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 filled with magnificent nature that it’s nicknamed the ‘Backyard Isle’ – a well-deserved title. We will 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.
After all, Kauai can also be filled with among the finest inns and finest 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.
Greatest Locations to Keep in Kauai
So, the place is finest 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 will provide you with 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 without doubt one of the island’s hottest locations to remain. This area is filled with vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – excellent if you would like a vacation filled with sightseeing and memento procuring. The south facet of Kauai can also be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental automobiles. Briefly, the south shore is the place to remain in Kauai if you would like the whole lot inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy ambiance.
Aside from its nice location, the south shore’s sights are an enormous draw to this area of Kauai. Poipu Seashore 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 Seashore Park is the world surrounding this sandy seashore. It’s ultimate for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You possibly can seize a seat on certainly one of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seashore is a unbelievable spot. Slightly quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seashore entails a brief coastal hike. As a substitute of turtles, we recommend climbing to Shipwreck Seashore 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 procuring facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s lots to do and all the time 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 glorious seashore entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is situated 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 superb 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
Price range: Poipu Seashore Surf Music
Poipu Seashore Surf Music is a gorgeous, 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 funds 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 common as among the alternate 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 certainly one of 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 non-public balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And on the subject of your night meal, there are usually not one however seven completely different eating places to select from.
Company on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious ambiance. You possibly can get pleasure from complimentary cultural experiences, loosen up with unbelievable 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. After all, there will probably be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you’ve gotten 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 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 might be simply minutes from the Grand Hyatt – extremely praised for its glorious 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 comfy and fairly priced at underneath $200 per evening (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 the complete island is gorgeous, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For individuals who love images, 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 might be really spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to climbing trails and lovely seashores like Hideaways Seashore and Tunnels Seashore. Nevertheless, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so lovely 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 fully 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 a gorgeous technique to expertise the shoreline. It is best to undoubtedly attempt to full this difficult route if you’re an skilled hiker. You possibly can e book a allow to camp and deal with the monitor as an in a single day route or hike it in a full day. Gear is a should, because the terrain is demanding regardless of the path being only a reasonable distance. In case you’d favor beautiful views with out the hassle 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, excellent for getting a perspective of the island’s scale and vegetation. Simply behind the lookout, Hanalei Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is one other lovely place to go to – with climbing trails, lookouts, and animal sightings galore.
By way of neighborhoods, the primary cities on the north shore are Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei. All of those neighborhoods are situated on the shoreline. Hanalei is located in Hanalei Bay, with a sheltered seashore and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is way bigger and comprises a mix of residential properties and rental complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is residence to the Princeville 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 have got peaceable sights and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a pleasing, laid-back ambiance.
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 are 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 gained a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Selection Award in 2022, it is rather a lot a rising star on a budget lodging entrance in Kauai. And whereas it focuses on offering lodging for surfers eager to expertise Hanalei Bay for themselves (a sought-after surf spot), its self-catered suites and pleasant ambiance go well with 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 desirous about staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a straightforward winner. The resort provides apartment-style rooms with comfy dwelling areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally sizzling tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a unbelievable 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 opulent spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Gorgeous Views
This rental is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you’ve gotten unbelievable entry to all of the city’s facilities and sights. Nevertheless, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness due to your clifftop locale. You possibly can entry an nearly non-public seashore 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 rental stood out for apparent causes. We love the look of the pure setting and the sense of privateness regardless of being situated exterior of Princeville. Positively be aware of this property.
3. West Shore
If the north shore is quiet, the west facet of Kauai is totally asleep. The west facet is sort of fully undeveloped pure landscapes, with only a few 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 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 number 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 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, whenever you wish 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 chicken watchers to identify its everlasting and non permanent winged residents. Convey binoculars and a digital camera; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is residence to many endangered species. The Kokee Pure Historical past Museum is one other gem 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 many 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 services you could want when visiting Kauai. In case you nonetheless desire a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we suggest staying right here relatively than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. In any other case, if you would like the entire distant expertise, yow will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. E book a rental automobile and revel in being nestled away in the course 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 choice proper within the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but comfy, this three-star lodge is a enjoyable spot to decide on when looking for 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 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 due to its restricted variety of visitor rooms. Nevertheless, 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 best 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 out of doors pool. With extras like BBQ services and personal patios, it’s a actually comfy 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 beautiful cottage sleeps as much as 4 visitors throughout two bedrooms. The design is spacious and ethereal, with over nine-foot ceilings and large home windows for maximized views. Whereas the cottage is in-built conventional plantation type, it’s modernly embellished and ideal for a classy, stylish place to remain in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an out of doors sizzling bathe.
4. East Shore
Have you ever heard of the ‘coconut coast’? The east shore of Kauai coined the nickname the coconut coast due to its acres and acres of coconut bushes. 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 ultimate for guests who wish to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There will probably be no have to hire a rental automobile if you happen to don’t fancy driving, as the whole lot is accessible and tour operators supply pick-up transportation providers. The east coast is filled with 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 Seashore Park, Kapa’a Seashore Park, and Lydgate Seashore Park – plus many extra. Lydgate Seashore 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 vegetation. You possibly can even camp with a delegated tenting and picnic space if you would 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 possibly can be taught 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 among the east coast’s seashores as effectively (not simply seashore parks). Kealia Seashore and Kalapaki Seashore are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes via the inland east facet. Cooling off with a swim or having fun with watersports is a should when visiting Kauai.
neighborhoods is massively important when deciding the place to remain in Kauai. The primary cities within the east are Wailua, Lihue, Hanamaulu, Kapa’a, Kealia, and Anahola. These cities have sensible entry to seashores, resorts, and nightlife. Lihue can also be residence to an airport, which is de facto handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Price range: Kauai Seashore Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly inns in Kauai is fairly difficult. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Seashore Home Hostel is notable. Located on the shoreline, visitors have nearly doorstep seashore entry and ocean views. Relying in your preferences, you may go for a non-public or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Seashore Home Hostel is a unbelievable technique to make new pals and get monetary savings on a single complement.
Mid-Vary: Wyndham Kaua’i Seashore Villas
Wyndham Kaua’i Seashore 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 may benefit from 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 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. Positioned in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property provides a number of elegant villas. Company additionally obtain entry to a health middle and expansive outside pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.
VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Beautiful Balcony View
In the case of trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a number of selections. Nevertheless, this VRBO property is proof of how superb renting a vacation residence could be when visiting Hawaii.
The highest-floor rental is modernly embellished and not too long ago renovated to offer a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The profitable characteristic is the big balcony with ocean and seashore 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 fast entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a non-public pool, BBQ space, and gear 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 you want to know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.
What facet of Kauai is finest to remain on?
General, the north coast of Kauai is the 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 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?
Briefly, it is dependent upon what you need. We suggest the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s finest sights and outside actions. However, if you would like 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 if you would like a south coast expertise, with a busy seashore vibe and enjoyable ambiance.
What’s the finest 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 yr to go to Kauai?
Keep on with the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This fashion, irrespective of the place you select to remain, you gained’t be preventing 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 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 loosen up, and cramming tons into a brief size of time will solely negatively affect your expertise. The longer, the higher.
Deciding on The place to Keep in Kauai
Deciding the place to remain in Kauai actually entails a number 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 many who wish to spend a lot of time open air. 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 an entire information on the finest issues to do on Kauai – from climbing the Kalalalu Path to attempting shave ice. And, in fact, 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.
