The place to Keep in Kauai In 2023: The way to Select The Greatest Areas & Resorts

Kauai is among the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful alternative in the event you’re deciding the place to remain in Hawaii. Kauai is residence to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and a whole bunch of sandy seashores. Kauai is so filled 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 also be filled with among the finest inns 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 inns and resorts to select from in every space? This information gives you the total rundown on the place to remain in Kauai. We’ve received heaps 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 filled with sightseeing and memento buying. The south facet of Kauai can also 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 in order for you the whole lot inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy ambiance.

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 all the time superb to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seaside Park is the realm surrounding this sandy seashore. It’s perfect for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You may seize a seat on one in all many picnic benches.

Equally, Shipwreck Seaside is a improbable spot. A bit of quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seashore entails a brief coastal hike. As a substitute of turtles, we recommend mountaineering 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 buying facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s a lot to do and all the time pockets of nightlife to bask 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 beautiful 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 prime two suggestions when narrowing down the place to remain on the south shore of Kauai.

The place to Keep on the South Shore

Funds: Poipu Seaside Surf Track

Poipu Seaside Surf Track is a lovely, budget-friendly lodge on the south coast. The south facet of Kauai isn’t identified for affordable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for funds choices.

Company lease a complete unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the worth of a resort or different lodge. Whereas not as in style as among 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 all Kauai’s finest resorts. The resort is ready 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 usually are not one however seven completely different eating places to select from.

Company on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious ambiance. You may take pleasure in complimentary cultural experiences, loosen up with improbable 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 middle.

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 might have a continental breakfast to look ahead to.

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 might be simply minutes from the Grand Hyatt – extremely praised for its wonderful location in Kauai. You might be 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 fundamental however snug and fairly priced at underneath $200 per night time (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 whole island is beautiful, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For many who love pictures, 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 sights. You might be really spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to mountaineering trails and beautiful seashores like Hideaways Seaside and Tunnels Seaside. Nevertheless, 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 may view the shoreline by mountaineering the Kalalau Path or taking a scenic helicopter trip – a fully unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Chances are high, you’ll acknowledge footage of the Napali Coast. It’s a world-famous piece of unimaginable surroundings and an enormous draw of the north shore.

As we talked about, the Kalalau Path is a lovely solution to expertise the shoreline. It is best to undoubtedly attempt to full this difficult route in case you are an skilled hiker. You may guide 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. In case you’d choose attractive views with out the hassle of lengthy hikes, take a look at the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is a superb choice. 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 mountaineering trails, lookouts, and animal sightings galore.

By way of 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 far bigger and accommodates 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 may have peaceable sights 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 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 out of doors adventures which might be so lovely that they demand a digicam.

The place to Keep on the North Shore

Funds: 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 ambiance swimsuit any funds 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 fascinated with staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a straightforward winner. The resort affords apartment-style rooms with snug residing 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 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 offers 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 Apartment With Gorgeous Views

This rental is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you might have improbable entry to all of the city’s facilities and sights. Nevertheless, you even have beautiful views and a way of serene privateness because of your clifftop locale. You may entry an nearly personal seashore 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 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 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 mountaineering and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your mountaineering boots, binoculars, a digicam, and a giant water bottle. As a result of the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental vehicles 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 main cities, it’s simply a straightforward drive away.

By way of 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 chook watchers to identify its everlasting and non permanent winged residents. Convey binoculars and a digicam; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is residence 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 beautiful drive-in lookouts for many who aren’t as eager on mountaineering or aren’t up for back-to-back mountaineering 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 services you might want when visiting Kauai. In case you nonetheless desire a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here quite 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. Ebook a rental automobile and luxuriate in being nestled away in the course of lush valleys and abandoned, beautiful seashores.

The place to Keep on the West Shore

Funds: The Cabins at Kokee

The Cabins at Kokee is a wonderful budget-friendly lodging choice proper within the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but snug, this three-star lodge is a enjoyable spot to decide on when trying to find Kauai lodgings on a funds. 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, personal 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 seem to be 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 services that embrace an outside pool. With extras like BBQ services and personal patios, it’s a actually snug place to expertise Kauai. You might be 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 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 type, 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 bushes. 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 perfect for guests who need to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There will likely be no must lease a rental automobile in the event you don’t fancy driving, as the whole lot is accessible and tour operators provide pick-up transportation providers. The east coast is full of actions, the very best seashores, and loads of character.

The perfect 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 attractive, with expansive views and enclosed areas for swimming and snorkeling. Within the water, you’ll be mesmerized by the tropical fish and subterranean vegetation. You may 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 may study extra concerning the business of sugar plantations and the property itself on one in all 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 among the east coast’s seashores as properly (not simply seashore parks). Kealia Seaside and Kalapaki Seaside are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes by means 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 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 also be residence to an airport, which is basically handy.

The place to Keep on the East Shore

Funds: 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 nearly doorstep seashore 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 solution to make new buddies 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 lodge takes a barely completely different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Ultimate for a mid-range funds, you’ll be able to take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals funds low but additionally benefit from the luxurious services. These mentioned services 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 choice of luxurious lodging decisions, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out particularly. Situated in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property affords a choice of elegant villas. Company additionally obtain entry to a health middle and expansive out of doors pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.

VRBO: Oceanfront Apartment With Beautiful Balcony View

On the subject of trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a variety of decisions. Nevertheless, this VRBO property is proof of how superb renting a vacation residence might be when visiting Hawaii.

The highest-floor rental is modernly embellished and just lately renovated to supply a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The successful function is the big balcony with ocean and seashore views. You may take pleasure in your mornings with beautiful views of the Hawaiian shoreline with a bit of breakfast bar and stools. Throughout the day, you’ll have instant entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and gear like mountaineering 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 lined the place to remain in Kauai, what about some frequent FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars you have to 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 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 a lovely 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?

Briefly, it depends upon what you need. We advocate the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s finest sights and out of doors actions. However, in order for you a extra resort city ambiance, 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 seashore 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?

Keep on with the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This fashion, regardless of the place you select to remain, you received’t be combating over spots on 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 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 a lovely place to hike and loosen up, 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 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? We now have a whole information on the finest issues to do on Kauai – from mountaineering the Kalalalu Path to attempting shave ice. And, in fact, in the event 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 properly.