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Where to stay in Kauai
If you’re planning a Kauai vacation one of the first questions to ask is, where to stay in Kauai?! There are lots of places to stay in Kauai, and different parts of the island. Today, we’ll discuss the best places to stay in Kauai, and the different parts of the island.
Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Hawaii Travel Agent. I’m one of the top travel agents for Hawaii, and creating amazing custom trips in Hawaii is my passion! If you’d like help planning and booking your Hawaii vacation, contact me today!
The best places to stay in Kauai
If you’re looking for the best resorts in Kauai, you’re likely to be torn between the South Shore and the North Shore.
Here is a map of Kauai. As you can see, the main road around the island is similar to a backward “C.” The road does not connect, as the island’s northwest side is the Na Pali coast. The best way to see the Na Pali coast is by taking a Kauai helicopter tour!
At the top of the island, you’ll find Hanalei and Princeville. This is a beautiful part of the island to stay in, but far from everything else. One of the best resorts in Kauai is there, along with a couple of other options. However, it’s important to note that you’re very far from other parts of the island, and the only bridge can occasionally close in bad weather.
At the bottom, you’ll see Koloa; most of the islands’ resorts are located here. Just Northeast of Koloa is Lihue, where there is one decent place to stay, but it’s mostly an industrial area. There are also a few places to stay in Kapa’a, on the island’s eastern side.
Is there a bad time to visit Kauai?
I always tell people not to shy away from Kauai in the winter. Yes, it rains more often, but not everywhere!
Even on the North Shore, it does not rain all day, every day. If that is a concern, you’ll find plenty of sunshine on the South Shore in the winter.
You can learn more in my blog post about the “worst” time to go to Hawaii.
Do I need a rental car in Kauai?
Although the island is small, everything is very spread out. Public transportation is next to non-existent, so you’ll definitely need a rental car. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. You’ll find the best prices, and you can reserve now and pay upon arrival.
Where to stay in Kauai
Let’s get to the best resorts in Kauai. If you enjoy this post, you might also enjoy the 10 best resorts on Maui and the 7 best resorts on the Big Island.
I have compiled a list of the 7 best resorts in Kauai. These resorts are in different price ranges and in different parts of the island, so there’s truly something for everyone! I even added an honorable mention at the end for a cute boutique resort in Kapa’a.
1. Koloa Landing Resort
You’re in luck if you want to stay in a beautiful resort but love condo-style accommodations! Koloa Landing Resort has the perfect mix of resort amenities and large luxury villas.
The pool has been voted best in the US, so that’s a big accomplishment! While it is not beachfront, you can quickly walk to shops or the beach.
Koloa Landing Resort is my top recommendation for families staying in Kauai. It’s near the beach and everything the Koloa/Poipu area offers. I have a full Koloa Landing Review blog post if you want to check it out.
This resort has studios, one, two, and three bedroom options that are a great fit for all families. All rooms have kitchens (studios have kitchenettes) and a washer and dryer. Check out some room tours on my YouTube channel:
This is a perfect place for multi-generational travel, larger families, those with food allergies, or anyone who wants more space for the same price as a standard hotel room. What more could you ask for? Prices start around $350/night; you can check current pricing here.
2. Timbers Kauai Resort
If you’re looking for a luxury high-end resort on Kauai, Timbers Kauai Resort will check all your boxes. This property has 47 beautiful oceanfront residences in three distinct styles. The residences range from 1895 to 4626 square feet, sleeping up to eight guests.
This is perfect for multi-generational travel, large families, or even multiple families. Timers Kauai Resort has a spa, golf course, onsite farm-to-table restaurant, concierge services, a two-tier infinity pool, and many other amenities for guests to enjoy.
You’re also in a great area to get out and explore being on the south side of the island. Did I mention it’s oceanfront?
If you want a high-end resort but don’t need as much space, or if you’d like to stay on the north side of the island, check out #3!
3. 1 Hotel Hanalei
Located on the North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei (formerly Princeville Resort and formerly the St. Regis Princeville) is one of the best resorts in Kauai and easily one of the most beautiful. Like the previously mentioned Timbers Kauai, this is a high-end luxury resort that will satisfy even the pickiest travelers.
It has some of the most stunning views and is one of the most luxurious resorts on this list. After major renovations, 1 Hotel Hanalei finally opened in 2023, and all of my clients have raved about how much they love it.
This is one resort where you might choose a mountain view over an ocean view because the mountains are simply stunning. Either way, you can’t go wrong. With only 252 rooms including 51 suites, you’ll want to book early to ensure you get what you want. Contact me today to get started!
If you’re a golfer, you’ll love the Princeville Makai Golf Club, one of the highest-rated golf courses in Hawaii.
The other public and resort courses in Kauai include:
- Ocean Course at Hokuala (Lihue)
- Wailua Golf Course (Lihue)
- Puakea Golf Course (Lihue)
- Kiahuna Golf Club (Koloa)
- Poipu Bay Golf Course (Koloa)
- Kukuiolono Golf Club (Kalaheo)
- Princeville Makai Golf Club (Princeville)
Check out The 8 best golf courses in Kauai for more information.
4. Waipouli Beach resort by outrigger
Let’s switch to something more budget-friendly. Waipouli Beach Resort is located in the heart of Kapa’a, which is a great place to stay because it’s in the “middle” of most things to do in Kauai. This is also a great option for families and a more budget-friendly option for anyone.
With a range of options from studios to 2-bedrooms, each unit has a kitchen, so it’s a great option for food allergies or budget-conscious travelers. If a condo-style resort is more your style, Waipouli Beach Resort is one of the best options on Kauai.
5. Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort
Located steps from Poipu Beach, Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort is one of the island’s highest-rated resorts. I book many of my Kauai honeymoon clients at this resort, and they absolutely love it.
If you’re looking for an intimate and romantic beachfront boutique resort, I highly recommend the Ko’a Kea. While it is not adults-only (none of the resorts on this list are), there are fewer amenities for children, making it perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary trip.
This resort is perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, babymoons, and more. You can check out my full review of Ko’a Kea here. You can also check out a video tour of Ko’a Kea Resort, along with some room tours on my YouTube channel:
6. Grand Hyatt Kauai
At 604 rooms, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is the largest resort on Kauai and the third largest on all Hawaiian islands. This is one of my personal favorite resorts and the best option for anyone who wants a true resort experience in a wonderful location.
Located in the popular resort area of Poipu, the Grand Hyatt has the perfect mix of resort amenities but is close to many adventure activities on Kauai. I might be a bit biased, but I got married at the beach in front of this resort while staying here, so it is a favorite for me!
About half of the 604 guest rooms and suites have an ocean view.
The Grand Hyatt has the best kids club on the island and is home to four birds, including three macaws and one parrot.
With several on-site restaurants and nightly entertainment, you won’t have to leave the resort often, although you should because it’s Kauai, and you’ll want to explore.
The Grand Hyatt has several pools including one with a slide, two larger pools, including a lagoon pool, and one adults-only pool with a nearby bar.
One more bonus: every single room has a lanai! You can read my full review and tour of the Grand Hyatt Kauai or check out some YouTube video tours:
- Grand Hyatt Kauai Video Tour
- Oceanview suite at Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Standard King Room at Grand Hyatt Kauai
- Makawehi Suite at Grand Hyatt Kauai (seriously, you don’t want to miss this one!)
7. Royal sonest Kauai
Located in Lihue, Royal Sonesta Kauai is beachfront with stunning views. They have one of the largest pools in Hawaii, and it’s heated!
You might not think a pool needs to be heated in Hawaii, but it can get a tad chilly (by Hawaii standards) in the winter, so this is a great feature.
Royal Sonesta also boasts the longest golf course in Hawaii, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course.
While staying in Lihue can be convenient, it’s important to note that this is a more industrial area and there can be traffic here as many people on the island work in Lihue. There is a reason why not many resorts are located here. The area can also get very busy on days when the cruise ships are docked at the nearby port.
Honorable mention: The ISO Kauai
While the ISO is no frills, it’s a very cute option for a quick trip or even a longer trip that’s on a tight budget.
I read in Hawaii Magazine that it was the editor’s choice for the best boutique hotel, so I wanted to check it out and see for myself! The ISO (which stands for island, sky, ocean) is located in the cute town of Kapa’a, right in the center of all the best things to do in Kauai.
You can read my full ISO Kauai review or know that it’s a great place to stay if you’re on a budget and looking for a clean, comfortable oceanfront room. Pricing is well under the average for Hawaii, which is almost $400/night.
Even though they call it a resort, it’s more of a hotel with a few small resort amenities. I love the daily yoga (included in the small resort fee), and they had free breakfast.
The breakfast is pretty minimal, but it might be helpful to grab and go if you’re traveling with kids.
More Kauai Vacation Ideas:
Where to stay in Kauai
I hope that this list of the best places in Kauai helps you plan your vacation. Have you stayed in any of these resorts? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments!
Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I am selective of how many clients I take on at a time. I want to ensure it’s a good fit for you, and for me! I’m happy to set up a call and chat before we get started. You can contact me if you’d like more information.
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