Kauai is likely one of the most stunning Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful alternative for those who’re deciding the place to remain in Hawaii. Kauai is house to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and a whole lot of sandy seashores. Kauai is so stuffed with magnificent nature that it’s nicknamed the ‘Backyard Isle’ – a well-deserved title. We will see why you’re selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a wonderful alternative.
After all, Kauai can also be stuffed with a few of the greatest accommodations and greatest 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 greatest to remain in Kauai? Must you select the north shore or the south shore? The east aspect or the west aspect? And what are the very best accommodations and resorts to select from in every space? This information gives you the complete 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 likely one of the island’s hottest locations to remain. This area is full of vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – good if you would like a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento procuring. The south aspect of Kauai can also be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental vehicles. In brief, the south shore is the place to remain in Kauai if you would like all the pieces inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy environment.
Aside from its nice location, the south shore’s points of interest 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 at all times wonderful to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seashore Park is the world surrounding this sandy seaside. It’s ultimate for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You may seize a seat on one in every of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seashore is a incredible spot. Slightly quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seaside includes a brief coastal hike. As an alternative 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 possibly can go to the procuring facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s a lot 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 seaside 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 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 Seashore Surf Tune
Poipu Seashore Surf Tune is a wonderful, budget-friendly lodge on the south coast. The south aspect of Kauai isn’t recognized 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 lodge. Whereas not as in style as a few of the options on this information, it’s undoubtedly 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 one in every of Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is about throughout a large 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 should not one however seven totally different eating places to select from.
Visitors on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious environment. You may take pleasure in complimentary cultural experiences, loosen up with incredible amenities, 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. After all, there shall be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you might have 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 last word location on the south shore. You’re simply minutes from the Grand Hyatt – extremely praised for its wonderful location in Kauai. You’re 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 primary however snug 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 stunning, 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 many who love pictures, 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’re actually spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to climbing trails and beautiful seashores like Hideaways Seashore and Tunnels Seashore. Nonetheless, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so stunning 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 may view the shoreline by climbing the Kalalau Path or taking a scenic helicopter experience – a completely unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Chances are high, you’ll acknowledge photos of the Napali Coast. It’s a world-famous piece of unimaginable surroundings and a large draw of the north shore.
As we talked about, the Kalalau Path is a wonderful method to expertise the shoreline. You must undoubtedly attempt to full this difficult route if you’re an skilled hiker. You may 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. Tools is a should, because the terrain is demanding regardless of the path being only a reasonable distance. For those who’d choose attractive views with out the hassle of lengthy hikes, try the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is a superb choice. This lookout has sweeping views of the valley and plush greenery, good for getting a perspective of the island’s scale and vegetation. Simply behind the lookout, Hanalei Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is one other stunning place to go to – with 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 situated on the shoreline. Hanalei is located in Hanalei Bay, with a sheltered seaside and some high-quality hospitality venues. Princeville is way bigger and comprises a combination of residential properties and rental complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is house 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 will have peaceable points of interest and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a pleasing, laid-back environment.
The north shore of Kauai is good for these wanting a quiet expertise on the island with out sacrificing easy accessibility to the very best seashores and points of interest. We love the proximity to Kauai’s greatest seashores, the Napali Coast, golf programs, and wildlife refuges. The north shore is the place to remain on Kauai for outside adventures which can be so stunning that they demand a digital camera.
The place to Keep on the North Shore
Funds: Hanalei Surfboard Home
Hanalei Surfboard Home is likely one of the most budget-friendly spots on the north shore. Having gained a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Alternative Award in 2022, it is vitally 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 environment go well with any price range 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 all for staying in stunning Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a straightforward winner. The resort presents apartment-style rooms with snug residing areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally scorching tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a incredible location and spectacular amenities.
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 supplies 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 must you need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an opulent spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Apartment With Beautiful Views
This rental is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you might have incredible entry to all of the city’s facilities and points of interest. Nonetheless, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness because of your clifftop locale. You may entry an nearly personal seaside 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 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. Undoubtedly be aware of this property.
3. West Shore
If the north shore is quiet, the west aspect of Kauai is totally asleep. The west aspect 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 aspect 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 aspect. For these fascinated by nature and reserves, staying on the island’s west aspect is heaven on Earth.
It goes with out saying that with so many wildlife areas and parks, you’ll spend numerous time climbing and wildlife-watching on the west aspect of Kauai. Pack your climbing boots, binoculars, a digital camera, 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 totally different parks and trails. Plus, whenever you need to head into the main cities, it’s simply a straightforward 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 chicken watchers to identify its everlasting and short-term winged residents. Carry binoculars and a digital camera; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is house 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 individuals who aren’t as eager on climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back climbing days.
The one actual city on the west aspect of Kauai is Kekaha, a tiny city on the southwest coast. Kekaha has all the main amenities it’s possible you’ll want when visiting Kauai. For those who nonetheless desire a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we suggest staying right here quite than in a extra distant setting on the west aspect. In any other case, if you would like the entire distant expertise, you will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. Ebook a rental automotive and luxuriate in being nestled away in the course of lush valleys and abandoned, gorgeous 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 heart 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 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 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. Nonetheless, because of the property’s city setting, you’re by no means too removed from the motion.
Luxurious: Waimea Plantation Cottages
A cottage may not look like the epitome of luxurious accommodations. 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 amenities that embody an outside pool. With extras like BBQ amenities and personal patios, it’s a actually snug place to expertise Kauai. You’re 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 massive home windows for maximized views. Whereas the cottage is in-built conventional plantation type, it’s modernly adorned and ideal for a classy, stylish place to remain in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an outside scorching 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 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 ultimate for guests who need to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There shall be no have to hire a rental automotive for those who don’t fancy driving, as all the pieces is accessible and tour operators supply pick-up transportation providers. The east coast is full of actions, the very best seashores, and loads of character.
The very best factor to do on the island’s east is to go to the seaside parks. There’s Anahola Seashore Park, Kapa’a Seashore Park, and Lydgate Seashore Park – plus many extra. Lydgate Seashore 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 may even camp with a chosen 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 may be taught extra concerning the trade of sugar plantations and the property itself on one in every 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 displays – 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 properly (not simply seaside parks). Kealia Seashore and Kalapaki Seashore are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes by way of the inland east aspect. 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 house to an airport, which is actually handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Funds: Kauai Seashore Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly accommodations 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 seaside 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 Seashore Home Hostel is a incredible method to make new pals and lower your expenses 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 totally different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Perfect 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 amenities. These mentioned amenities 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 aspect is famend for its top-tier choice of luxurious lodging decisions, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out specifically. Situated in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property presents 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 Attractive Balcony View
On the subject of trip leases, we all know that Kauai has numerous decisions. Nonetheless, this VRBO property is proof of how wonderful renting a vacation house might be when visiting Hawaii.
The highest-floor rental is modernly adorned and not too long ago renovated to supply a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The profitable characteristic is the massive balcony with ocean and seaside views. You may take pleasure in your mornings with gorgeous views of the Hawaiian shoreline with somewhat breakfast bar and stools. Throughout the day, you’ll have rapid entry to Kealia and its seaside. The property additionally has a personal pool, BBQ space, and tools like climbing 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 coated the place to remain in Kauai, what about some widespread FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars it’s essential to know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.
What aspect of Kauai is greatest to remain on?
General, the north coast of Kauai is the very best to remain. It’s house 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 greatest city to remain in Kauai?
Kilauea is a wonderful 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?
In brief, it is dependent upon what you need. We suggest the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s greatest points of interest and outside actions. However, if you would like a extra resort city environment, the south is best to go to.
What is best Poipu or Princeville?
Princeville is greatest 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 greatest if you would like a south coast expertise, with a busy seaside vibe and enjoyable environment.
What’s the greatest aspect of Kauai to remain on?
The very best aspect of Kauai to remain on is the north. The north aspect 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 12 months 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 preventing over spots on your seaside 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 every week to discover Kauai. The island is a wonderful 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 includes numerous decisions. Whether or not you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a incredible time. The island is ideal for individuals who need to spend plenty of time outdoor. 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’ve got an entire information on the greatest issues to do on Kauai – from climbing the Kalalalu Path to attempting shave ice. And, after all, for those who 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 properly.
