The Hawaiian Island of Kauai is without doubt one of the hottest to go to for vacationers searching for sun, sand, and nature. It’s regionally known as “the Garden Isle” for its abundance of lush flora amongst miles of untouched mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. On its shores, sandy seashores and dramatic sea cliffs plunge into the Pacific Ocean, by which colourful fish, dolphins, and whales are resident.
Does that sound like your type of island? If so, you’re in luck – unfold amongst Kauai’s seashores, mountains, and nature are additionally fairly a number of luxurious resorts. The island has lengthy been each a household vacation vacation spot and a romantic getaway, however with a fraction of the vacationers you’ll discover on Oahu or Maui.
Like these on the other Hawaiian Islands, Kauai lodging are not often budget-friendly. That’s very true in case you’re true resort atmospheres. Be ready to regulate your definition of reasonably priced to Hawaii costs when planning your dream journey to paradise, as the very best Kauai resorts aren’t low cost.
Now, don’t let that final level scare you – simply wait till you see the surreal swimming swimming pools, luxurious spas, award-winning golf programs, and delightful visitor rooms the very best resorts in Kauai have to supply. I’ve put collectively an sincere listing of them beneath primarily based on my many journeys to the island.
TL;DR
Best Kauai Resorts
1. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Address: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa constantly ranks as one of the best resorts in Kauai. This luxurious property is on the island’s south shore, close to the Poipu resort space, on Shipwreck Beach. This ought to be a simple alternative for anybody with World of Hyatt standing, as this loyalty program is without doubt one of the most rewarding and constant on the market.
This expansive resort boasts lush gardens, a number of swimming swimming pools, an ocean-fed lagoon, direct seashore entry, and each effective and informal eating. The Anara Spa is without doubt one of the most luxurious on the island, and a championship golf course is on-site. While all of this makes for a really romantic honeymoon or {couples} getaway, households are simply as completely satisfied right here, due to a lazy river and waterslides to splash in (there’s an adults-only pool, too.)
On high of all of the enjoyable and leisure on the resort, its spot on the south shore is good for exploring the distinctive surroundings. There’s a guided south shore hike that begins instantly throughout the road and divulges surreal caves, cliffs, and snorkel spots.
Attractions Near the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Pros
- Very luxurious rooms, spa, and outside areas
- Great worth for Hyatt factors redemptions
- Family-friendly actions on-site
Cons
- High room charges all 12 months spherical
- Resort payment charged nightly
2. Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Address: 4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI 96766
If the luxury resorts of the north and south shores are simply too costly, you could find a center floor within the center a part of the island – on the east shore. The Kauai Beach Resort & Spa is a good possibility for mid-range guests who nonetheless need house, consolation, and outside enjoyable at their lodging.
There are a number of swimming swimming pools, scorching tubs, and waterfalls on the resort, together with easy accessibility to a sandy seashore simply past them. A full-service spa on the property gives Hawaiian-inspired massages and different therapies. At the top of the day, you possibly can get pleasure from dwell native leisure from the bar, the restaurant, or from a distance in your room’s lanai.
An airport and native space shuttle connects visitors to close by factors of curiosity and will make it potential to go to with out a automotive – japanese Kauai is the primary inhabitants and financial heart, making it straightforward to dine and store exterior the resort. It’s additionally the place you could find the Wailua River and Secret Falls, which I extremely suggest kayaking up and hiking to, respectively.
Attractions Near the Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Pros
- Central location on the island and away from vacationer areas
- Multiple swimming pools and a waterslide
- Lower charges in comparison with different massive resorts
Cons
- Early check-out time (11am) and late check-in time (4pm)
- Beach not superb for swimming
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Sheraton Kauai Resort
Address: 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
One of my private favourite locations to remain is the Sheraton Kauai Resort, positioned on Kiahuna Beach and simply minutes from Poipu Beach. This is a big, family-friendly resort due to its big selection of room varieties of numerous sizes, in addition to its loads of outside house.
Rooms have been renovated since my most up-to-date keep right here, so I look ahead to seeing the replace on my subsequent go to, they usually had been already fairly good. The two swimming swimming pools and scorching tub are simply steps from the sand, making it straightforward to have a lazy day in no matter water you select. When the solar begins to go down, the ‘Auli’i Lu’au begins – be sure you do this Hawaiian feast and leisure one night time, and revel in its music from the bar or seashore chairs on the others!
There’s even a rental automotive desk within the resort in case you resolve to exit and discover by yourself however didn’t hire a automotive from the airport. The south shore gives easy accessibility to Port Allen, the place many Nā Pali Coast boat tours depart from – don’t miss this if you wish to see the world’s most stunning shoreline that’s solely accessible by sea.
Attractions Near the Sheraton Kauai Resort
Pros
- On-site luau
- Well-kept rooms with current renovation
- Free parking
Cons
- High charges for the product
- Beach chairs have a payment to make use of
4. Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club


Address: 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club, typically known as the Kauai Marriott Resort, is positioned simply minutes from the airport on well-known Kalapaki Beach. That makes it ideally positioned for exploring the remainder of the island in addition to surfing and paddleboarding on superior waves out entrance.
This is a Marriott Vacation Club property, and the rooms listed here are largely condo-style multi-bedroom models that function timeshares that can be booked nightly. Having all of that house plus a kitchen and residing space could be a massive plus for households. There’s a big swimming pool with loads of lounge chairs round it, an on-site spa, and a golden sand seashore with board leases simply steps away.
The eating at this Marriott is nice as effectively, with a Japanese restaurant in addition to the well-known Duke’s. The location is ideal for one in every of my most-recommended actions on Kauai – helicopter tours. You can spend the morning hovering above the canyons of Koke’e, the cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, and filming websites of films like Jurassic Park, and be again on the pool by lunch.
Attractions Near Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club
Pros
- Beautiful villa-style visitor rooms with a number of bedrooms
- Easy entry to and from the airport
- Duke’s Kauai, top-of-the-line bars on the island, is on-site
Cons
- No Marriott Bonvoy elite advantages at Marriott Vacation Club properties
- Food and drink may be very costly
See Related: Is Hawaii Worth Visiting? Everything You Need to Know
5. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection




Address: 2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
I really like staying at Marriott’s Autograph Collection properties – they preserve their boutique lodge identification and freedom however preserve the consistency and requirements of the Marriott brand; plus, you possibly can earn and redeem factors! The Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu is, due to this fact, already an amazing alternative for any vacationers who agree with that logic.
The resort is unfold over 25 acres and may be very luxurious. Three large swimming swimming pools create many spots to lounge within the solar, together with an adults-only possibility and several other waterfalls.
Rooms listed here are a high promoting level, as even the entry-level studios are twice the dimensions of a standard hotel room, while multi-bedroom villas add much more house. Free actions like morning yoga on the garden and night s’mores are superior particular touches for any keep.
Don’t miss the prospect to dine on the resort, because the Holoholo Grill is the creation of native movie star chef Sam Choy, and the result’s completely delectable. The Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu can be very near the place to begin of one in every of Kauai’s zipline routes – a really thrilling option to soar over the island’s ample greenery.
Attractions Near the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
Pros
- Some of the very best swimming swimming pools on Kauai
- Minutes from The Shops at Kukui’ula and lots of eating places
Cons
- Not beachfront, no direct ocean views
- Limited eating choices inside the resort
6. Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
Address: 2640 Puuholo Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Minutes down the street is one other widespread Poipu Beach resort: Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort, sitting on a small cliff overlooking Hanakaape Bay. This is an all-condo property with oversize models, together with the facilities of a house, which is great for families or long-stay visitors.
While the resort and its outside areas aren’t as expansive as a number of the others on our listing, you possibly can anticipate a bit extra peace and quiet from its small oceanside pool. It additionally has gadgets like seashore chairs, umbrellas, and coolers prepared so that you can take to close by spots, such because the calm and stress-free Baby Beach simply across the nook. Much of the nice eating and buying of the Koloa space are inside strolling distance, corresponding to The Shops at Kukui’ula, and the workers will even go grocery purchasing for you on request.
As with the opposite resorts of Kauai’s south shore, Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort places you in an amazing place to set off on adventures round this facet of the island. The Allerton Garden, well-known for its wealthy Hawaiian historical past, look in Hollywood movies, and gorgeous pure surroundings is just some miles away, making for a simple addition to any morning or afternoon.
Attractions Near the Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
Pros
- All visitor rooms are condominium models, nice for households or long-stay visitors
- Views from the cliff above Hanakaape Bay
- Beach tools is on the market for visitors to take out
Cons
- Small swimming pool and outside areas
- No direct seashore entry
See Related: Best Vacations for a Group of Friends
7. Waipouli Beach Resort
Address: 4-820 Kuhio Hwy Suite 1, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
If you’d slightly be within the heart of on a regular basis life on Kauai than in a tourist area, look to the japanese city of Kapaa, the place a number of resorts are discovered on the Coconut Coast. One widespread one is the Waipouli Beach Resort, located between one of many island’s essential buying facilities and the sandy Waipouli Beach.
This is one other condominium lodge with massive, individually owned models rented out nightly. Besides the beachfront bar and grill, visitors are a brief stroll from shave ice, poke, and different native favorites. You can hire surfboards, bikes, snorkel gear, and different outside tools from Boss Frogs close by, and retreat to a big residing house with balcony views of the ocean at sundown.
Kapaa is a good location to entry locations just like the Wailua River, Secret Falls, and Opaeka’a Falls, in addition to for driving each north and south – although observe that site visitors right here may be horrendous. But you possibly can simply stroll subsequent door to the Luau Ka Hikina one night for some nice Hawaiian leisure and delicacies.
Attractions Near the Waipouli Beach Resort
Pros
- Centrally positioned for native buying, eating places, and getting round
- Lower worth level than another condominium resorts on Kauai
Cons
- Kapa’a city has a few of Kauai’s worst site visitors
- Beach just isn’t very swimmable
8. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Address: 3838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
We’ve so far lined many resorts in east and south Kauai, however there are a ton of lovely luxurious resorts on the iconic North Shore, too. Most are discovered within the Princeville resort space, which additionally incorporates a number of golf programs and sits simply minutes from Hanalei Bay. For my most up-to-date journey to Kauai, I stayed at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, and I discovered it to be distinctive.
This is one other Marriott trip possession property, and the rooms are spacious villas. It sits amongst manicured gardens excessive on sea cliffs, with a variety of tranquil swimming swimming pools tucked in between them.
A brief (however steep) hike takes you right down to a sandy seashore. There isn’t an enormous choice of on-site eating places, with only one possibility, however I discovered the meals and the afternoon leisure to be glorious.
The health heart was well-equipped and was a pleasant complement to jogs across the quiet Princeville streets. The north shore is a spectacular place, and you must undoubtedly make the most of the secluded beaches, scenic kayaking, and great snorkeling, however observe that it’s a lengthy drive to the opposite elements of Kauai. Therefore, keep right here for north shore exclusivity, luxurious, and seclusion.
Attractions Near The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Pros
- Large and splendid suites with kitchens and residing rooms
- Beautiful swimming swimming pools and scorching tubs
- Clifftop views
Cons
- Very removed from non-north shore sights and actions
- Just one on-site restaurant and no sit-down breakfast, simply seize and go
See Related: Best Things to Do in Hawaii & Places to Visit
9. Hanalei Colony Resort
Address: 5-7130 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Driving a bit additional on Kauai’s north shore, you’ll discover the Hanalei Colony Resort not lengthy earlier than the top of the street. Visitors come right here to get away from the vacationer heart of Princeville and as an alternative keep someplace more local and low-key.
It’s only a quick drive or bike ride to Hanalei Bay, and you’ll stroll to the well-known Tunnels Beach, the place colourful reefs make for a few of Kauai’s finest snorkeling. If you’ve heard of the well-known Kalalau Trail, which gives rugged entry to a number of the Nā Pali Coast, this resort is about as shut as you possibly can keep for a day hike. Remember that previous a sure level on the path, a hard-to-get allow is required, and that is taken significantly.
Resort rooms are condo-style with a lot of house and local-style furnishings. Plus, charges listed here are a bit extra reasonably priced than the competitors when you think about the dimensions. Be positive to try some of the local-favorite restaurants on this space.
Attractions Near the Hanalei Colony Resort
Pros
- Quiet seclusion at “the top of the street”
- Near a few of Kauai’s finest snorkeling
Cons
- Most rooms are with out air-con
- High worth level for what you get
10. Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger




Address: 2253 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
If you’ve traveled to Hawaii earlier than, you could be accustomed to the Outrigger model – it’s a neighborhood lodge chain that’s extremely acclaimed for its mid-range properties across the islands. Its Kiahuna Plantation Resort within the Poipu space is a bit completely different from the corporate’s different resorts in that it’s a condominium lodge with restricted facilities, nevertheless it nonetheless stays widespread due to reasonably priced charges and various inclusions.
Accommodations listed here are at the very least one bed room in dimension and supply local-style decor. There isn’t a pool, seashore, or restaurant on the property – however don’t be scared off by that. Kiahuna Beach and the Sheraton Kauai Resort are simply throughout the road, that means the sand and nice meals are accessible.
A brief stroll within the different route brings you to a small buying heart with extra eating places, plus the Poipu Beach Athletic Club, which visitors have free entry to for the usage of the pool and health heart, amongst different facilities.
In the top, the Kiahuna Plantation Resort could be a nice stability of saving money, getting further house, and nonetheless getting access to good luxuries. Put your financial savings in the direction of a private tour of Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, only a quick drive from this space into the island’s inside – do NOT miss this whereas on Kauai, non-public tour or not.
Attractions Near the Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger
- Poipu Beach Athletic Club (free entry)
- Kiahuna Golf Club
- Kiahuna Beach
- Scuba diving and surfing on the south shore
Pros
- Low worth level for the distinguished Poipu resort space
- Large condo-style rooms
Cons
- No seashore or pool
- No on-site eating
- Rooms are prepared for a refresh
See Related: Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts
11. Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u




Address: 3325 Holokawelu Way, Lihue, HI 96766
There’s one other Marriott Vacation Club on Kauai known as Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u, and it’s particularly nice for large groups or families, as visitor rooms are solely two or three bedrooms in dimension. However, visitors right here might wish to make use of their room’s full-size kitchen, as there aren’t any on-site eating places.
But due to superbly manicured grounds, a beautiful pool, and splendid rooms, this resort nonetheless makes the listing. It’s a 20-minute stroll or a fast drive to Kalapaki Beach, Duke’s Kauai, and extra eating choices. Three golf programs within the surrounding space make this resort a best choice for golfers, and energetic folks will likely be happy with the health heart and path choices resulting in seashores and viewpoints.
As with the close by Marriott, the proximity to the airport makes it straightforward to do issues like helicopter excursions and even scenic flights on which you can fly the plane. It’s additionally near Nawiliwili Harbor, the place many sport fishing boats depart from.
Attractions Near Mariott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u
Pros
- Expansive property with nice views and no surrounding buildings
- Beautiful swimming pool, lounge chair, and hearth pit areas
Cons
- No seashore or restaurant; lengthy stroll or fast drive to entry these close by
- Very excessive charges
12. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Address: 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
We’ve saved one of the crucial luxurious (and latest) Kauai resorts for final. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay lately opened on the island’s north shore, and it simply might need one in every of the best views and finest pool experiences you could find on Kauai.
Kauai regulars would possibly acknowledge the placement as the previous St. Regis Princeville, however the property underwent a severe renovation earlier than reopening.
An infinity pool excessive above the bay, large visitor room home windows, and a modern-chic design are a number of the high promoting factors. Again, I can’t actually emphasize the views sufficient – it’s one of many varieties the place photos simply don’t do it.
A children membership and wellness spa make it very potential for fogeys to carry alongside everybody and chill out on the identical time. An obsession with farm-to-table makes the foods and drinks delightfully contemporary and flavorful. If you possibly can carry your self to go away for a number of hours, Hanalei Bay is a good place for surf lessons.
Attractions Near 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
- Hanalei Bay and Pier
- Princeville Makai Golf Course
- Princeville Botanical Gardens
Pros
- Possibly essentially the most luxurious (and latest) resort on Kauai
- Unrivaled views of Hanalei Bay
- Awesome high-end eating
Cons
- Prohibitively costly
- It’s a really lengthy drive to most different Kauai sights
FAQ
What facet of Kauai is the very best to remain on?
This is a tricky query, and it depends upon what you need out of your trip. The south shore has a excessive focus of lovely resorts and, with it, numerous eating and buying; there’s additionally easy accessibility to the rugged west facet and island inside, nevertheless it’s a really lengthy drive to the north.
On the opposite hand, the north shore of the Garden Island is iconic, quaint, and quiet, with easy accessibility to Na Pali Coast mountaineering and Hanalei Bay, however a painfully far drive to the remainder of the island. The east coast of Kauai is a cheerful center floor with reasonably fast entry to the remainder of the island, in addition to the eating and buying of Kauai’s essential inhabitants heart.
How lengthy ought to I spend in Kauai?
This is one other subjective query. I’ve squeezed in a bunch of enjoyable and leisure throughout a brief weekend getaway to Kauai, however I’d even be completely satisfied to have every week or extra there.
You will in all probability wish to get out and see the superb nature on the island but in addition maintain time for resort lounging and seashore enjoyable. Research what precisely you’re eager about effectively upfront, and construct in further time, as site visitors and driving distances could make getting round Kauai a journey.
What a part of Kauai has essentially the most to do?
The western shores of Kauai are very quiet and rural with rugged, sandy seashores, in addition to the Nā Pali Coast – a shoreline with a number of the world’s most dramatic sea cliffs and inaccessible seashores, which you’ll be able to go to on a ship tour or helicopter tour. In the south, many resorts within the Poipu space supply fantastic eating and buying, in addition to nice seashores for leisure and swimming.
The japanese facet is the island’s inhabitants and financial heart. The north shore is the opposite facet of the Nā Pali Coast, and its corresponding remoteness retains it quaint and a surfer’s paradise, with the gorgeous Hanalei Bay. Don’t overlook to enter Kauai’s inside to see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
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