When it comes to Kauai, you have many accommodation options. Each part of the island offers different advantages, it all depends on what you want from your vacation. If you’re looking for luxury, the South Shore may be the best option. If you want a laid-back experience, you may find the North Shore more enjoyable. From luxury to laid-back, here are my top picks for where to stay in Kauai.
North Shore: Quiet & Secluded
The North Shore is my favorite part of Kauai. It is far removed from the touristy area on the South Shore, has great beaches, good food, and stunning ocean views.
Resorts
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas ($$$) – Princeville, HI
- Wonderful outdoor area with grills, pools, and hot tubs all with stunning ocean views
- Studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom villa options
- 1 & 2 bedrooms have full kitchens
- Studios have kitchenette (stovetop, microwave, full size fridge, & coffeemaker)
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay ($$$$) – Princeville, HI
- Newest resort on the island with a focus on sustainability through reducing the resort’s environmental impact, facilitating education on waste reduction.
- Access to Audi E-Trons to explore the island
- Spa, farm to table restaurants, kids club, golf course, cultural experiences, & no resort fee!
Airbnbs
“The Cliffs” Condo ($$) – Princeville, HI
- Studio condo with king bed & kitchenette
- Location on ocean bluff & private balcony (not ocean view)
- Complimentary beer & wine tasting on the bluff on Thursday evenings
- $10 per day parking fee
Sandpiper Village Studio ($$) – Princeville, HI
- Bright and updated studio with California king bed, kitchenette, and covered lanai
- Beach chairs, towels, cooler, and snorkel gear included
- Access to grills, pool, & hot tub
- One free parking space
Large Home in Kilauea ($$$) – Kilauea, HI
- 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home near the beach that would be great for families
- Walk to Kalihiwai Bay & Secret Beach
- Full kitchen and access to several seasonal fruit trees on property
South Shore: Beautiful Beaches
The South Shore is probably one of the most popular areas on Kauai, especially for families. This area is known for it’s easy to swim beaches and kid friendly resorts.
Resorts
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection ($$$) – Koloa, HI
- Kid friendly with pool & a water slide
- 3 minute drive to Poipu beach
- Has villa options with full kitchen
Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club ($$$) – Koloa, HI
- Has 2 bedroom condos with full kitchens & washer/dryer
- Range of activities offered including ukulele lessons, cooking class, shaved ice, yoga, and painting for kids
- Walking distance to the beach
Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach ($$$) – Koloa, HI
- Waterfront property with gorgeous views
- Recenlty updated rooms
- Popular restaurant Red Salt on property
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa ($$$$) – Koloa, HI
- Kid friendly with a large pool area and lazy river
- Bicycle rentals for free (perk at many Hyatt properties!)
- Several restaurants on property
- Closest beach is Shipwreck Beach which can have rougher waves and not as safe for swimming as nearby Poipu
Mid-Range
Marjorie’s Kauai Inn ($$) – Lawai, HI
- Bed & Breakfast with all 5 star reviews on Google.
- Kitchenettes with coffee maker
- Daily breakfast
- Saltwater pool with panoramic view of Lawai Valley
Airbnbs
Tropical Oceanside Oasis Poipu ($$) – Koloa, HI
- Studio with queen sized bed, balcony, & full kitchen
- Pool on property
- Walking distance to beach
Townhouse in Poipu ($$) – Koloa, HI
- Townhouse with king sized bed and full kitchen
- Sunset view balcony
- Special offer for honeymooners
- 15 minute walk to the beach
- Small putting green & hammock
East Side: Central Location for Exploring Kauai
The East side of the island, mainly Wailua & Kapa’a, is the most central location for activities and exploring the whole island. However Kapa’a can get very busy and usually has the worst traffic on the island.
Honest Opinion: If you want a luxury resort for your vacation, this is not the area of Kauai you want to stay. The hotels & resorts are meh.
There are some great Airbnb options for couples (not much for larger groups & families), and a couple B&B’s farther inland if you’re looking for a more personal touch for your visit to Kauai.
Bed & Breakfast
Secret Falls Retreat ($$) – along the Wailua River
- Three room property with private bathrooms
- Heated saltwater pool
- Basic breakfast offered: coffee & tea, yogurt, and locally made granola
The Palmwood ($$$) – Kilauea, HI
- Hilltop guesthouse inspired by Japanese ryokans
- 3 unique guestooms to choose from
- All rooms have outdoor showers, two person hot tubs, and private lanais
Airbnbs
Seaside Sunrise Retreat ($$) – Kapa’a, HI
- Studio with king bed, full kitchen, private porch with ocean views
- Whales watching from the lanai in the winter!
- Walk to the beach
- Grills by the pool & free parking
Beachfront Condo ($$) – Kapa’a, HI
- Studio with one queen bed & one sofa bed
- Renovated bathroom & kitchenette (microwave, toaster, mini fridge, & Keurig)
- Ocean view balcony
- Walk to shops & restaurants
No matter where you decide to stay, you are guaranteed to have a dreamy vacation in Kauai. Check out my one week itinerary for Kauai to help plan your Hawaiian adventure.
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