Kauai is among the most lovely 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 residence to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and lots of of sandy seashores. Kauai is so stuffed with magnificent nature that it’s nicknamed the ‘Backyard Isle’ – a well-deserved title. We are able to see why you’re selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a wonderful alternative.
After all, Kauai can also be stuffed with a number of the finest lodges and finest 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.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Kauai
So, the place is finest 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 lodges and resorts to select from in every space? This information provides you with the complete rundown on the place to remain in Kauai. We’ve obtained tons to cowl, so let’s begin instantly.
1. South Shore
The south shore of Kauai is among the island’s hottest locations to remain. This area is filled with vacationer infrastructure and business pleasure – excellent in order for you a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento procuring. The south facet of Kauai can also be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental vehicles. 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 ambiance.
Other than its nice location, the south shore’s points of interest are an enormous draw to this area of Kauai. Poipu Seaside is probably 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 wonderful to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seaside Park is the realm surrounding this sandy seaside. It’s superb for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You possibly can seize a seat on one in every of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seaside is a improbable spot. A little bit quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seaside includes a brief coastal hike. As an alternative of turtles, we propose mountain climbing to Shipwreck Seaside 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 procuring facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s loads to do and at all times pockets of nightlife to take pleasure 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 glorious seaside entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is positioned proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has a protracted street main on to Waimea Canyon, with a handful of beautiful viewpoints alongside the way in which. If you wish 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.
The place to Keep on the South Shore
Finances: Poipu Seaside Surf Tune
Poipu Seaside Surf Tune is an attractive, budget-friendly resort on the south coast. The south facet of Kauai isn’t identified for reasonable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for finances choices.
Friends lease a whole unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the value of a resort or different resort. Whereas not as fashionable as a number of the options on this information, it’s undoubtedly worthwhile if you wish to get monetary savings.
Mid-Vary: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a dreamy mid-range property and one in every of Kauai’s finest resorts. The resort is ready 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 in relation to your night meal, there usually are not one however seven totally different eating places to select from.
Friends on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious ambiance. You possibly can 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 Touchdown Resort at Po’ipu, Autograph Assortment 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 will probably be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you’ve gotten a continental breakfast to stay up for.
VRBO: One Bed room Home With Residential Walkways to Two Seashores
Trip 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’re simply minutes from the Grand Hyatt – extremely praised for its glorious 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 primary however snug and fairly priced at underneath $200 per evening (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 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 individuals who love images, 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 points of interest. You’re really spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to mountain climbing trails and lovely seashores like Hideaways Seaside and Tunnels Seaside. Nonetheless, 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 possibly can view the shoreline by mountain climbing the Kalalau Path or taking a scenic helicopter experience – a completely unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Likelihood is, you’ll acknowledge footage 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 an attractive strategy to expertise the shoreline. It’s best to undoubtedly attempt to full this difficult route in case you are an skilled hiker. You possibly can e book a allow to camp and deal with the monitor as an in a single day route or hike it in a full day. Tools is a should, because the terrain is demanding regardless of the path being only a average distance. Should you’d want attractive views with out the hassle of lengthy hikes, try the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is an excellent possibility. This lookout has sweeping views of the valley and plush greenery, excellent 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 far bigger and comprises a mix of residential properties and rental complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is residence 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 might have peaceable points of interest and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a nice, laid-back ambiance.
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 remain on Kauai for out of doors adventures which are so lovely that they demand a digital camera.
The place to Keep on the North Shore
Finances: Hanalei Surfboard Home
Hanalei Surfboard Home is among the most budget-friendly spots on the north shore. Having received a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Selection 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 eager to expertise Hanalei Bay for themselves (a sought-after surf spot), its self-catered suites and pleasant ambiance swimsuit any finances traveler.
Mid-Vary: Hanalei Bay Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort is a beautiful mid-range lodging alternative only a fifteen-minute drive from Hanalei Pier. If you’re inquisitive about staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a simple winner. The resort gives apartment-style rooms with snug dwelling 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 supplies 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 website must you need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an expensive spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Condominium With Beautiful Views
This rental is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you’ve gotten improbable entry to all of the city’s facilities and points of interest. Nonetheless, you even have beautiful views and a way of serene privateness due to your clifftop locale. You possibly can entry an nearly non-public seaside 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.
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 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 solely undeveloped pure landscapes, with just some 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. An enormous 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 variety 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 vehicles 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 most important cities, it’s simply a simple drive away.
When it comes to official points of interest, 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 hen watchers to identify its everlasting and non permanent winged residents. Convey binoculars and a digital camera; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is residence to many endangered species. The Kokee Pure Historical past Museum is one other gem to 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 most important amenities it’s possible you’ll want when visiting Kauai. Should you nonetheless desire a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here relatively than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. In any other case, in order for you the entire distant expertise, yow will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. E-book a rental automotive and revel in being nestled away in the course of lush valleys and abandoned, beautiful seashores.
The place to Keep on the West Shore
Finances: The Cabins at Kokee
The Cabins at Kokee is a wonderful budget-friendly lodging possibility proper within the heart of the west shore. Simplistic but snug, this three-star resort is a enjoyable spot to decide on when trying to find 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’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 due to its restricted variety of visitor rooms. Nonetheless, due to the property’s city setting, you’re by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxurious: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage won’t appear to be the epitome of luxurious lodges. Nonetheless, Waimea Plantation Cottages are the most suitable choice for high quality on the west shore. The plantation-style property has a sequence of 1-3 bed room cottages to decide on between, plus amenities that embrace an outside pool. With extras like BBQ amenities and personal patios, it’s a actually snug 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 attractive cottage sleeps as much as 4 friends 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 an elegant, stylish place to remain in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an outside sizzling bathe.
4. East Shore
Have you ever heard of the ‘coconut coast’? The east shore of Kauai coined the nickname the coconut coast due to its acres and acres of coconut timber. 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 superb for guests who need to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There will probably be no have to lease a rental automotive in case you 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 perfect factor to do on the island’s east is to go to the seaside parks. There’s Anahola Seaside Park, Kapa’a Seaside Park, and Lydgate Seaside Park – plus many extra. Lydgate Seaside Park is attractive, with expansive views and enclosed areas for swimming and snorkeling. Within the water, you’ll be mesmerized by the tropical fish and subterranean flora. You possibly can 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 possibly can study extra in regards to the business of sugar plantations and the property itself on one in every 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 overlook to take a look at a number of the east coast’s seashores as nicely (not simply seaside parks). Kealia Seaside and Kalapaki Seaside 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.
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 also be residence to an airport, which is actually handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Finances: Kauai Seaside Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly lodges in Kauai is fairly difficult. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is notable. Located on the shoreline, friends have nearly doorstep seaside entry and ocean views. Relying in your preferences, you’ll be able to go for a personal or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is a improbable strategy to make new pals and get monetary savings on a single complement.
Mid-Vary: Wyndham Kaua’i Seaside Villas
Wyndham Kaua’i Seaside 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. Excellent for a mid-range finances, you’ll be able to take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals finances low but additionally benefit from the luxurious amenities. These stated amenities embrace a pool and tennis courts.
Luxurious: 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 collection of luxurious lodging decisions, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out specifically. Positioned 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 out of doors pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.
VRBO: Oceanfront Condominium With Beautiful Balcony View
On the subject of trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a variety of decisions. Nonetheless, this VRBO property is proof of how wonderful renting a vacation residence may be when visiting Hawaii.
The highest-floor rental is modernly adorned 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 seaside views. You possibly can take pleasure in your mornings with beautiful views of the Hawaiian shoreline with a bit breakfast bar and stools. Through the day, you’ll have quick entry to Kealia and its seaside. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and gear like mountain climbing poles and boogie boards to borrow. You’ll be extraordinarily snug and much more well-entertained.
The place to remain in Kauai FAQs
Now that we’ve coated the place to remain in Kauai, what about some frequent FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars you might want to know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.
What facet of Kauai is finest to remain on?
General, the north coast of Kauai is the very best to remain. It’s 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’s the finest city to remain in Kauai?
Kilauea is an attractive 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 determined by what you need. We advocate the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s finest points of interest and out of doors actions. However, in order for you a extra resort city ambiance, the south is healthier to go to.
What is healthier 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 seaside vibe and enjoyable ambiance.
What’s the finest facet of Kauai to remain on?
The perfect 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 received’t be preventing over spots to 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 per week to discover Kauai. The island is an attractive place to hike and chill out, and cramming tons into a brief size of time will solely negatively impression your expertise. The longer, the higher.
Deciding on The place to Keep in Kauai
Deciding the place to remain in Kauai definitely includes a variety 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 need to spend plenty of time open air. The stacks of attention-grabbing seashores, hikes, and all of the facilities in Kauai’s cities make exploring thrilling.
Fancy some extra Kauai inspiration? Now we have a whole information on the finest issues to do on Kauai – from mountain climbing the Kalalalu Path to attempting shave ice. And, in fact, 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 remain in Maui as nicely.