Where to Stay in Kauai, Hawaii — Guide To The Best Resorts
ocean view in Poipu
As someone who has been to Hawaii several times and regularly helps clients plan their trips to the Garden Isle, these are my top recommended (and best reviewed) hotels on Kauai. I've either stayed or sent clients to all of these resorts, so this comes from first-hand experience on the island.
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In A Rush? These are my top picks:
Best Resort for Honeymoons: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Best Resort for Families: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Best Boutique Hotel: The Timbers Kaua’i
Best Budget Hotel: Kauai Shores Hotel
Orienting yourself on Kauai
Selecting a side of the island to stay on:
The biggest decision you'll make before booking is which side of the island to base yourself on. Here's a quick breakdown of the two most popular areas:
North Shore
The north shore — centered around Princeville and Hanalei — is the most dramatically beautiful part of the island. Lush, green, and moody, it's home to Hanalei Bay, the Nā Pali Coast, and some of the island's most stunning beaches. The tradeoff is weather: the north shore is wetter, particularly in the winter months (November–March), when big swells can close beaches and overcast days are common. Summer (April–October) is the best time for a north shore stay, when conditions are calm and the water is at its most accessible.
South Shore
The south shore — specifically the Poipu area — is the most popular area for good reason. It's the driest microclimate on the island, which means reliably sunny days year-round, and it positions you well for day trips in every direction. The dining options, accessibility, and concentration of great resorts make it the easy choice for most visitors, especially first-timers. This is where we've always stayed, and where the majority of the properties on this list are located.
Should you split your time between two locations?
For most five to seven day trips, I'd say no — the time spent packing, checking in, and getting oriented again isn't worth it. The island is small enough that you can experience both the north and south shores as day trips from a single base. That said, if you're honeymooning, planning a longer stay, or have your heart set on the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, but maybe not the budget for a full week here, spending a night or two on the north shore is worth considering.
Resort Fees:
Most Kauai resort properties charge a mandatory daily resort fee at an additional cost. These typically range from about $20 to $60 per night and usually cover amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, cultural activities, and sometimes parking. I've noted which properties charge a resort fee, check their website for the most up to date cost — and, be sure to always factor this into your total budget when comparing rates.
Quick Comparison of the Best Kauai Hotels:
| Resort | Location | Price | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay | Princeville — North Shore | $$$$ | Honeymoons, wellness retreats | Book → |
| Ko'a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach | Poipu — South Shore | $$$ | Honeymoons, couples | Book → |
| Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa | Poipu — South Shore | $$$ | Families, resort lovers | Book → |
| Koloa Landing Resort, Autograph Collection | Poipu — South Shore | $$$ | Families, longer stays | Book → |
| Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas | Princeville — North Shore | $$–$$$ | Families, north shore base | Book → |
| Timbers Kaua'i — Ocean Club & Residences | Lihue — East Side | $$$$ | Luxury villa stays, groups | Book → |
| The Lodge at Kukui'ula | Poipu — South Shore | $$$$ | Boutique luxury, golf | Book → |
| Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas | Poipu — South Shore | $$ | Value, no resort fee | Book → |
| Kauai Shores Hotel | Kapaa — East Side | $–$$ | Budget, central location | Book → |
| Kauai Inn | Lihue — East Side | $ | Budget, authentic character | Book → |
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Koloa Landing Resort, Autograph Collection
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Timbers Kaua'i — Ocean Club & Residences
A Note on Booking
I have included booking links here for your convenience. But, if you'd like to take advantage of exclusive perks and offers like resort credits, complimentary upgrades, early check-in/late check-out and more, I'd love to help you book!
Best Resorts in Kauai For A Honeymoon
These are the standout properties for a romantic Kauai getaway — each offering a combination of stunning settings, elevated service, and the kind of details that make a honeymoon feel special.
Courtesy of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Location: North Shore
Accolades: 1 Michelin Key | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2024
Resort Fee: Yes
Perched above Hanalei Bay on the north shore of Kauai, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the most coveted address on the island — and one of the most beautiful resort settings in all of Hawaii. Formerly the St. Regis Princeville, the property was reimagined as a sustainable luxury retreat, with a brand-wide commitment to environmental stewardship. Think reclaimed wood, organic linens, locally sourced food, and a design philosophy that puts the natural landscape front and center.
Every room has an unobstructed view of Hanalei Bay — the kind of view that makes you question whether you need to leave the property at all. The spa is exceptional. The pools are beautiful. The check-in experience — welcomed into a lounge with a cocktail while a team member handles the paperwork — sets a tone that carries through the entire stay. It is not a budget property, and the resort fee and mandatory valet add up quickly, but for a honeymoon or a special occasion, it earns every penny.
Note that the property is not walkable to restaurants or shops — a rental car is helpful for exploring, though once you're here, the resort has a way of becoming its own world.
Ko'a Kea Resort
Location: South Shore
Accolades: Forbes Travel Guide Recommended | Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards — Hall of Fame (10 consecutive years)
Resort Fee: Yes
Ko'a Kea is the south shore's most intimate luxury option — a boutique property that skips the waterslides and swim-up bars in favor of something quieter and more refined. Arranged around a deep blue pool with direct ocean frontage, the 121 rooms are not the largest on the island, but each has a private lanai and marble bathroom with dual shower heads. The Red Salt restaurant is excellent for a resort dining option, perfect for a romantic dinner.
What makes Ko'a Kea stand out for honeymooners is the atmosphere — it attracts a mostly adult crowd, feels intimate, and the location at the end of the beach boardwalk means you get beachfront access without the foot traffic. Hawaiian monk seals are frequent visitors to the cove directly in front of the property, which is a wonderful bonus.
Best Family Resorts on Kauai
courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai
Wondering where to stay on Kauai with family? These resorts offer a perfect blend of natural beauty with amenities that kids will love just as much as mom and dad.
Grand Hyatt Kauai
Location: South Shore
Accolades: Forbes Travel Guide Recommended
Kids Club: No, but kid friendly activities offered
Resort Fee: Yes
The Grand Hyatt Resort Kauai is consistently described as one of the best family resorts in Hawaii — and it's easy to see why. Spread across 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on the south shore, the resort features multiple pools, waterslides, a famous saltwater lagoon, and pickleball and tennis courts that give kids (and adults) hours of entertainment without leaving the property. Every room has a private lanai, and the scale of the resort means there's always something to do.
The Anara Spa is one of the best on the island, the golf at Poipu Bay is excellent for anyone in the group who plays, and the dining options — seven restaurants on-site, including the beloved Tidepools — mean you could spend a week here without leaving.
One note on the beach: Shipwreck Beach directly in front of the resort has strong currents and is not recommended for swimming. The resort suggests Poipu Beach Park, a short drive away, for safe ocean swimming with kids.
Koloa Landing Resort
Location: South Shore
Kids Club: No, but kid friendly activities offered
Resort Fee: Yes
Koloa Landing is a strong choice for families who want space — it offers the largest standard accommodations in Poipu, with studios and multi-bedroom villas that include full kitchens, in-room washers and dryers, and generous living areas that make longer stays more comfortable. The 350,000-gallon main pool is a standout, and the celebrity chef-helmed Holoholo Grill is a reliable on-site dining option.
The property sits on 25 acres of lush landscaped grounds and features a 6,100 sq ft family lagoon pool, a waterfall adult pool, a putting green, volleyball court, soccer field, and morning yoga on the lawn. The full-service spa — featuring the island's only Japanese Ofuro copper soaking tub — gives parents a retreat option.
Westin Princeville
Location: North Shore
Kids Club: Yes, for a fee
Resort Fee: Yes
The Westin Princeville is perched on the cliffs above Kauai's north shore, with views that are spectacular and a villa-style layout that works well for families. Spacious one and two-bedroom villas come with fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, and generous living areas — a meaningful upgrade from a standard hotel room when traveling with kids. The Westin Kids Club for ages 5–12 is a differentiator on the north shore, where formal kids programming is harder to find.
The property offers a free shuttle to destinations within 2.5 miles, including nearby golf courses and shops, and is a short drive from Hanalei Bay. One honest note: the beach access here is limited — the property sits on a bluff, and guests typically drive or shuttle to the beach rather than walking out the front door. Plan accordingly.
Best Boutique Hotels & Unique Stays on Kauai
courtesy of The Lodge at Kukui'ula
Timbers Kaua’i
Location: East Side
Accolades: 1 Michelin Key
Resort Fee: Yes
Timbers Kaua'i is one of the most unique stays on the island — a collection of 58 luxury oceanfront residences set within the Hōkūala resort community near Nawiliwili Bay on the east side. The two, three, and four-bedroom residences each feature private plunge pools, panoramic ocean views, full chef's kitchens with Thermador appliances, and private lanais with built-in BBQs. The Farm at Hōkūala — a working organic orchard and vegetable garden on the property — sets a tone that is different from a standard resort experience, and the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course is considered among the best on the island.
The location on the east side is worth noting: it's centrally positioned for day trips island-wide, but is not walking distance to beaches or restaurants — a rental car is essential. The Michelin Key designation and the quality of the residences make it a standout option for groups or families who want something closer to a private villa experience than a traditional resort stay. My multi-generational group clients love this resort.
The Lodge at Kukui'ula
Location: South Side
Resort Fee: Yes
The Lodge at Kukui'ula is a private club community on the south shore that operates more like a village than a resort — a collection of stand-alone bungalows, cottages, and four-bedroom villas set within a world-class residential community in Poipu. The centerpiece is The Clubhouse, with a family game room, lounges, and gathering spaces, but what truly sets Kukui'ula apart is The Farm — a private 10-acre organic working farm where guests can harvest fresh fruit, herbs, and vegetables directly for use in their own kitchens or the on-site restaurant.
The Hiʻilani Spa is an adults-only wellness sanctuary set within lava rock walls and lush meditation gardens. The Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course is exceptional. My clients love the more private-style of stay you get with a standalone cottage, without the laundry list of tasks to complete at check-out that most other vacation rental properties come with.
Best Budget Friendly Hotels on Kauai
sunrise at Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas
Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas
Location: South Shore
Resort Fee: No
We stayed here and loved it — the location in the heart of Poipu is hard to beat at this price point. The Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas offers studio, one and two-bedroom villas with kitchenettes, washers and dryers, and furnished lanais. Two pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, and multiple on-site dining options at the Sheraton Kauai Resort across the street (including RumFire and Lava's on Poipu Beach) round out the amenities.
The most notable thing about the Sheraton Villas is that there is no resort fee. In a market where resort fees are standard, it makes a meaningful difference to the total cost of a stay. It doesn't have the over-the-top amenities of the Grand Hyatt or the boutique intimacy of Ko'a Kea, but it delivers strong value, an unbeatable location, and a comfortable stay.
Kauai Shores
Location: East Side
Resort Fee: Yes
Kauai Shores is a refreshingly honest option for travelers who want a well-located, affordable base without pretense. The property leans into its 1970s roots with a colorful mid-century tropical aesthetic, 200 rooms spread across low-rise buildings, and a beachfront setting on the east side that puts you equidistant from the north and south shores. The Lava Lava Beach Club is attached to the property and worth a visit even if you aren't staying here — reliable food, ocean views, and live music in the evenings make it the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner.
The resort fee here is one of the more reasonable on the island, and what it covers — morning yoga on the beach, complimentary bike rentals, and lounge chairs — is actually useful. The Coconut Marketplace is next door, and the area has a walkable, local feel that bigger south shore resorts don't quite offer. A good choice for travelers who will be out exploring most of the day and just need a comfortable, well-located place to come home to.
Kauai Inn
Location: East Side
Resort Fee: No
For travelers on a tighter budget who still want a clean place to stay without sacrificing character, the Kauai Inn is worth knowing about. One of the island's oldest hotels and family-run, it has authentic plantation-style architecture that gives it a completely different feel from the corporate resort corridor. Rooms are air-conditioned, simply appointed, and include a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and microwave. The outdoor pool has views of the Hula'eia Mountains, and complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included.
It won't suit travelers looking for resort amenities or a beachfront setting — the property is inland near Lihue, close to the airport — but for a base to sleep and explore from, it delivers old Hawaii character and strong value.
Kauai Lodging Map
FAQs
What are some of the most popular activities on Kauai?
Kauai is known for its outdoor activities and adventure. Popular activities include helicopter tours, scuba diving and snorkeling, zip lining, hiking at Waimea Canyon, and boat tours along the Nā Pali Coast. For a deeper dive, check out my guide to the top 10 activities on Kauai.
What side of Kauai should I stay on?
For most first-time visitors, the south shore — specifically the Poipu area — is the right choice. It's the sunniest part of the island year-round, centrally located for day trips, and home to the largest concentration of quality resorts. The north shore is spectacular but best visited in summer months when weather is most cooperative.
Do Kauai resorts have resort fees?
Most do. Resort fees on Kauai typically range from $22 to $59 per night and are charged in addition to the room rate. Always factor these into your total budget when comparing properties. The Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas and Kauai Inn are notable exceptions with no resort fee.
What is the best area in Kauai for first-time visitors?
I typically recommend the South Shore for first-time visitors — there are many options across various price points, easy beach access, shopping, and dining. The exception to this would be for travelers looking for something incredibly luxurious, in this case, I would recommend 1 Hotel Hanalei on the north shore.
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
