Kauai is without doubt one of the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a superb alternative in case you’re deciding the place to keep in Hawaii. Kauai is residence to beautiful hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and a whole bunch 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 superb alternative.
Of course, Kauai can be filled with a number of the finest inns and finest 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 finest 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 very best inns and resorts to select from in every space? This information provides 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 without doubt one of the island’s hottest locations to keep. This area is full of vacationer infrastructure and business pleasure – good in order for you a vacation filled 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 quick, the south shore is the place to keep in Kauai in order for you the whole lot 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 essentially 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 seashore. 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. A bit quieter than many different south shore seashores, getting to this seashore includes a brief coastal hike. Instead of turtles, we advise mountaineering 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 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 wonderful seashore entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is positioned proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has an extended street main instantly 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 superb 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 gorgeous, budget-friendly lodge on the south coast. The south facet of Kauai isn’t identified for affordable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for funds choices.
Guests lease a whole 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 in order for you 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 finest resorts. The resort is ready 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 completely 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, loosen up 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 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’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 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 snug and fairly priced at underneath $200 per night time (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 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 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 points of interest. You are really spoiled for alternative, 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 films. 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 experience – 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 a gorgeous approach to expertise the shoreline. You ought to undoubtedly strive to full this difficult route in case you are an skilled hiker. You can e book 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 reasonable 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 lovely place to go to – with mountaineering 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 seashore and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is far bigger and accommodates a mix 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 points of interest 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 very best seashores and points of interest. We love the proximity to Kauai’s finest seashores, the Napali Coast, golf programs, and wildlife refuges. The north shore is the place to keep on Kauai for outside adventures which can be so lovely that they demand a digicam.
Where to Stay on the North Shore
Budget: Hanalei Surfboard House
Hanalei Surfboard House is without doubt one of the most budget-friendly spots on the north shore. Having received 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 environment go well with any funds 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 lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a simple winner. The resort provides 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 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 offers 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 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 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 beautiful views and a way of serene privateness thanks to your clifftop locale. You can entry an nearly non-public seashore 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 exterior of Princeville. Definitely be aware of 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 fully undeveloped pure landscapes, with only a few 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 whole lot of time mountaineering and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your mountaineering boots, binoculars, a digicam, and a giant 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 completely different parks and trails. Plus, once you need to head into the most important cities, it’s simply a simple drive away.
In phrases of official points of interest, 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 residence to many endangered species. The Kokee Natural History Museum is one other gem to your itinerary. It is a good 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 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 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, in order for you 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 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 superb budget-friendly lodging choice proper in the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but snug, this three-star lodge is a enjoyable spot to select when looking for Kauai lodgings on a funds. 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 might be by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxury: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage may not seem to be the epitome of luxurious inns. 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 select between, plus services that embody an outside pool. With extras like BBQ services and personal patios, it’s a actually snug place to expertise Kauai. You are additionally based mostly proper in the guts of Waimea – a particular bonus.
VRBO: Two Bedroom Plantation Cottage
This beautiful cottage sleeps up to 4 friends 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 type, 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 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 likely be no want to lease a rental automotive in case you don’t fancy driving, as the whole lot is accessible and tour operators provide pick-up transportation companies. The east coast is full of actions, the very best 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 plants. You may even camp with a chosen tenting and picnic space in order for you.
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 business 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 overlook to take a look at a number of the east coast’s seashores as effectively (not simply seashore 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 foremost 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 be residence to an airport, which is actually 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, friends have nearly doorstep seashore 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 lodge takes a barely completely different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Ideal for a mid-range funds, you’ll be able to profit from having a kitchen to maintain your meals funds low but additionally benefit from the luxurious services. These stated services 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 facet is famend for its top-tier choice 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 provides a choice 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 whole lot of decisions. 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 not too long ago renovated to present a flashy place to keep on Kauai. The profitable characteristic is the massive balcony with ocean and seashore views. You can take pleasure in your mornings with beautiful views of the Hawaiian shoreline with a bit breakfast bar and stools. During the day, you’ll have fast entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a non-public pool, BBQ space, and gear like mountaineering 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 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 finest to keep on?
Overall, the north coast of Kauai is the very best 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 very best city to keep in Kauai?
Kilauea is a gorgeous 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 is dependent upon what you need. We advocate the north as it’s shut to a few of Kauai’s finest points of interest and outside actions. But, in order for you a extra resort city environment, the south is best to go to.
What is best Poipu or Princeville?
Princeville is finest 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 finest in order for you a south coast expertise, with a busy seashore vibe and enjoyable environment.
What is the very best facet of Kauai to keep on?
The finest 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 very best time of 12 months to go to Kauai?
Stick to the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This approach, regardless of the place you select to keep, you received’t be combating over spots to your seashore 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 very 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 every week to discover Kauai. The island is a gorgeous place to hike and loosen up, 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 actually includes a whole lot 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 individuals who need to spend plenty of 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 finest issues to do on Kauai – from mountaineering the Kalalalu Trail to attempting shave ice. And, after all, in case 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.
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