Kauai is known for its ocean views and beachside properties, like the Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort. Michelle Mishina for Insider I live on Oahu and have visited Kauai countless times, staying everywhere from Airbnbs to hotels. Here are the 10 best places where I recommend staying during your trip to Kauai, Hawaii.
Visit Insider’s hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations It can feel overwhelming to sift through the wealth of hotels and lodging options available on Kauai to find the one that’s right for you. As a Hawaii local living on Oahu, I’ve made many trips to Kauai over the years with friends and family, so I’ve stayed at a variety of accommodations on the island. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious spa-like escape, a home rental or a big hotel, there’s something for every visitor on Kauai.
Below, I’ve listed my favorites to help you plan your perfect Kauai trip. The Lodge at Kukui’ulaThe Lodge at Kukui‘ula is a wellness-centered space with ocean views. Michelle Mishina for InsiderThe Lodge at Kukui’ula is where wellness, luxury, and the essence of the island come together.
Located in Koloa, this magical ocean-view accommodation offers spacious one- to four-bedroom bungalows, meaning there’s plenty of room if you’re staying with friends. The Lodge at Kukui’ula emphasizes wellness throughout the property, from the on-site farm to the full-service spa. At the farm, guests can pick fruits, herbs, and veggies to enjoy in their bungalows.
And at the Hi’lani Spa, enjoy island-inspired treatments including massages and acupuncture sessions, as well as retreats. Grand Hyatt KauaiYou won’t want to miss the dining options Grand Hyatt Kauai has to offer, from fancy fusion to casual cocktails. Grand Hyatt KauaiIn Koloa on the South Shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai has a lot going for it.
This high-end beachfront hotel includes the blissful Anara Spa and pools with a 150-foot waterslide, making it great for both couples and families. But my favorite part of the Grand Hyatt Kauai is the dining. There are nine dining options at this Kauai hotel, but I want to highlight one: Tidepools.
This fancy fusion seafood restaurant has been around for as long as I can remember. While my family and I don’t visit often as the prices are quite hefty, it’s a special treat when we do. The polenta-crusted scallops, the macadamia-nut-crusted mahi mahi, and the molten-chocolate lava cake are always crowd-pleasers.
Waimea Plantation CottagesJust steps away from a black sand beach, Waimea Plantation Cottages is primely located on the island. Waimea Plantation CottagesYou couldn’t ask for a better piece of real estate than the one owned by Waimea Plantation Cottages. It’s steps from one of two black-sand beaches on Kauai, which is magical for a sunset or sunrise stroll.
The cottages are also just down the road from two of the island’s most stunning natural landscapes, Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park, making this affordable accommodation perfect for more outdoorsy visitors. On top of the great oceanfront lot, Waimea Plantation Cottages boasts a refreshing pool, fun lawn games, and a Chicken in a Barrel BBQ restaurant. Westin Princeville Ocean Resort VillasIf you’re looking for a hotel on the North Shore, the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is widely regarded as one of the best.
This upscale resort offers studios and one- or two-bedroom villas. It’s great for practically any visitors but particularly for couples, thanks to the relaxing atmosphere and couples’ spa treatments. The Hawaiian-inspired rooms, the tropical cocktails and fresh seafood at Nanea Restaurant & Bar, and the heated swimming pool all exude a sense of island luxury.
Ko’a Kea Hotel & ResortThe Ko‘a Kea Hotel & Resort has stunning ocean views and is the ideal option for a romantic getaway. Michelle Mishina for InsiderAmid the large luxury hotels in Koloa, the boutique Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort manages to keep up with, if not surpass, the competition. The resort’s romantic setting makes it a great choice for couples, whether you’re traveling for a honeymoon, an anniversary, or just because.
The resort also offers plentiful amenities and wellness-focused perks. Stretch your muscles during a sunrise yoga class, get pampered at The Spa at Ko’a Kea, take a dip in the lava-rock-accented pool, and dine at the Red Salt restaurant. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph CollectionKoloa Landing Resort at Poipu is one of the newest hotels on the island, and the resort is already known for its poolscape.
Koloa Landing Resort at PoipuThe Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection is one of the newest additions to Kauai’s hotel scene. Some of the highlights of this family-friendly resort are its stunning pools, including a massive infinity pool, a lagoon-style pool with an island, and an adults-only pool with a waterfall. And don’t miss the Holoholo Grill, a culinary partnership with a locally renowned chef, Sam Choy.
The grill, which is open for all meals and a happy hour, serves up Hawaiian and fusion comfort food including kiawe-smoked pork ribs, macadamia-nut-crusted brie, and chicken karaage. Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort LihueRoyal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue is a Kauai landmark, no matter what name you know the beautiful resort by. Michelle Mishina for InsiderBuilt in 1960, the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue has established itself as a Kauai landmark — though you might not know it by its current name.
Over the years, this iconic resort has been known as the Marriott Kauai Beach Club, the Kauai Marriott Resort, and a handful of other names. It was sold to the Sonesta hotel group in 2021. Regardless of what it’s called, the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue is an incredible place to stay.
While the beachside spa treatments, weekly luau, and amazing restaurants draw in visitors, my favorite part of the hotel is the massive pool. With its hundreds of square feet of water, intricately carved statue fountains, and multiple hot tubs, you can easily spend hours just swimming around. The Bay Bungalow (Airbnb)The Bay Bungalow Airbnb is the place to stay if you’re looking for a private vacation home in Hanalei.
This minimalistic two-bedroom home is the perfect combination of luxurious and beachy, from the sleek Wolf kitchen appliances to the artfully distressed furniture. The Bay Bungalow is right on Hanalei Bay, where you can admire the gorgeous Pacific Ocean all day long, whether you’re surfing in the bay or simply enjoying your morning cup of coffee on the lanai, or balcony. The Surfshack Kauai (Airbnb)If you’re looking for a cozy, private, homey stay on the island, opt for an Airbnb.
Michelle Mishina for InsiderYou’d be hard-pressed to find a cooler, quirkier place to stay on the island than The Surfshack Kauai. The rattan egg chair on the lanai, the sunhat wall in the bedroom, and the vintage tiki shot glasses in the kitchen are just a few of the fun highlights. It’s also surprisingly affordable for a two-bedroom ocean-view accommodation on Kauai.
My favorite part of this Airbnb is the personalized newsletter guests receive when they arrive. Filled with loads of local recommendations from the hosts, this little newspaper highlights some of Kauai’s hidden gems, from food nooks to adventure spots. Marriott’s Waiohai Beach ClubMarriott’s Waiohai Beach Club on Kauai has spacious grounds and pools.
Marriott Vacations WorldwideI’ve stayed at Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club several times, and during each visit I’ve been struck by how peaceful it is. Even though it’s in visitor-filled Koloa and right on the popular Poipu Beach, the only sounds you hear within the club are the crashing waves, the swaying palm trees, and the pool’s small cascading waterfall. One of the biggest perks of this midrange-to-luxury hotel is its spaciousness.
While there are standard hotel rooms, guests can opt for the larger two-bedroom villas. With well-equipped kitchens and breezy balconies, these villas are great for families and larger groups. View Insider’s comprehensive guide to visiting Kauai, Hawaii.
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From: insider
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