Kauai is among the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a superb selection when you’re deciding the place to remain in Hawaii. Kauai is residence to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and tons of of sandy seashores. Kauai is so stuffed with magnificent nature that it’s nicknamed the ‘Backyard Isle’ – a well-deserved title. We are able to see why you might be selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a superb selection.
In fact, Kauai can also be stuffed with a few of the finest lodges 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.
Finest 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 perfect lodges and resorts to select from in every space? This information will provide you with 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 industrial pleasure – excellent if you would like a vacation stuffed 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 if you would like the whole lot inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy ambiance.
Other than its nice location, the south shore’s points of interest are an enormous draw to this area of Kauai. Poipu Seaside is essentially the most well-known on the island and sits proper on the south shore. It’s a hotspot for nesting turtles (that are at all times wonderful to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seaside Park is the realm surrounding this sandy seashore. It’s preferrred for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You’ll be able to seize a seat on considered one of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seaside is a implausible spot. Just a little quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seashore entails a brief coastal hike. As an alternative of turtles, we recommend mountain climbing to Shipwreck Seaside to admire the sundown – which is gorgeous over the rocky shore and scenic headland. And, for extra of an city expertise, you possibly can go to the buying facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s loads to do and at all times pockets of nightlife to take pleasure in.
The most well-liked locations to remain on the south shore are Waimea, Kalaheo, Lawai, Hanapepe, Pakala Village, and Koloa City. Koloa is a small city that adjoins Poipu and has wonderful seashore entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is positioned proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has a protracted highway 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 Seaside Surf Music
Poipu Seaside Surf Music is a stupendous, 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 in style as a few of the options on this information, it’s positively worthwhile if you wish to lower your expenses.
Mid-Vary: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a dreamy mid-range property and considered one of Kauai’s 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 with regards to your night meal, there will not be one however seven totally different eating places to select from.
Visitors on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious ambiance. You’ll be able to get pleasure from complimentary cultural experiences, calm down 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 will likely be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you may 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 final 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 comfy and fairly priced at below $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 your complete island is gorgeous, Kauai is one thing else; put together to be blown away by pure magnificence and iconic views. For many who love images, nature, and outside adventures, the north shore is the place to remain in Kauai.
The north shore of Kauai is roofed in pure points of interest. You might be actually spoiled for selection, from verdant mountains to mountain climbing trails and lovely seashores like Hideaways Seaside and Tunnels Seaside. Nonetheless, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so lovely that it has been wanted by Hollywood producers and featured in numerous films. This part of the coast is lined by lush inexperienced mountains and bizarrely crinkled cliff faces. You’ll be able to view the shoreline by mountain climbing the Kalalau Path or taking a scenic helicopter trip – a fully unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Likelihood is, you’ll acknowledge photos 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 stupendous strategy to expertise the shoreline. You need to positively attempt to full this difficult route if you’re an skilled hiker. You’ll be able to e book a allow to camp and sort out the monitor as an in a single day route or hike it in a full day. Gear is a should, because the terrain is demanding regardless of the path being only a reasonable distance. If you happen to’d desire attractive views with out the hassle of lengthy hikes, try 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 mountain climbing trails, lookouts, and animal sightings galore.
When it comes to neighborhoods, the principle cities on the north shore are Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei. All of those neighborhoods are positioned on the shoreline. Hanalei is located in Hanalei Bay, with a sheltered seashore and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is far bigger and comprises a mix of residential properties and condominium complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is residence to the Princeville Procuring 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 have got peaceable points of interest 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 perfect seashores and points of interest. 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 lovely 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 gained 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 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 price range traveler.
Mid-Vary: Hanalei Bay Resort
Hanalei Bay Resort is a beautiful mid-range lodging selection only a fifteen-minute drive from Hanalei Pier. In case you are excited by staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a simple winner. The resort gives 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 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 offers a complimentary shuttle service for points of interest and facilities inside a 2.5-mile radius. Every villa has its personal kitchen and whirlpool tub, though there’s a spa and restaurant on web site do you have to need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an opulent spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Apartment With Beautiful Views
This condominium is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you may have implausible entry to all of the city’s facilities and points of interest. Nonetheless, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness due to your clifftop locale. You’ll be able to entry an nearly non-public seashore set in a little-known cove out of your backdoor. And in sure seasons, you possibly can watch migrating whales out of your window.
Whereas Kauai has some fairly spectacular VRBO leases, this 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. Undoubtedly be aware of this property.
3. West Shore
If the north shore is quiet, the west facet of Kauai is totally asleep. The west facet is sort of totally undeveloped pure landscapes, with 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 Recreation Administration Space, Waimea Canyon State Park, Kokee State Park, and Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve. A large proportion of Kauai’s protected acreage is on the island’s west facet. For these fascinated by nature and reserves, staying on the island’s west facet is heaven on Earth.
It goes with out saying that with so many wildlife areas and parks, you’ll spend a number of time mountain climbing and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your mountain climbing boots, binoculars, a digital camera, and an enormous water bottle. As a result of the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental vehicles and investing in a single to your keep on Kauai is worth it. It helps to get round and entry all of the totally different parks and trails. Plus, once you need to head into the most important cities, it’s simply a simple drive away.
When it comes to official points of interest, Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is a superb place to go to. The reserve is located alongside the west shoreline. It has a brief path for hen watchers to identify its everlasting and short-term 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 to 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 mountain climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back mountain 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 most important services it’s possible you’ll want when visiting Kauai. If you happen to nonetheless desire a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here slightly than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. In any other case, if you would like the entire distant expertise, you could find remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. E book a rental automotive 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 heart of the west shore. Simplistic but comfy, this three-star resort is a enjoyable spot to decide on when trying to find Kauai lodgings on a price range. 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 possibly can 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. Nonetheless, due to the property’s city setting, you might be by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxurious: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage may not look like the epitome of luxurious lodges. 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 embody an outside 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 attractive 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 inbuilt 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 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 due to its acres and acres of coconut timber. It’s a populous area of the island and, just like the south shore, is industrial and built-up, with loads of city facilities. It’s preferrred for guests who need to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There will likely be no must hire a rental automotive when you don’t fancy driving, as the whole lot is accessible and tour operators provide pick-up transportation companies. The east coast is full of actions, the perfect seashores, and loads of character.
The very best 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 plants. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to study extra concerning the business of sugar plantations and the property itself on considered one of many excursions. Whereas, for extra informative actions, simply up the highway, there’s additionally the Kauai Museum. This museum is centered round artifacts and archives of native historical past and tradition. You’ll discover a great deal of reveals – from sections on WWII to sections on Kauai’s historical past of browsing.
Don’t neglect to take a look at a few of the east coast’s seashores as effectively (not simply seashore parks). Kealia Seaside and Kalapaki Seaside are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes by the inland east facet. Cooling off with a swim or having fun with watersports is a should when visiting Kauai.
Taking a look at neighborhoods is massively important when deciding the place to remain in Kauai. The principle 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 absolutely handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Price range: Kauai Seaside Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly lodges in Kauai is fairly tough. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is notable. Located on the shoreline, visitors have nearly doorstep seashore entry and ocean views. Relying in your preferences, you possibly can go for a personal or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is a implausible strategy to make new buddies 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 totally different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Supreme for a mid-range price range, you possibly can take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals price range low but additionally benefit from the luxurious services. These stated services embody a pool and tennis courts.
Luxurious: Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons
Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons is the chief of all the luxurious resorts on Kauai. And whereas the east facet is famend for its top-tier choice of luxurious lodging selections, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out particularly. Situated in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property 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 Apartment With Beautiful Balcony View
Relating to trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a number of selections. Nonetheless, this VRBO property is proof of how wonderful renting a vacation residence will be when visiting Hawaii.
The highest-floor condominium is modernly embellished and lately renovated to offer a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The profitable function is the big balcony with ocean and seashore views. You’ll be able to get pleasure from your mornings with gorgeous views of the Hawaiian shoreline with slightly breakfast bar and stools. Throughout the day, you’ll have rapid entry to Kealia and its seashore. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and gear like mountain 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 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 perfect 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 stupendous 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 will depend on what you need. We advocate the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s finest points of interest 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 very 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 perfect time of yr to go to Kauai?
Persist with the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This manner, regardless of the place you select to remain, you gained’t be combating over spots to your seashore 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 perfect 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 stupendous place to hike and calm down, and cramming heaps into a brief size of time will solely negatively influence 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 implausible time. The island is ideal for individuals who need to spend a lot 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 have now an entire information on the finest issues to do on Kauai – from mountain climbing the Kalalalu Path to making an attempt shave ice. And, after all, when 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 effectively.
