place to remain in Kauai if you’d like the whole lot inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy environment.
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 good for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You can seize a seat on one in every of many picnic benches.
Similarly, Shipwreck Beach is a unbelievable spot. Somewhat quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seashore includes a brief coastal hike. Instead of turtles, we advise 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 bask in.
The hottest locations to remain 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 seashore entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is positioned proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has a protracted highway main on 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 possibility. Koloa and Waimea are our prime two suggestions when narrowing down the place to remain 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 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 standard as a few of the options on this information, it’s positively worthwhile if you wish to lower your expenses.
Mid-Range: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a dreamy mid-range property and one in every of Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is about throughout an enormous expanse of river-style swimming pools and tropical gardens. Each resort room has a personal balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And relating to your night meal, there aren’t 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 unbelievable 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 can be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you’ve got a continental breakfast to sit up for.
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 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 fundamental however comfy and fairly priced at below $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 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 out of doors adventures, the north shore is the place to remain in Kauai.
The north shore of Kauai is roofed in pure sights. You are actually spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to 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 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 unbelievable surroundings and an enormous draw of the north shore.
As we talked about, the Kalalau Trail is a good looking technique to expertise the shoreline. You ought to positively attempt to full this difficult route in case you are an skilled hiker. You can ebook a allow to camp and deal with the monitor 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, excellent 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 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 positioned on the shoreline. Hanalei is located in Hanalei Bay, with a sheltered seashore and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is way 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 nice, 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 the perfect 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 remain on Kauai for out of doors adventures which can 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 vitally a lot a rising star on a budget lodging entrance in Kauai. And whereas it focuses on offering lodging for surfers desirous 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 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 residing areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally scorching tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a unbelievable 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 expensive 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 got unbelievable entry to all of the city’s facilities and sights. However, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness because of your clifftop locale. You can entry an virtually personal 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 positioned outdoors of Princeville. Definitely be aware of this property.
3. West Shore
If the north shore is quiet, the west aspect of Kauai is totally asleep. The west aspect is nearly totally undeveloped pure landscapes, with only a few 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 whole lot of time climbing and wildlife-watching on the west aspect of Kauai. Pack your climbing boots, binoculars, a digicam, and a giant water bottle. Because the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental automobiles and investing in a single 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 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 fowl watchers to identify its everlasting and non permanent 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 good indoor attraction to flee the solar for a bit. Similarly, Waimea Canyon has loads of gorgeous drive-in lookouts for many who aren’t as eager on climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back 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 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 somewhat than in a extra distant setting on the west aspect. 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 luxuriate in being nestled away in the midst 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 possibility proper within the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but comfy, this three-star resort is a enjoyable spot to decide on when looking for Kauai lodgings on a price range. You’ll be primarily based in the midst 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 take pleasure in a central location inside Waimea, on the south finish of the west coast. The inn has a quiet, personal really feel because of its restricted variety of visitor rooms. However, because of the property’s city setting, you’re by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxury: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage won’t look like the epitome of luxurious accommodations. Still, Waimea Plantation Cottages are the best choice for high quality on the west shore. The plantation-style property has a collection of 1-3 bed room cottages to decide on between, plus amenities that embody an out of doors pool. With extras like BBQ amenities and personal patios, it’s a actually comfy place to expertise Kauai. You are additionally primarily based proper within the coronary heart of Waimea – a particular bonus.
VRBO: Two Bedroom Plantation Cottage
This beautiful cottage sleeps as much as 4 visitors 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 in-built conventional plantation fashion, it’s modernly embellished and ideal for an elegant, fashionable place to remain in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an out of doors scorching bathe.
4. East Shore
Have you heard of the ‘coconut coast’? The east shore of Kauai coined the nickname the coconut coast because of its acres and acres of coconut timber. 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 within the coronary heart of the motion. There can be no must hire a rental automotive in case you don’t fancy driving, as the whole lot is accessible and tour operators supply pick-up transportation providers. The east coast is filled with actions, the perfect 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 vegetation. 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 concerning the trade of sugar plantations and the property itself on one in every 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 neglect to take a look at a few of the east coast’s seashores as properly (not simply seashore parks). Kealia Beach and Kalapaki Beach are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes by way of 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 remain in Kauai. The principal cities within the east are Wailua, Lihue, Hanamaulu, Kapa’a, Kealia, and Anahola. These cities have good 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 accommodations 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 virtually 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 unbelievable technique 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 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 may profit from having a kitchen to maintain your meals price range low but additionally benefit from the luxurious amenities. These stated amenities embody 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 aspect is famend for its top-tier number of luxurious lodging selections, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out particularly. 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 involves trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a whole lot of selections. However, this VRBO property is proof of how wonderful renting a vacation dwelling will be when visiting Hawaii.
The top-floor rental is modernly embellished and not too long ago renovated to offer a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The profitable characteristic is the big balcony with ocean and seashore 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 rapid entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and tools like climbing poles and boogie boards to borrow. You’ll be extraordinarily comfy and much more well-entertained.
Where to remain in Kauai FAQs
Now that we’ve coated the place to remain in Kauai, what about some widespread FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars it’s good to know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.
What aspect of Kauai is greatest to remain on?
Overall, the north coast of Kauai is the perfect to remain. 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 perfect city to remain in Kauai?
Kilauea is a good looking city to remain in Kauai. The city is surrounded by wildlife refuges, golf programs, and a surprising shoreline.
Is it higher to remain within the north or south of Kauai?
In brief, it relies on what you need. We advocate the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s greatest sights and out of doors 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 seashore vibe and enjoyable environment.
What is the perfect aspect of Kauai to remain on?
The greatest aspect of Kauai to remain 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 perfect time of yr to go to Kauai?
Stick to the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This method, irrespective of the place you select to remain, you gained’t be combating over spots to your seashore towel or making an attempt to see 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 perfect 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 good looking place to hike and calm down, and cramming tons into a brief size of time will solely negatively impression your expertise. The longer, the higher.
Deciding on Where to Stay in Kauai
Deciding the place to remain in Kauai actually includes a whole lot of selections. Whether you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a unbelievable time. The island is ideal for many who need to spend numerous time open air. 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 climbing the Kalalalu Trail to making an attempt shave ice. And, in fact, in case 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 remain in Maui as properly.