WHERE TO STAY ON KAUAI: A LODGING GUIDE

Where to Stay on Kauai: A Lodging Guide

Given Kauai’s less developed road system, the first decision we recommend in deciding where to stay is to have an idea of the activities you want to do so that you can choose an appropriate lodging strategy that will minimize long drive times.

We have included a few suggested activities in this post to get you started in your activity planning. Once you have an idea of what you want to do then there are two general lodging strategies:

>>>Be sure to check out our 42 Awesome Things to Do in Kauai for more ideas!

Lodging in one place

If you want to drop your bags and not move again until your time in Kauai is done then we highly recommend staying somewhere central to most of the activities you plan to do. For this, we recommend Kauai’s east side which will make drives to the north, south, and central part of the island more manageable.

Lodging in More Than One Place

Choosing to stay at more than one place will allow you to focus on destinations nearby, reducing the driving time to and from where you are lodging. The most common strategy here is to split time between the north side and the south side. This will allow you easy access to places like Princeville, Kalalau Trail, and Ke’e Beach on the North Shore, while your time on the south side will provide easy access to Waimea Canyon and Port Allen where most of the cruises and snorkeling tours depart.

Best Lodging on the North Side

The north side of Kauai features the beautiful town of Princeville, beautiful beaches at Hanalei Bay and Ke’e Beach, plus the famous Kalalau Hiking Trail. Outside of the Napali Coast (which you cannot drive to), the north side of Kauai is the most beautiful region in our opinion.

1 hotel hanalei bay (Luxury) – Check price

Nestled atop a dramatic bluff, this luxurious resort offers breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay and lush mountains. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the island’s premier resort! Truly stunning!

the westin princeville ocean resort villas (Upper Range) – check price

Experience a blend of luxury and affordability at this resort, offering spacious rooms, a golf course, and a serene pool surrounded by tropical gardens.

hanalei bay resort (Mid-range) – check price

This hidden gem provides comfortable accommodations with beautiful views of Hanalei Bay. Enjoy the resort’s lagoon-style pool, tennis courts, and complimentary shuttle service to the beach.

club wyndham ka eo kai (affordable) – check price

Located 2 miles from Hanalei Beach Park. Features rooms with outdoor decks, a large outdoor pool, tennis courts, and the Princeville Golf Course about 1 mile away. A great and affordable option that puts you within striking distance of some of Kauai’s most beautiful locations!

Top Things to Do on the North Side

Ke’e Beach

This is one of the gems of Kauai with its turquoise waters and coral reefs with a fantastic view down the Na Pali coastline. More recently advanced reservations have to be made due to limited parking. Click here to make reservations for Ke’e Beach and/or access to the hiking trails.

>>>Directions to Ke’e Beach

Hanalei Bay

Relax on the picturesque beach, try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

>>>Directions to Hanalei Bay

Hanakapiai Falls Hike

This challenging 8-mile hike will take you to the towering 300-foot Hanakapia Falls. The hike begins at Ke’e Beach on the Kalalau Trail which rewards hikers with elevated views of the Na Pali Coastline.

>>>Directions to the Kalalau Trailhead

>>>See our blog post on this amazing hike!

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Best Lodging on the South Side

The south side of Kauai will put you close to some of the best beaches on the island such as Kiahuna Beach and Poipu Beach. Most of the Napali Coast cruises, snorkeling tours, and whale-watching tours depart from Port Allen on the south side too.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa (upper range) – check price

Enjoy exquisite rooms, a world-class spa, a water park with slides, and award-winning dining options with 7 onsite restaurants.

Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu (Upper Mid-range) – check price

Beautifully furnished rooms and villas are nestled among four beautiful pools, waterfalls, and palms. The resort features an onsite restaurant as well. Located within a 10-minute walk of the Poipu Shopping Village

Sheraton Kauai Resort (Mid-range) – check price

Situated on Poipu Beach, this resort offers affordable rooms with stunning ocean views. Take a dip in the oceanfront pool and experience warm Hawaiian hospitality. One of the nicer resorts on Kauai at a reasonable price.

Aston at Poipu Kai (Affordable) – check price

Less than one mile from Poipu Beach Park. The rooms are more utilitarian but are well furnished with a kitchen and a private patio. If you’re looking for a place to crash each night before venturing out the next day, this place is a great deal!

Top Things to Do on the South Side

Poipu Beach Park

Bask in the sun on this idyllic beach known for its crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and occasional visits from Hawaiian green sea turtles.

>>>Directions to Poipu Beach Park

Helicopter Tour

There is no better way to see so much of the island from a more stunning perspective than from the air!

>>> Book a Helicopter Tour!

Na Pali Coast Sunset Tour

While the Na Pali Coast is on the west side of the island, most of the ports where the boats depart are on the south side. You would be missing out if you did not see one of the world’s most beautiful sights on a sunset cruise down the Na Pali Coast!

Check out our blog post on 5 Epic Kauai Boat Tours!

>>>Book a Napali Coast Cruise!

Visit Allerton Garden

Discover the enchanting beauty of these meticulously landscaped gardens, featuring exotic plants, sculptures, and tranquil pathways. Film history buffs will appreciate that parts of the original Jurrasic Park were filmed here!

>>>Book a Guided Tour!

Best Lodging on the East Side

The east side is where the towns of Lihue, Kapa’a, and Wailua are located. There are several nice beaches on the east side such as Donkey Beach and Kealia Beach. There are also several larger grocery stores and a Costco (in Lihue). If you plan to cook groceries will be a little cheaper here than in other parts of the island.

Outrigger beach resort and spa (mid range) – check price

This resort has magnificent ocean views and four swimming pools providing plenty of space for relaxing. Indulge in spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and a full-service spa.

Kauai Shores Hotel (Affordable) – check price

This beachfront hotel is located next door to the Coconut Marketplace and just 10 minutes from the center of Kapaa. The rooms are decently furnished but nothing luxurious. If you just need a place to sleep after your daily expeditions, this is a great option to save money!

the iso (Affordable) – check price

Another oceanfront resort on the east side of the island with fantastic views of the water! The resort also has a pool and an onsite restaurant. An excellent and affordable option!

Top Things to Do on the East Side

Wailua River State Park

Embark on a kayaking adventure along this scenic river, leading to the enchanting Fern Grotto. You can also take a refreshing dip at Secret Falls, a hidden gem accessible by kayaking and hiking.

Bicycle the Kapaa Path

Rent a conventional or electric bike and cruise the 8-mile Kapaa Path while stopping along the numerous beaches along the way! We had a great experience with Hele on Kauai rentals!

Eat at local food trucks

The food truck scene in Kauai is some of the best we have had anywhere! There are several along Kapaa Beach with a wide variety of options to choose from.

Sleeping Giant Hike (Nounou Mountain)

Hike the Sleeping Giant trail for panoramic views of the east side, Wailua River, and Mount Waialeale. It’s a moderate hike suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.

>>> Directions to Sleeping Giant Trailhead

Best Lodging on the West Side

Lodging and amenities are sparse on the west side since most of the western side of Kauai is dominated by the protected Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon.

Waimea Plantation Cottages (Mid-range)- check price

A beautiful and historic beachfront property offering charming cottages with modern amenities.

Top Things to Do on the West Side

Waimea Canyon

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers panoramic views and amazing hikes! Whether you drive in and catch some views at the lookouts or hit a trail or two, you will not regret seeing one of the most geographically unique places in Hawaii.

>>>Directions to Waimea Canyon

Polihale State Park

Experience the untouched beauty of Kauai’s longest stretch of white sand beach, framed by towering cliffs. You may want to check the wind conditions before going as gusty winds can cause the fine sand to sandblast you.

>>>Directions to Polihale State Park

The Best Time to Visit Kauai

The rainy season stretches from November to April. During this time, lodging should be cheaper and the island less crowded, but rain could put a damper on some activities.

The peak tourism season extends from May through the end of August. This is when lodging will be more expensive and destinations more crowded, but the weather will be the best since it falls outside of the rainy season (rain is still a factor, just not as much).