Kauai is likely one of the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a superb selection for those who’re deciding the place to remain in Hawaii. Kauai is dwelling to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and a whole bunch 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 superb selection.

In fact, Kauai can also be stuffed with a few of the finest lodges and finest 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.

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 one of the best lodges and resorts to select from in every space? This information offers you the complete rundown on the place to remain in Kauai. We’ve obtained 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 business pleasure – excellent if you would like a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento purchasing. 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 Seaside is probably 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 superb to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seaside Park is the world surrounding this sandy seaside. It’s preferrred for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You possibly can seize a seat on one among many picnic benches.

Equally, Shipwreck Seaside is a improbable spot. A bit quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seaside entails a brief coastal hike. As a substitute of turtles, we advise 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 may go to the purchasing facilities and botanical gardens dotted alongside the south shore cities. There’s lots 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 glorious seaside entry. Like Koloa, historic Waimea city is situated proper on the shoreline in southwest Kauai. Waimea additionally has a protracted street main on to Waimea Canyon, with a handful of gorgeous viewpoints alongside the way in which. 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 high 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 Seaside Surf Music

Poipu Seaside Surf Music is a ravishing, budget-friendly resort on the south coast. The south facet of Kauai isn’t identified for affordable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for funds choices.

Friends hire a whole unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the value of a resort or different resort. Whereas not as in style as a few of the 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 one among Kauai’s finest resorts. The resort is ready 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.

Friends on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious ambiance. You possibly can take pleasure in complimentary cultural experiences, loosen up with improbable 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.

Friends 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 right for these wanting the last 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 primary however comfy and fairly priced at beneath $200 per night time (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 your 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 selection, from verdant mountains to climbing trails and lovely seashores like Hideaways Seaside and Tunnels Seaside. 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 completely 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 ravishing approach to expertise the shoreline. You must undoubtedly attempt to full this difficult route if you’re an skilled hiker. You possibly can e-book a allow to camp and sort out the observe 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. If you happen to’d want attractive views with out the trouble 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, 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 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 incorporates a mix of residential properties and apartment complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is dwelling 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 may have peaceable sights and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a nice, laid-back ambiance.

The north shore of Kauai is right for these wanting a quiet expertise on the island with out sacrificing easy accessibility to one of the best 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 might be so lovely that they demand a digicam.

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 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 swimsuit any funds 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 all in favour of staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a simple winner. The resort affords apartment-style rooms with comfy dwelling areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally scorching tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a improbable 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 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 website must you need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an opulent spot on the north shore.

VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Beautiful Views

This apartment is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you may have improbable 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 seaside 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 apartment 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 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 Sport 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 climbing and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your climbing boots, binoculars, a digicam, and an enormous water bottle. As a result of the parks are so remotely laid out, researching rental automobiles and investing in a single in your keep on Kauai is worth it. It helps to get round and entry all of the totally different parks and trails. Plus, while you need to head into the most important cities, it’s simply a simple drive away.

By way of official sights, Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is an excellent 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. Convey binoculars and a digicam; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is dwelling to many endangered species. The Kokee Pure Historical past Museum is one other gem in 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 most important amenities you might want when visiting Kauai. If you happen to nonetheless need a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here fairly than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. 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. Guide a rental automobile and revel in being nestled away in the midst 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 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 funds. You’ll be based mostly in the midst 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 take pleasure in 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’re by no means too removed from the motion.

Luxurious: Waimea Plantation Cottages

A cottage may not appear to be the epitome of luxurious lodges. Nonetheless, Waimea Plantation Cottages are the most suitable choice for high quality on the west shore. The plantation-style property has a sequence of 1-3 bed room cottages to decide on between, plus amenities that embody an out of doors pool. With extras like BBQ amenities and personal patios, it’s a actually comfy place to expertise Kauai. You might be additionally based mostly proper within the coronary heart of Waimea – a particular bonus.

VRBO: Two Bed room Plantation Cottage

This attractive cottage sleeps as much as 4 company 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 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 scorching 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 business 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 automobile for those who don’t fancy driving, as the whole lot is accessible and tour operators provide pick-up transportation providers. The east coast is full of actions, one of the 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 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 flora. 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 trade of sugar plantations and the property itself on one among 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 a few of the east coast’s seashores as nicely (not simply seaside parks). Kealia Seaside and Kalapaki Seaside are fabulous. The Wailua River additionally runs into the ocean and snakes by means of 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 dwelling to an airport, which is admittedly handy.

The place to Keep on the East Shore

Funds: Kauai Seaside Home Hostel

Discovering budget-friendly lodges in Kauai is fairly difficult. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is notable. Located on the shoreline, company have nearly doorstep seaside entry and ocean views. Relying in your preferences, you may go for a personal or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is a improbable approach to make new associates and get monetary savings 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. Ideally suited for a mid-range funds, you may take advantage of having a kitchen to maintain your meals funds 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 facet is famend for its top-tier number of luxurious lodging decisions, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out specifically. Positioned in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property affords a number of elegant villas. Friends additionally obtain entry to a health heart and expansive outside pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.

VRBO: Oceanfront Rental With Attractive Balcony View

In relation to trip leases, we all know that Kauai has a number of decisions. Nevertheless, this VRBO property is proof of how superb renting a vacation dwelling might be when visiting Hawaii.

The highest-floor apartment is modernly embellished and just lately renovated to offer a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The successful function is the big balcony with ocean and seaside views. You possibly can take pleasure in your mornings with gorgeous views of the Hawaiian shoreline with somewhat breakfast bar and stools. Through the day, you’ll have rapid entry to Kealia and its seaside. The property additionally has a personal 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 coated the place to remain in Kauai, what about some frequent FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars it’s worthwhile 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 one of the best to remain. It’s dwelling 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 ravishing 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?

Briefly, it relies on what you need. We advocate 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 seaside 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 one of the best time of yr to go to Kauai?

Follow the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This manner, regardless of the place you select to remain, you gained’t be combating over spots in your seaside towel or attempting 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 one of the 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 ravishing place to hike and loosen up, 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 decisions. Whether or not you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a improbable time. The island is ideal for many who need to spend plenty of time outside. 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 a whole information on the finest 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 nicely.