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 thing we recommend when choosing where to stay is to have a good idea of the activities you want to do. This will help you pick a lodging strategy that minimizes long drive times.

We’ve included a few suggested activities in this post to help kickstart your planning. Once you have a sense of what you want to do, 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

Staying in more than one location gives you the flexibility to focus on nearby destinations, cutting down on drive time to and from your lodging. The most common approach is to split your stay between the north and south sides of the island. This gives you easy access to spots like Princeville, the Kalalau Trail, and Ke’e Beach on the North Shore, while your time on the south side puts you close to Waimea Canyon and Port Allen—where most cruises and snorkeling tours depart.

Best Lodging on the North Side

Kauai’s north side is home to the stunning town of Princeville, the picturesque beaches of Hanalei Bay and Ke’e Beach, and the iconic Kalalau Hiking Trail. In our opinion, aside from the Nā Pali Coast—which isn’t accessible by car—the north side is the most beautiful region of the island.

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 just 2 miles from Hanalei Beach Park, this property features rooms with outdoor decks, a large outdoor pool, tennis courts, and is only about a mile from the Princeville Golf Course. It’s a great and affordable option that puts you within easy reach of some of Kauai’s most stunning spots!

Top Things to Do on the North Side

Ke’e Beach

This is one of Kauai’s true gems, with turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a stunning view down the Nā Pali Coastline. In recent years, advanced reservations have become required due to limited parking. Click here to reserve access to Ke’e Beach and the nearby 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 guide on this amazing hike!

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Best Lodging on the South Side

Kauai’s south side puts you near some of the island’s best beaches, including Kiahuna Beach and Poipu Beach. It’s also where most Nā Pali Coast cruises, snorkeling tours, and whale-watching excursions depart—from nearby Port Allen.

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

Located right on Poipu Beach, this resort offers affordable rooms with breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy a swim in the oceanfront pool and experience warm Hawaiian hospitality. It’s one of the nicer resorts on Kauai at a surprisingly reasonable price.

Aston at Poipu Kai (Affordable) – check price

Less than a mile from Poipu Beach Park, this spot offers simple but well-equipped rooms, complete with a kitchen and private patio. If you’re just looking for a comfortable place to rest before heading out on daily adventures, this 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 Na Pali 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 raw beauty of Kauai’s longest stretch of white sand beach, framed by dramatic cliffs. Just be sure to check the wind conditions—strong gusts can kick up the fine sand and leave you feeling sandblasted!

>>>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).