Kauai is among the most stunning Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful alternative for those who’re deciding the place to remain in Hawaii. Kauai is dwelling to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and a whole bunch 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.
In fact, Kauai can be stuffed with a number of the finest accommodations 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 most effective accommodations and resorts to select from in every space? This information offers you the complete rundown on the place to remain in Kauai. We’ve bought 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 full of vacationer infrastructure and business pleasure – good in order for you a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento buying. 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 every part inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy environment.
Other than its nice location, the south shore’s sights 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 superb to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seaside Park is the world surrounding this sandy seaside. It’s superb for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You possibly can seize a seat on certainly one of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seaside is a implausible spot. Somewhat quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seaside entails a brief coastal hike. As a substitute of turtles, we recommend 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 may go to the buying facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s loads 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 glorious 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 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 wonderful 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
Price range: Poipu Seaside Surf Music
Poipu Seaside Surf Music is a gorgeous, 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 price range choices.
Visitors hire a whole unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the worth of a resort or different resort. Whereas not as well-liked 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 finest 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 in terms of your night meal, there aren’t one however seven completely different eating places to select from.
Visitors on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious environment. You possibly can get pleasure from complimentary cultural experiences, chill out with implausible services, 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.
Visitors can select rooms and suites, the latter of which comes with a full kitchen. In fact, there shall 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 taking a look at this property, it’s clear why. Set in Poipu, this VRBO property is good for these wanting the final 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 comfy and fairly priced at below $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 stunning, 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 entire island is gorgeous, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For individuals 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 sights. You’re actually spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to climbing trails and beautiful seashores like Hideaways Seaside and Tunnels Seaside. Nevertheless, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so stunning that it has been wanted by Hollywood producers and featured in numerous films. This part of the coast is lined by lush inexperienced mountains and bizarrely crinkled cliff faces. You possibly can view the shoreline by 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 a gorgeous method to expertise the shoreline. It’s best to positively attempt to full this difficult route if you’re an skilled hiker. You possibly can 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 reasonable distance. When you’d favor attractive views with out the trouble of lengthy hikes, take a look at the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is an excellent choice. This lookout has sweeping views of the valley and plush greenery, good for getting a perspective of the island’s scale and vegetation. Simply behind the lookout, Hanalei Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is one other stunning place to go to – with 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 condominium complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is dwelling 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 may have peaceable sights and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a pleasing, laid-back environment.
The north shore of Kauai is good for these wanting a quiet expertise on the island with out sacrificing easy accessibility to the most effective seashores and sights. 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 outside adventures which might be so stunning that they demand a digital camera.
The place to Keep on the North Shore
Price range: 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 extremely 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 swimsuit any price range 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 considering staying in stunning Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a straightforward 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 implausible location and spectacular services.
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 sights 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 do you have to need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an expensive spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Gorgeous Views
This condominium is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you’ve gotten implausible entry to all of the city’s facilities and sights. Nevertheless, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness because of your clifftop locale. You possibly can 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 condominium 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 totally undeveloped pure landscapes, with just some tiny cities (extra akin to villages) dotted alongside the shoreline. The vast majority 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 quite a lot of time climbing and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your 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 on 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 need to head into the foremost cities, it’s simply a straightforward drive away.
When it comes to official sights, 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 dwelling to many endangered species. The Kokee Pure Historical past Museum is one other gem on 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 foremost services you could want when visiting Kauai. When you nonetheless desire a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here moderately than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. In any other case, in order for you the entire distant expertise, you will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. E-book a rental automobile and luxuriate 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 wonderful 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 price range. 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 may get pleasure from 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 won’t appear to be the epitome of luxurious accommodations. 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 services that embody an outside pool. With extras like BBQ services 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 attractive 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 in-built conventional plantation model, it’s modernly embellished and excellent for a classy, fashionable 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 because of 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 shall be no have to hire a rental automobile for those who don’t fancy driving, as every part 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.
One of the best 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 plants. You possibly can 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 possibly can study 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 reveals – 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 by way of 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 principle 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 admittedly handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Price range: Kauai Seaside Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly accommodations 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 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 Seaside Home Hostel is a implausible method to make new pals 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 resort takes a barely completely different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Ultimate for a mid-range price range, you may take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals price range low but additionally benefit from the luxurious services. These mentioned services embody 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 choice 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 choice of elegant villas. Visitors additionally obtain entry to a health heart and expansive outside pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.
VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Beautiful Balcony View
In relation to trip leases, we all know that Kauai has quite a lot of decisions. Nevertheless, this VRBO property is proof of how superb renting a vacation dwelling could be when visiting Hawaii.
The highest-floor condominium is modernly embellished and lately renovated to offer a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The successful function is the massive balcony with ocean and seaside views. You possibly can get pleasure from your mornings with gorgeous views of the Hawaiian shoreline with a little bit breakfast bar and stools. Throughout the day, you’ll have rapid entry to Kealia and its seaside. 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 coated the place to remain in Kauai, what about some frequent FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars it’s essential know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.
What facet of Kauai is finest to remain on?
Total, the north coast of Kauai is the most effective 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 finest city to remain in Kauai?
Kilauea is a gorgeous 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?
In brief, it will depend on what you need. We advocate the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s finest sights 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 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 environment.
What’s the finest facet of Kauai to remain on?
One of the best 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?
Keep on 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 on your seaside towel or making an attempt to look 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 a gorgeous 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 entails quite a lot of decisions. Whether or not you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a implausible time. The island is ideal for individuals who need to spend numerous 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 finest issues to do on Kauai – from climbing the Kalalalu Path to making an attempt shave ice. And, in fact, for those who can go to a couple of Hawaiian island, why wouldn’t you? Maui is one other fantastic island to go to in Hawaii, and we’ve compiled a information on the place to remain in Maui as nicely.