The Hawaiian Island of Kauai is among the hottest to go to for vacationers searching for solar, sand, and nature. It’s domestically known as “the Backyard Isle” for its abundance of lush flora amongst miles of untouched mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls. On its shores, sandy seashores and dramatic sea cliffs plunge into the Pacific Ocean, through which colourful fish, dolphins, and whales are resident.
Does that sound like your sort of island? If that’s the case, you’re in luck – unfold amongst Kauai’s seashores, mountains, and nature are additionally fairly just a few luxurious resorts. The island has lengthy been each a household trip vacation spot and a romantic getaway, however with a fraction of the vacationers you’ll discover on Oahu or Maui.
Like these on the opposite Hawaiian Islands, Kauai lodging are not often budget-friendly. That’s very true if you happen to’re true resort atmospheres. Be ready to regulate your definition of reasonably priced to Hawaii costs when planning your dream journey to paradise, as the perfect Kauai resorts aren’t low cost.
Now, don’t let that final level scare you – simply wait till you see the surreal swimming swimming pools, luxurious spas, award-winning golf programs, and delightful visitor rooms the perfect resorts in Kauai have to supply. I’ve put collectively an sincere record of them under based mostly on my many journeys to the island.
TL;DR
Greatest Kauai Resorts
1. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Handle: 1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa constantly ranks as among the finest resorts in Kauai. This luxurious property is on the island’s south shore, close to the Poipu resort space, on Shipwreck Seaside. This must be a straightforward alternative for anybody with World of Hyatt standing, as this loyalty program is among the most rewarding and constant on the market.
This expansive resort boasts lush gardens, a number of swimming swimming pools, an ocean-fed lagoon, direct seashore entry, and each wonderful and informal eating. The Anara Spa is among the most luxurious on the island, and a championship golf course is on-site. Whereas all of this makes for a really romantic honeymoon or {couples} getaway, households are simply as joyful right here, due to a lazy river and waterslides to splash in (there’s an adults-only pool, too.)
On high of all of the enjoyable and rest on the resort, its spot on the south shore is good for exploring the distinctive surroundings. There’s a guided south shore hike that begins straight throughout the road and divulges surreal caves, cliffs, and snorkel spots.
Sights Close to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Execs
Very luxurious rooms, spa, and outside areas
Nice worth for Hyatt factors redemptions
Household-friendly actions on-site
Cons
Excessive room charges all yr spherical
Resort charge charged nightly
2. Kauai Seaside Resort & Spa
Handle: 4331 Kauai Seaside Dr, Lihue, HI 96766
If the posh resorts of the north and south shores are simply too costly, you will discover a center floor within the center a part of the island – on the east shore. The Kauai Seaside Resort & Spa is a superb choice for mid-range guests who nonetheless need area, consolation, and outside enjoyable at their lodging.
There are a number of swimming swimming pools, sizzling tubs, and waterfalls on the resort, together with easy accessibility to a sandy seashore simply past them. A full-service spa on the property gives Hawaiian-inspired massages and different remedies. On the finish of the day, you possibly can get pleasure from reside native leisure from the bar, the restaurant, or from a distance in your room’s lanai.
An airport and native space shuttle connects company to close by factors of curiosity and will make it doable to go to with no automotive – jap Kauai is the principle inhabitants and financial middle, making it straightforward to dine and store outdoors the resort. It’s additionally the place you will discover the Wailua River and Secret Falls, which I extremely suggest kayaking up and climbing to, respectively.
Sights Close to the Kauai Seaside Resort & Spa
Execs
Central location on the island and away from vacationer areas
A number of swimming pools and a waterslide
Decrease charges in comparison with different massive resorts
Cons
Early check-out time (11am) and late check-in time (4pm)
Seaside not ultimate for swimming
See Associated: Enjoyable & Greatest Issues to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Sheraton Kauai Resort
Handle: 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Considered one of my private favourite locations to remain is the Sheraton Kauai Resort, situated on Kiahuna Seaside and simply minutes from Poipu Seaside. This can be a massive, family-friendly resort due to its wide selection of room varieties of numerous sizes, in addition to its loads of outside area.
Rooms have been renovated since my most up-to-date keep right here, so I sit up for seeing the replace on my subsequent go to, and so they had been already fairly good. The 2 swimming swimming pools and sizzling tub are simply steps from the sand, making it straightforward to have a lazy day in no matter water you select. When the solar begins to go down, the ‘Auli’i Lu’au begins – make sure to do this Hawaiian feast and leisure one evening, and revel in its music from the bar or seashore chairs on the others!
There’s even a rental automotive desk within the resort in case you determine to exit and discover by yourself however didn’t lease a automotive from the airport. The south shore supplies easy accessibility to Port Allen, the place many Nā Pali Coast boat excursions depart from – don’t miss this if you wish to see the world’s most lovely shoreline that’s solely accessible by sea.
Sights Close to the Sheraton Kauai Resort
Execs
On-site luau
Nicely-kept rooms with current renovation
Free parking
Cons
Excessive charges for the product
Seaside chairs have a charge to make use of
4. Marriott’s Kaua’i Seaside Membership
Handle: 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
Marriott’s Kaua’i Seaside Membership, typically known as the Kauai Marriott Resort, is situated simply minutes from the airport on well-known Kalapaki Seaside. That makes it ideally situated for exploring the remainder of the island in addition to browsing and paddleboarding on superior waves out entrance.
This can be a Marriott Trip Membership property, and the rooms listed here are largely condo-style multi-bedroom items that function timeshares that will also be booked nightly. Having all of that area plus a kitchen and residing space is usually a massive plus for households. There’s a big swimming pool with loads of lounge chairs round it, an on-site spa, and a golden sand seashore with board leases simply steps away.
The eating at this Marriott is nice as properly, with a Japanese restaurant in addition to the well-known Duke’s. The placement is ideal for certainly one of my most-recommended actions on Kauai – helicopter excursions. You’ll be able to spend the morning hovering above the canyons of Koke’e, the cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, and filming websites of flicks like Jurassic Park, and be again on the pool by lunch.
Sights Close to Marriott’s Kaua’i Seaside Membership
Execs
Stunning villa-style visitor rooms with a number of bedrooms
Quick access to and from the airport
Duke’s Kauai, among the finest bars on the island, is on-site
Cons
No Marriott Bonvoy elite advantages at Marriott Trip Membership properties
Foods and drinks could be very costly
See Associated: Is Hawaii Price Visiting? All the pieces You Have to Know
5. Koloa Touchdown Resort at Poipu, Autograph Assortment
Handle: 2641 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
I like staying at Marriott’s Autograph Assortment properties – they preserve their boutique resort id and freedom however preserve the consistency and requirements of the Marriott model; plus, you possibly can earn and redeem factors! The Koloa Touchdown Resort at Poipu is, subsequently, already an ideal alternative for any vacationers who agree with that logic.
The resort is unfold over 25 acres and could be very luxurious. Three large swimming swimming pools create many spots to lounge within the solar, together with an adults-only choice and a number of other waterfalls.
Rooms listed here are a high promoting level, as even the entry-level studios are twice the scale of a typical resort room, whereas multi-bedroom villas add much more area. Free actions like morning yoga on the garden and night s’mores are superior particular touches for any keep.
Don’t miss the prospect to dine on the resort, because the Holoholo Grill is the creation of native celeb chef Sam Choy, and the result’s completely delectable. The Koloa Touchdown Resort at Poipu can be very near the start line of certainly one of Kauai’s zipline routes – a really thrilling method to soar over the island’s considerable greenery.
Sights Close to the Koloa Touchdown Resort at Poipu
Execs
A few of the greatest swimming swimming pools on Kauai
Minutes from The Outlets at Kukui’ula and plenty of eating places
Cons
Not beachfront, no direct ocean views
Restricted eating choices inside the resort
6. Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
Handle: 2640 Puuholo Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Minutes down the street is one other well-liked Poipu Seaside resort: Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort, sitting on a small cliff overlooking Hanakaape Bay. That is an all-condo property with oversize items, together with the facilities of a house, which is nice for households or long-stay company.
Whereas the resort and its outside areas aren’t as expansive as a few of the others on our record, you possibly can anticipate a bit extra peace and quiet from its small oceanside pool. It additionally has objects like seashore chairs, umbrellas, and coolers prepared so that you can take to close by spots, such because the calm and stress-free Child Seaside simply across the nook. A lot of the nice eating and buying of the Koloa space are inside strolling distance, comparable to The Outlets at Kukui’ula, and the employees will even go grocery looking for you on request.
As with the opposite resorts of Kauai’s south shore, Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort places you in an ideal place to set off on adventures round this facet of the island. The Allerton Backyard, well-known for its wealthy Hawaiian historical past, look in Hollywood movies, and gorgeous pure surroundings is only a few miles away, making for a straightforward addition to any morning or afternoon.
Sights Close to the Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort
Execs
All visitor rooms are rental items, nice for households or long-stay company
Views from the cliff above Hanakaape Bay
Seaside tools is offered for company to take out
Cons
Small swimming pool and outside areas
No direct seashore entry
See Associated: Greatest Holidays for a Group of Buddies
7. Waipouli Seaside Resort
Handle: 4-820 Kuhio Hwy Suite 1, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
In case you’d fairly be within the middle of on a regular basis life on Kauai than in a vacationer space, look to the jap city of Kapaa, the place a number of resorts are discovered on the Coconut Coast. One well-liked one is the Waipouli Seaside Resort, located between one of many island’s major buying facilities and the sandy Waipouli Seaside.
That is one other rental resort with massive, individually owned items rented out nightly. Apart from the beachfront bar and grill, company are a brief stroll from shave ice, poke, and different native favorites. You’ll be able to lease surfboards, bikes, snorkel gear, and different outside tools from Boss Frogs close by, and retreat to a big residing area with balcony views of the ocean at sundown.
Kapaa is a superb location to entry locations just like the Wailua River, Secret Falls, and Opaeka’a Falls, in addition to for driving each north and south – although be aware that site visitors right here will be horrendous. However you possibly can simply stroll subsequent door to the Luau Ka Hikina one night for some nice Hawaiian leisure and delicacies.
Sights Close to the Waipouli Seaside Resort
Execs
Centrally situated for native buying, eating places, and getting round
Cheaper price level than another rental inns on Kauai
Cons
Kapa’a city has a few of Kauai’s worst site visitors
Seaside just isn’t very swimmable
8. The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Handle: 3838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
We’ve to date lined many resorts in east and south Kauai, however there are a ton of gorgeous luxurious inns on the enduring North Shore, too. Most are discovered within the Princeville resort space, which additionally accommodates a number of golf programs and sits simply minutes from Hanalei Bay. For my most up-to-date journey to Kauai, I stayed at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, and I discovered it to be distinctive.
That is one other Marriott trip possession property, and the rooms are spacious villas. It sits amongst manicured gardens excessive on sea cliffs, with various tranquil swimming swimming pools tucked in between them.
A brief (however steep) hike takes you right down to a sandy seashore. There isn’t an enormous number of on-site eating places, with only one choice, however I discovered the meals and the afternoon leisure to be wonderful.
The health middle was well-equipped and was a pleasant complement to jogs across the quiet Princeville streets. The north shore is a spectacular place, and you need to undoubtedly reap the benefits of the secluded seashores, scenic kayaking, and nice snorkeling, however be aware that it’s an extended drive to the opposite elements of Kauai. Subsequently, keep right here for north shore exclusivity, luxurious, and seclusion.
Sights Close to The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Execs
Giant and opulent suites with kitchens and residing rooms
Stunning swimming swimming pools and sizzling tubs
Clifftop views
Cons
Very removed from non-north shore sights and actions
Only one on-site restaurant and no sit-down breakfast, simply seize and go
See Associated: Greatest Issues to Do in Hawaii & Locations to Go to
9. Hanalei Colony Resort
Handle: 5-7130 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Driving a bit additional on Kauai’s north shore, you’ll discover the Hanalei Colony Resort not lengthy earlier than the tip of the street. Guests come right here to get away from the vacationer middle of Princeville and as an alternative keep someplace extra native and low-key.
It’s only a quick drive or bike trip to Hanalei Bay, and you’ll stroll to the well-known Tunnels Seaside, the place colourful reefs make for a few of Kauai’s greatest snorkeling. In case you’ve heard of the well-known Kalalau Path, which supplies rugged entry to a few of the Nā Pali Coast, this resort is about as shut as you possibly can keep for a day hike. Do not forget that previous a sure level on the path, a hard-to-get allow is required, and that is taken significantly.
Resort rooms are condo-style with numerous area and local-style furnishings. Plus, charges listed here are a bit extra reasonably priced than the competitors when you think about the scale. Make sure you strive a few of the local-favorite eating places on this space.
Sights Close to the Hanalei Colony Resort
Execs
Quiet seclusion at “the tip of the street”
Close to a few of Kauai’s greatest snorkeling
Cons
Most rooms are with out air-con
Excessive worth level for what you get
10. Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger
Handle: 2253 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
In case you’ve traveled to Hawaii earlier than, you is likely to be conversant in the Outrigger model – it’s an area resort chain that’s extremely acclaimed for its mid-range properties across the islands. Its Kiahuna Plantation Resort within the Poipu space is a bit totally different from the corporate’s different inns in that it’s a rental resort with restricted facilities, nevertheless it nonetheless stays well-liked due to reasonably priced charges and various inclusions.
Lodging listed here are at the least one bed room in dimension and provide local-style decor. There isn’t a pool, seashore, or restaurant on the property – however don’t be scared off by that. Kiahuna Seaside and the Sheraton Kauai Resort are simply throughout the road, that means the sand and nice meals are accessible.
A brief stroll within the different route brings you to a small buying middle with extra eating places, plus the Poipu Seaside Athletic Membership, which company have free entry to for using the pool and health middle, amongst different facilities.
In the long run, the Kiahuna Plantation Resort is usually a nice stability of saving cash, getting further area, and nonetheless getting access to good luxuries. Put your financial savings in direction of a non-public tour of Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, only a quick drive from this space into the island’s inside – do NOT miss this whereas on Kauai, personal tour or not.
Sights Close to the Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger
Poipu Seaside Athletic Membership (free entry)
Kiahuna Golf Membership
Kiahuna Seaside
Scuba diving and browsing on the south shore
Execs
Low worth level for the celebrated Poipu resort space
Giant condo-style rooms
Cons
No seashore or pool
No on-site eating
Rooms are prepared for a refresh
See Associated: Greatest All-Inclusive Household Resorts
11. Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u
Handle: 3325 Holokawelu Approach, Lihue, HI 96766
There’s one other Marriott Trip Membership on Kauai referred to as Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u, and it’s particularly nice for big teams or households, as visitor rooms are solely two or three bedrooms in dimension. Nonetheless, company right here might wish to make use of their room’s full-size kitchen, as there are not any on-site eating places.
However due to fantastically manicured grounds, a stunning pool, and opulent rooms, this resort nonetheless makes the record. It’s a 20-minute stroll or a fast drive to Kalapaki Seaside, Duke’s Kauai, and extra eating choices. Three golf programs within the surrounding space make this resort a best choice for golfers, and energetic folks can be happy with the health middle and path choices resulting in seashores and viewpoints.
As with the close by Marriott, the proximity to the airport makes it straightforward to do issues like helicopter excursions and even scenic flights on which you’ll fly the airplane. It’s additionally near Nawiliwili Harbor, the place many sport fishing boats depart from.
Sights Close to Mariott’s Kauai Lagoons – Kalanipu’u
Execs
Expansive property with nice views and no surrounding buildings
Stunning swimming pool, lounge chair, and hearth pit areas
Cons
No seashore or restaurant; lengthy stroll or fast drive to entry these close by
Very excessive charges
12. 1 Resort Hanalei Bay
Handle: 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
We’ve saved some of the luxurious (and latest) Kauai resorts for final. 1 Resort Hanalei Bay lately opened on the island’s north shore, and it simply might need among the finest views and greatest pool experiences you will discover on Kauai.
Kauai regulars may acknowledge the situation as the previous St. Regis Princeville, however the property underwent a severe renovation earlier than reopening.
An infinity pool excessive above the bay, large visitor room home windows, and a modern-chic design are a few of the high promoting factors. Once more, I can’t actually emphasize the views sufficient – it’s one of many varieties the place footage simply don’t do it.
A youngsters membership and wellness spa make it very doable for fogeys to carry alongside everybody and calm down on the identical time. An obsession with farm-to-table makes the foods and drinks delightfully contemporary and flavorful. In case you can carry your self to go away for just a few hours, Hanalei Bay is a superb place for surf classes.
Sights Close to 1 Resort Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay and Pier
Princeville Makai Golf Course
Princeville Botanical Gardens
Execs
Presumably essentially the most luxurious (and latest) resort on Kauai
Unmatched views of Hanalei Bay
Superior high-end eating
Cons
Prohibitively costly
It’s a really lengthy drive to most different Kauai sights
FAQ
What facet of Kauai is the perfect to remain on?
This can be a robust query, and it is determined by what you need out of your trip. The south shore has a excessive focus of gorgeous resorts and, with it, lots of eating and buying; there’s additionally easy accessibility to the rugged west facet and island inside, nevertheless it’s a really lengthy drive to the north.
Then again, the north shore of the Backyard Island is iconic, quaint, and quiet, with easy accessibility to Na Pali Coast climbing and Hanalei Bay, however a painfully far drive to the remainder of the island. The east coast of Kauai is a cheerful center floor with reasonably fast entry to the remainder of the island, in addition to the eating and buying of Kauai’s major inhabitants middle.
How lengthy ought to I spend in Kauai?
That is one other subjective query. I’ve squeezed in a bunch of enjoyable and rest throughout a brief weekend getaway to Kauai, however I’d even be joyful to have every week or extra there.
You’ll in all probability wish to get out and see the wonderful nature on the island but additionally hold time for resort lounging and seashore enjoyable. Analysis what precisely you’re serious about properly prematurely, and construct in further time, as site visitors and driving distances could make getting round Kauai a journey.
What a part of Kauai has essentially the most to do?
The western shores of Kauai are very quiet and rural with rugged, sandy seashores, in addition to the Nā Pali Coast – a shoreline with a few of the world’s most dramatic sea cliffs and inaccessible seashores, which you’ll go to on a ship tour or helicopter tour. Within the south, many resorts within the Poipu space provide fantastic eating and buying, in addition to nice seashores for rest and swimming.
The jap facet is the island’s inhabitants and financial middle. The north shore is the opposite facet of the Nā Pali Coast, and its corresponding remoteness retains it quaint and a surfer’s paradise, with the gorgeous Hanalei Bay. Don’t neglect to enter Kauai’s inside to see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Associated Assets
Lock In Your Journey Now
Discover Low cost Flights
Use Skyscanner to search out flight offers. As my private favourite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours web sites and airways throughout the globe, leaving no stone unturned that can assist you discover the perfect deal doable. And if you happen to actually wish to take your financial savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Previously Scott’s Low cost Flights). With entry to unique mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you will be packing your luggage and jetting off in your subsequent journey earlier than you realize it.
Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage is a low price approach to make sure your journey plans go clean it doesn’t matter what’s thrown at it. Cowl your self in opposition to sickness, damage and theft, and defend the preparations you’ve got made with our versatile journey cancellation insurance coverage. My favourite choices for journey insurance coverage are:
E book Your Lodging
With the intention to seize the widest number of properties and the perfect worth, use Reserving.com as they’ve the most affordable charges for guesthouses, inns, luxurious condos, B&Bs and a lot extra.
Need Extra Vacation spot Concepts Direct to Your Inbox?
Make sure you be part of the ViaTravelers Publication for professional ideas, tips and inspiration to your subsequent journey journey!
Uncover the Greatest Journey Instruments
Make sure you go to our web page on our favourite journey assets to find out how you can also go to over 10 international locations in yr.