Kauai is likely one of the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a superb selection if you happen to’re deciding where to stay in Hawaii. Kauai is dwelling to gorgeous hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and a whole lot of sandy seashores. Kauai is so stuffed with magnificent nature that it’s nicknamed the ‘Backyard Isle’ – a well-deserved title. We will see why you’re selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a superb selection.
After all, Kauai can be stuffed with a number of the greatest motels and greatest resorts in Hawaii. The variety of decisions provides an additional issue to deciding the place to remain in Kauai. You’ll have an actual deal with with Kauai’s hospitality.
Finest Locations to Keep in Kauai
So, the place is greatest to remain in Kauai? Must you select the north shore or the south shore? The east facet or the west facet? And what are the very best motels and resorts to select from in every space? This information offers you the total rundown on the place to remain in Kauai. We’ve received 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 remain. This area is filled with vacationer infrastructure and business pleasure – good in order for you a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento procuring. The south facet of Kauai can 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 in order for you all the things inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy environment.
Aside from its nice location, the south shore’s points of interest are an enormous draw to this area of Kauai. Poipu Seashore is essentially the most well-known on the island and sits proper on the south shore. It’s a hotspot for nesting turtles (that are at all times superb to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seashore Park is the world surrounding this sandy seaside. It’s excellent for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You may seize a seat on certainly one of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seashore is a improbable spot. Somewhat quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seaside entails a brief coastal hike. As an alternative of turtles, we propose mountain climbing to Shipwreck Seashore to admire the sundown – which is beautiful 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 at all times pockets of nightlife to bask in.
The preferred locations to remain on the south shore are Waimea, Kalaheo, Lawai, Hanapepe, Pakala Village, and Koloa City. Koloa is a small city that adjoins Poipu and has wonderful seaside entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is positioned proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has an extended street main on to Waimea Canyon, with a handful of beautiful viewpoints alongside the best way. If you wish 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 remain on the south shore of Kauai.
The place to Keep on the South Shore
Funds: Poipu Seashore Surf Music
Poipu Beach Surf Song is a phenomenal, budget-friendly resort 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 finances choices.
Friends hire a complete unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the worth of a resort or different resort. Whereas not as widespread as a number of the alternate options on this information, it’s positively worthwhile if you wish to lower your expenses.
Mid-Vary: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a dreamy mid-range property and certainly one of Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is about throughout a large expanse of river-style swimming pools and tropical gardens. Every resort room has a personal balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And with regards to your night meal, there will not be one however seven completely different eating places to select from.
Friends on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious environment. You may take pleasure in complimentary cultural experiences, chill out with improbable amenities, and have a central location to discover Kauai.
Luxurious: Koloa Touchdown Resort at Po’ipu, Autograph Assortment
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.
Friends can select rooms and suites, the latter of which comes with a full kitchen. After all, there might be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you will have a continental breakfast to look ahead to.
VRBO: One Bed room Home With Residential Walkways to Two Seashores
Trip leases are extremely wanted on Kauai, and taking a look at this property, it’s clear why. Set in Poipu, this VRBO property is right for these wanting the final word location on the south shore. You’re simply minutes from the Grand Hyatt – extremely praised for its wonderful location in Kauai. You’re 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 underneath $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 Backyard 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. Whereas the complete island is beautiful, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For many who love pictures, nature, and outside adventures, the north shore is the place to remain in Kauai.
The north shore of Kauai is roofed in pure points of interest. You’re really spoiled for selection, from verdant mountains to mountain climbing trails and lovely seashores like Hideaways Seashore and Tunnels Seashore. Nevertheless, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so lovely 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 may view the shoreline by mountain climbing the Kalalau Path or taking a scenic helicopter journey – a completely unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Chances are high, you’ll acknowledge photos of the Napali Coast. It’s a world-famous piece of unbelievable surroundings and a large draw of the north shore.
As we talked about, the Kalalau Path is a phenomenal strategy to expertise the shoreline. It’s best to positively attempt to full this difficult route if you’re an skilled hiker. You may 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. Gear is a should, because the terrain is demanding regardless of the path being only a average distance. In case you’d choose beautiful views with out the hassle of lengthy hikes, try the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is a superb choice. This lookout has sweeping views of the valley and luxurious greenery, good for getting a perspective of the island’s scale and vegetation. Simply behind the lookout, Hanalei Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is one other lovely place to go to – with mountain climbing trails, lookouts, and animal sightings galore.
When it comes to 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 seaside and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is way bigger and comprises a mix of residential properties and rental complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is dwelling to the Princeville Buying Heart and Makai Golf Course, so that you’ll have all of the leisure facilities you want. Lastly, Kilauea is a quieter city, sandwiched between a wildlife refuge, botanical gardens, sculpture park, ocean, and lighthouse. You have got peaceable points of interest and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a pleasing, laid-back environment.
The north shore of Kauai is right 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 greatest seashores, the Napali Coast, golf programs, and wildlife refuges. The north shore is the place to remain on Kauai for outside adventures which are so lovely that they demand a digital camera.
The place to Keep on the North Shore
Funds: Hanalei Surfboard Home
Hanalei Surfboard House is likely one of the most budget-friendly spots on the north shore. Having gained a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Alternative Award in 2022, it is rather a lot a rising star on a budget lodging entrance in Kauai. And whereas it makes a speciality of offering lodging for surfers eager to expertise Hanalei Bay for themselves (a sought-after surf spot), its self-catered suites and pleasant environment go well with any finances traveler.
Mid-Vary: Hanalei Bay Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort is a beautiful mid-range lodging selection only a fifteen-minute drive from Hanalei Pier. In case you are concerned with staying in lovely 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 sizzling tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a improbable location and spectacular amenities.
Luxurious: 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. But Princeville Resort additionally offers a complimentary shuttle service for points of interest and facilities inside a 2.5-mile radius. Every 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 Condominium With Beautiful Views
This condo is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you will have improbable entry to all of the city’s facilities and points of interest. Nevertheless, you even have beautiful views and a way of serene privateness because of your clifftop locale. You may entry an virtually non-public seaside set in a little-known cove out of your backdoor. And in sure seasons, you may watch migrating whales out of your window.
Whereas 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 exterior of Princeville. Positively 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 sort of fully undeveloped pure landscapes, with only a few tiny cities (extra akin to villages) dotted alongside the shoreline. Nearly all of the west facet of Kauai is taken up by the Puu Ka Pele Forest Reserve, Kekaha Sport Administration Space, 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 mountain climbing and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your mountain climbing boots, binoculars, a digital camera, and a giant water bottle. As a result of the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental automobiles and investing in a single in your keep on Kauai is worth it. It helps to get round and entry all of the completely different parks and trails. Plus, if you wish to head into the foremost cities, it’s simply a simple drive away.
When it comes to 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 chicken watchers to identify its everlasting and momentary winged residents. Carry binoculars and a digital camera; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is dwelling to many endangered species. The Kokee Pure Historical past Museum is one other gem in your itinerary. It’s a nice indoor attraction to flee the solar for a bit. Equally, Waimea Canyon has loads of beautiful drive-in lookouts for many who aren’t as eager on mountain climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back mountain climbing days.
The one actual city on the west facet 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. In case you nonetheless need a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here fairly than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. In any other case, in order for you the entire distant expertise, you’ll find remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. E book a rental automobile and revel in being nestled away in the course of lush valleys and abandoned, beautiful seashores.
The place to Keep on the West Shore
Funds: The Cabins at Kokee
The Cabins at Kokee is a superb budget-friendly lodging choice proper within the heart 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 finances. You’ll be primarily based in the course of Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park.
Mid-Vary: 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. Only 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, non-public really feel because of its restricted variety of visitor rooms. Nevertheless, because of the property’s city setting, you’re by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxurious: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage may not appear to be the epitome of luxurious motels. Nonetheless, Waimea Plantation Cottages are the most suitable 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’re additionally primarily based proper within the coronary heart of Waimea – a particular bonus.
VRBO: Two Bed room Plantation Cottage
This gorgeous cottage sleeps as much as 4 company throughout two bedrooms. The design is spacious and ethereal, with over nine-foot ceilings and massive home windows for maximized views. Whereas the cottage is inbuilt conventional plantation fashion, it’s modernly adorned and excellent for a classy, fashionable place to remain in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an out of doors sizzling bathe.
4. East Shore
Have you ever heard of the ‘coconut coast’? The east shore of Kauai coined the nickname the coconut coast because of its acres and acres of coconut bushes. It’s a populous area of the island and, just like the south shore, is business and built-up, with loads of city facilities. It’s excellent for guests who wish to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There might be no must hire a rental automobile if you happen to don’t fancy driving, as all the things is accessible and tour operators supply pick-up transportation companies. The east coast is filled with actions, the very best seashores, and loads of character.
The most effective factor to do on the island’s east is to go to the seaside parks. There’s Anahola Seashore Park, Kapa’a Seashore Park, and Lydgate Seashore Park – plus many extra. Lydgate Seashore Park is beautiful, with expansive views and enclosed areas for swimming and snorkeling. Within the water, you’ll be mesmerized by the tropical fish and subterranean vegetation. You may even camp with a delegated 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 may be taught extra in regards to the business of sugar plantations and the property itself on certainly one of many excursions. Whereas, 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 neglect to take a look at a number of the east coast’s seashores as effectively (not simply seaside parks). Kealia Seashore and Kalapaki Seashore are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes via the inland east facet. Cooling off with a swim or having fun with watersports is a should when visiting Kauai.
Taking a look at neighborhoods is massively important when deciding the place to remain in Kauai. The primary 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 be dwelling to an airport, which is actually handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Funds: Kauai Seashore Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly motels in Kauai is fairly tough. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Beach House Hostel is notable. Located on the shoreline, company have virtually doorstep seaside entry and ocean views. Relying in your preferences, you may go for a personal or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Seashore Home Hostel is a improbable strategy to make new pals and lower your expenses on a single complement.
Mid-Vary: Wyndham Kaua’i Seashore Villas
Wyndham Kaua’i Beach Villas is a pleasant resort with a central location in Lihue. The three-star resort takes a barely completely different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Best for a mid-range finances, you may profit 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.
Luxurious: 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 collection of luxurious lodging decisions, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out particularly. Situated in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property gives a collection of elegant villas. Friends additionally obtain entry to a health heart and expansive outside pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.
VRBO: Oceanfront Condominium With Attractive Balcony View
In relation to trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a whole lot of decisions. Nevertheless, this VRBO property is proof of how superb renting a vacation dwelling may be when visiting Hawaii.
The highest-floor rental is modernly adorned and just lately renovated to offer a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The profitable characteristic is the big balcony with ocean and seaside views. You may take pleasure in your mornings with beautiful views of the Hawaiian shoreline with a little bit breakfast bar and stools. Throughout the day, you’ll have quick entry to Kealia and its seaside. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and tools like mountain climbing poles and boogie boards to borrow. You’ll be extraordinarily comfy and much more well-entertained.
The place to remain in Kauai FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the place to remain in Kauai, what about some frequent FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars you should know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.
What facet of Kauai is greatest to remain on?
Total, the north coast of Kauai is the very best to remain. It’s 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’s the greatest city to remain in Kauai?
Kilauea is a phenomenal city to remain in Kauai. The city is surrounded by wildlife refuges, golf programs, and a shocking shoreline.
Is it higher to remain within the north or south of Kauai?
In brief, it is dependent upon what you need. We advocate the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s greatest points of interest and outside actions. However, in order for you 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 in order for you a south coast expertise, with a busy seaside vibe and enjoyable environment.
What’s the greatest facet of Kauai to remain on?
The most effective facet of Kauai to remain on is the north. The north facet of Kauai is roofed in iconic pure landscapes. It’s terrific for getting a style of the island’s distinctive geography.
When is the very best time of yr to go to Kauai?
Stick with the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This manner, irrespective of the place you select to remain, you gained’t be preventing over spots in your seaside towel or attempting 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 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 phenomenal place to hike and chill out, and cramming heaps into a brief size of time will solely negatively influence your expertise. The longer, the higher.
Deciding on The place to Keep in Kauai
Deciding the place to remain in Kauai actually entails a whole lot of decisions. Whether or not you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a improbable time. The island is ideal for many who wish to spend plenty of time outdoor. The stacks of fascinating seashores, hikes, and all of the facilities in Kauai’s cities make exploring thrilling.
Fancy some extra Kauai inspiration? We’ve got an entire information on the best things to do on Kauai – from mountain climbing the Kalalalu Path to attempting shave ice. And, after all, if you happen to can go to multiple Hawaiian island, why wouldn’t you? Maui is one other fantastic island to go to in Hawaii, and we’ve compiled a information on where to stay in Maui as effectively.
