Kauai is without doubt one of the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a superb alternative if you happen to’re deciding the place to remain in Hawaii. Kauai is residence to beautiful hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and tons 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 might be selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a superb alternative.
In fact, Kauai can be stuffed with a number of the greatest inns and greatest resorts in Hawaii. The variety of selections 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? Do you have to select the north shore or the south shore? The east facet or the west facet? And what are the most effective inns and resorts to select from in every space? This information offers you the total rundown on the place to remain 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 remain. This area is full of vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – good if you’d like a vacation stuffed 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. Briefly, the south shore is the place to remain in Kauai if you’d like every thing inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy environment.
Other than its nice location, the south shore’s points of interest are an enormous draw to this area of Kauai. Poipu Seaside 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 wonderful to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seaside Park is the world surrounding this sandy seashore. It’s supreme for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You’ll be able to seize a seat on considered one of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seaside is a unbelievable spot. Just a little quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seashore entails a brief coastal hike. As a substitute of turtles, we advise climbing to Shipwreck Seaside to admire the sundown – which is gorgeous over the rocky shore and scenic headland. And, for extra of an city expertise, you possibly can 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 take pleasure in.
The most well-liked 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 seashore 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 gorgeous 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 possibility. 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
Price range: Poipu Seaside Surf Tune
Poipu Seaside Surf Tune is an attractive, budget-friendly lodge on the south coast. The south facet of Kauai isn’t recognized for affordable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for finances choices.
Company hire a whole unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the worth of a resort or different lodge. Whereas not as fashionable 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 considered one of Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is about throughout an enormous expanse of river-style swimming pools and tropical gardens. Every lodge room has a personal balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And on the subject of your night meal, there will not be one however seven completely different eating places to select from.
Company on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious environment. You’ll be able to get pleasure from complimentary cultural experiences, calm down with unbelievable 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.
Company can select rooms and suites, the latter of which comes with a full kitchen. In fact, there will likely be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you could have a continental breakfast to sit 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 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 primary however comfy and fairly priced at beneath $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 your complete island is gorgeous, 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 alternative, from verdant mountains to climbing trails and beautiful 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’ll be able to view the shoreline by climbing the Kalalau Path or taking a scenic helicopter trip – 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 an enormous draw of the north shore.
As we talked about, the Kalalau Path is an attractive method to expertise the shoreline. You must positively attempt to full this difficult route if you’re an skilled hiker. You’ll be able to e-book a allow to camp and sort out 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. In the event you’d choose beautiful views with out the trouble of lengthy hikes, take a look at the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is a superb possibility. 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 climbing trails, lookouts, and animal sightings galore.
When it comes to 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 way bigger and accommodates a combination of residential properties and rental complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is residence to the Princeville Purchasing Middle 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 will have 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 easy accessibility to the most effective 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 can be so lovely that they demand a digital camera.
The place to Keep on the North Shore
Price range: Hanalei Surfboard Home
Hanalei Surfboard Home is without doubt one of the most budget-friendly spots on the north shore. Having received a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Selection Award in 2022, it is extremely a lot a rising star on a budget lodging entrance in Kauai. And whereas it makes a speciality of offering lodging for surfers desirous to expertise Hanalei Bay for themselves (a sought-after surf spot), its self-catered suites and pleasant environment 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. In case you are involved in staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a straightforward winner. The resort presents apartment-style rooms with comfy dwelling areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally scorching tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a unbelievable 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 gives 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 opulent spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Beautiful Views
This rental is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you could have unbelievable entry to all of the city’s facilities and points of interest. Nonetheless, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness due to your clifftop locale. You’ll be able to entry an virtually personal seashore set in a little-known cove out of your backdoor. And in sure seasons, you possibly can 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 outdoors 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 totally 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 Recreation 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 climbing and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your climbing boots, binoculars, a digital camera, and an enormous water bottle. As a result of the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental vehicles 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, while you need to head into the main cities, it’s simply a straightforward 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 fowl watchers to identify its everlasting and non permanent winged residents. Carry 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 in your itinerary. It’s a nice indoor attraction to flee the solar for a bit. Equally, Waimea Canyon has loads of gorgeous drive-in lookouts for individuals who aren’t as eager on climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back 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 main amenities you could want when visiting Kauai. In the event you nonetheless need a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we suggest staying right here slightly than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. In any other case, if you’d like the entire distant expertise, yow will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. Ebook a rental automotive and revel in being nestled away in the midst of lush valleys and abandoned, gorgeous seashores.
The place to Keep on the West Shore
Price range: The Cabins at Kokee
The Cabins at Kokee is a superb budget-friendly lodging possibility proper within the heart of the west shore. Simplistic but comfy, this three-star lodge is a enjoyable spot to decide on when trying to find Kauai lodgings on a finances. You’ll be based mostly in the midst 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 possibly can get pleasure from a central location inside Waimea, on the south finish of the west coast. The inn has a quiet, personal really feel due to its restricted variety of visitor rooms. Nonetheless, due to the property’s city setting, you might be by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxurious: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage may not look like the epitome of luxurious inns. 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 based mostly proper within the coronary heart of Waimea – a particular bonus.
VRBO: Two Bed room Plantation Cottage
This beautiful 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 type, it’s modernly adorned and excellent for an elegant, fashionable place to remain in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an out of doors scorching 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 industrial and built-up, with loads of city facilities. It’s supreme for guests who need to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There will likely be no must hire a rental automotive if you happen to don’t fancy driving, as every thing is accessible and tour operators provide pick-up transportation providers. The east coast is full of actions, the most effective seashores, and loads of character.
The most effective factor to do on the island’s east is to go to the seashore parks. There’s Anahola Seaside Park, Kapa’a Seaside Park, and Lydgate Seaside Park – plus many extra. Lydgate Seaside 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 flora. You’ll be able to even camp with a chosen tenting and picnic space if you’d like.
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’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the trade of sugar plantations and the property itself on considered 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 reveals – 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 seashore parks). Kealia Seaside and Kalapaki Seaside 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.
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 sensible entry to seashores, resorts, and nightlife. Lihue can be residence to an airport, which is actually handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Price range: Kauai Seaside Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly inns in Kauai is fairly difficult. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is notable. Located on the shoreline, company have virtually doorstep seashore entry and ocean views. Relying in your preferences, you possibly can go for a personal or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is a unbelievable method to make new associates and lower your expenses 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 lodge takes a barely completely different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Ultimate for a mid-range finances, you possibly can take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals finances low but additionally benefit from the luxurious amenities. These stated 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 number of luxurious lodging selections, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out particularly. Situated in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property presents a number of elegant villas. Company additionally obtain entry to a health heart and expansive outside pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.
VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Attractive Balcony View
Relating to trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a whole lot of selections. Nonetheless, this VRBO property is proof of how wonderful renting a vacation residence will 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 successful characteristic is the massive balcony with ocean and seashore views. You’ll be able to get pleasure from your mornings with gorgeous views of the Hawaiian shoreline with a bit of breakfast bar and stools. Through the day, you’ll have instant entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and tools like 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 widespread FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars it is advisable to 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 most effective 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 greatest 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 surprising shoreline.
Is it higher to remain within the north or south of Kauai?
Briefly, it is determined by what you need. We suggest the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s greatest points of interest and outside actions. However, if you’d like a extra resort city environment, the south is healthier to go to.
What is healthier 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 if you’d like a south coast expertise, with a busy seashore 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 most effective time of 12 months to go to Kauai?
Persist with the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This manner, regardless of the place you select to remain, you received’t be combating over spots in your seashore 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 most effective 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 an attractive place to hike and calm down, and cramming heaps 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 actually entails a whole lot of selections. Whether or not you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a unbelievable time. The island is ideal for individuals who need to spend plenty of time outside. The stacks of attention-grabbing seashores, hikes, and all of the facilities in Kauai’s cities make exploring thrilling.
Fancy some extra Kauai inspiration? We have now an entire information on the greatest issues to do on Kauai – from climbing the Kalalalu Path to attempting shave ice. And, after all, if you happen to can go to a couple of 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 effectively.
