Kauai is likely one of the most lovely Hawaiian islands, there’s no denying that. Kauai is a wonderful alternative if you happen to’re deciding the place to remain in Hawaii. Kauai is residence to attractive hikes, dramatic coastal surroundings just like the Napali Coast, and tons of of sandy seashores. Kauai is so stuffed with magnificent nature that it’s nicknamed the ‘Backyard Isle’ – a well-deserved title. We are able to see why you might be selecting to go to Kauai out of all of the Hawaiian islands and relaxation assured, it is a wonderful alternative.
In fact, Kauai can also be stuffed with a few of the greatest accommodations and greatest resorts in Hawaii. The variety of selections 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 facet or the west facet? And what are the perfect accommodations and resorts to select from in every space? This information will provide you with the complete rundown on the place to remain in Kauai. We’ve acquired 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 filled with vacationer infrastructure and industrial pleasure – excellent if you need a vacation stuffed with sightseeing and memento procuring. The south facet of Kauai can also be closest to the airport, making it a handy base for these not hiring rental automobiles. In brief, the south shore is the place to remain in Kauai if you need every little thing inside strolling distance and a enjoyable, touristy environment.
Aside from its nice location, the south shore’s sights are an enormous draw to this area of Kauai. Poipu Seaside 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 superb to see), snorkeling alternatives, and browsing. Poipu Seaside Park is the world surrounding this sandy seaside. It’s ultimate for sitting and admiring the view and any wildlife. You possibly can seize a seat on considered one of many picnic benches.
Equally, Shipwreck Seaside is a implausible spot. Somewhat quieter than many different south shore seashores, attending to this seaside includes a brief coastal hike. As a substitute of turtles, we advise mountain 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 procuring 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 an extended 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 wonderful possibility. 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
Finances: Poipu Seaside Surf Track
Poipu Seaside Surf Track is a wonderful, budget-friendly lodge on the south coast. The south facet of Kauai isn’t recognized for affordable lodging, so this guesthouse is a goldmine in a hunt for finances choices.
Friends hire a complete unit, so that you get a self-catered expertise at half the value of a resort or different lodge. Whereas not as widespread as a few of the alternate options on this information, it’s positively 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 considered one of Kauai’s greatest resorts. The resort is about throughout an enormous expanse of river-style swimming pools and tropical gardens. Every lodge room has a non-public balcony, beverage chiller, and marble en suite. And on the subject of your night meal, there usually are not one however seven totally different eating places to select from.
Friends on the Grand Hyatt will love the enjoyable but luxurious environment. You possibly can get pleasure from complimentary cultural experiences, loosen up with implausible services, 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 middle.
Friends can select rooms and suites, the latter of which comes with a full kitchen. In fact, there might be no want for a kitchen within the morning as you’ve gotten 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 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’re simply minutes from the Grand Hyatt – extremely praised for its glorious 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 fundamental however comfy and fairly priced at below $200 per evening (relying on the season).
2. North Shore
The north shore of Kauai is far, 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 the 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 pictures, 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’re really spoiled for alternative, from verdant mountains to mountain climbing trails and lovely seashores like Hideaways Seaside and Tunnels Seaside. Nonetheless, the Napali Coast is our winner. This shoreline is so lovely that it has been wanted by Hollywood producers and featured in numerous motion pictures. This part of the coast is lined by lush inexperienced mountains and bizarrely crinkled cliff faces. You possibly can view the shoreline by mountain climbing the Kalalau Path or taking a scenic helicopter trip – a completely unforgettable expertise and an actual thrill. Chances are high, you’ll acknowledge footage of the Napali Coast. It’s a world-famous piece of unimaginable surroundings and an enormous draw of the north shore.
As we talked about, the Kalalau Path is a wonderful method to expertise the shoreline. It is best to positively attempt to full this difficult route in case you are an skilled hiker. You possibly can 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. If you happen to’d desire attractive views with out the trouble of lengthy hikes, try the lookout factors on the north shore. Hanalei Valley Lookout is a superb possibility. This lookout has sweeping views of the valley and luxurious 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 mountain climbing trails, lookouts, and animal sightings galore.
When it comes to neighborhoods, the primary 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 far bigger and incorporates a mix of residential properties and condominium complexes. It has extra of a built-up really feel and is residence to the Princeville Purchasing 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 might have peaceable sights and locations to unwind in Kilauea at each flip, creating a pleasing, laid-back environment.
The north shore of Kauai is right for these wanting a quiet expertise on the island with out sacrificing quick access to the perfect seashores and sights. 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 lovely that they demand a digicam.
The place to Keep on the North Shore
Finances: 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 focuses on 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 finances 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 concerned with staying in lovely Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort is a simple winner. The resort presents apartment-style rooms with comfy residing areas. As an added bonus, there are additionally sizzling tubs and tennis courts on-site for visitor enjoyment. Hanalei Bay Resort has a implausible location and spectacular services.
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 offers 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 do you have to need an additional deal with. Princeville Resort is an expensive spot on the north shore.
VRBO: Oceanfront Apartment With Beautiful Views
This condominium is a windswept perch on the sun-drenched north coast of Kauai. Located on the outskirts of Princeville, you’ve gotten implausible entry to all of the city’s facilities and sights. Nonetheless, you even have gorgeous views and a way of serene privateness because of your clifftop locale. You possibly can entry an virtually 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 condominium stood out for apparent causes. We love the look of the pure setting and the sense of privateness regardless of being situated outdoors of Princeville. Undoubtedly pay attention to this property.
3. West Shore
If the north shore is quiet, the west facet of Kauai is totally asleep. The west facet is nearly fully undeveloped pure landscapes, with only a few 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 Recreation 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 numerous time mountain climbing and wildlife-watching on the west facet of Kauai. Pack your mountain 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 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 wish to head into the most important cities, it’s simply a simple drive away.
When it comes to official sights, 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 hen watchers to identify its everlasting and non permanent winged residents. Carry binoculars and a digicam; Kawai’ele Waterbird Sanctuary is residence 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 mountain climbing or aren’t up for back-to-back mountain 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 services it’s possible you’ll want when visiting Kauai. If you happen to nonetheless desire a ‘city’ expertise of the island, we advocate staying right here slightly than in a extra distant setting on the west facet. In any other case, if you need the entire distant expertise, yow will discover remoted resorts with secluded seashores throughout this area of Kauai’s north shore. Guide a rental automotive and revel in being nestled away in the midst of lush valleys and abandoned, gorgeous seashores.
The place to Keep on the West Shore
Finances: The Cabins at Kokee
The Cabins at Kokee is a wonderful budget-friendly lodging possibility proper within the middle of the west shore. Simplistic but comfy, this three-star lodge is a enjoyable spot to decide on when trying to find Kauai lodgings on a finances. You’ll be primarily based 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 get pleasure from a central location inside Waimea, on the south finish of the west coast. The inn has a quiet, non-public really feel because of its restricted variety of visitor rooms. Nonetheless, because of the property’s city setting, you might be 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 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 services that embrace an outside pool. With extras like BBQ services and personal patios, it’s a actually comfy 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 company throughout two bedrooms. The design is spacious and ethereal, with over nine-foot ceilings and large home windows for maximized views. Whereas the cottage is in-built conventional plantation type, it’s modernly adorned and ideal for an elegant, stylish place to remain in Kauai. It has a number of distinctive options, together with an outside sizzling 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 wish to be within the coronary heart of the motion. There might be no must hire a rental automotive if you happen to don’t fancy driving, as every little thing is accessible and tour operators provide pick-up transportation providers. The east coast is filled with actions, the perfect seashores, and loads of character.
One of the 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 plants. You possibly can even camp with a delegated tenting and picnic space if you need.
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 business of sugar plantations and the property itself on considered one 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 reveals – 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 effectively (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.
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 residence to an airport, which is de facto handy.
The place to Keep on the East Shore
Finances: Kauai Seaside Home Hostel
Discovering budget-friendly accommodations in Kauai is fairly tough. There are additionally only a handful of hostels, so Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is notable. Located on the shoreline, company have virtually doorstep seaside entry and ocean views. Relying in your preferences, you may go for a non-public or communal room. For solo vacationers, staying on the Kauai Seaside Home Hostel is a implausible method 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 lodge takes a barely totally different route with its rooms by providing one and two-bedroom condos. Perfect for a mid-range finances, you may benefit from having a kitchen to maintain your meals finances low but additionally benefit from the luxurious services. These stated services embrace a pool and tennis courts.
Luxurious: Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons
Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons is the chief of all the posh resorts on Kauai. And whereas the east facet is famend for its top-tier number of luxurious lodging selections, Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons stands out particularly. Positioned in Lihue, only a stone’s throw from the airport and shoreline, the four-star property presents a number of elegant villas. Friends additionally obtain entry to a health middle and expansive outside pool. Naturally, there are ocean views all through.
VRBO: Oceanfront Apartment With Beautiful Balcony View
Relating to trip leases, we all know that Kauai has numerous selections. Nonetheless, this VRBO property is proof of how superb renting a vacation residence might be when visiting Hawaii.
The highest-floor condominium is modernly adorned and lately renovated to offer a flashy place to remain on Kauai. The profitable function is the massive balcony with ocean and seaside views. You possibly can get pleasure from your mornings with gorgeous views of the Hawaiian shoreline with slightly breakfast bar and stools. Throughout the day, you’ll have fast entry to Kealia and its seaside. The property additionally has a non-public pool, BBQ space, and tools like mountain 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 lined the place to remain in Kauai, what about some widespread FAQs? This part will cowl all of the important particulars you should know earlier than reserving your journey to Kauai. Let’s get began.
What facet of Kauai is greatest to remain on?
Total, the north coast of Kauai is the perfect to remain. It’s residence 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 relies on what you need. We advocate the north as it’s near a few of Kauai’s greatest sights and outside actions. However, if you need a extra resort city environment, the south is healthier to go to.
What is healthier 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 need a south coast expertise, with a busy seaside vibe and enjoyable environment.
What’s the greatest facet of Kauai to remain on?
One of the 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 the perfect time of yr to go to Kauai?
Keep on with the off-peak seasons when visiting Kauai. This fashion, irrespective of the place you select to remain, you gained’t be combating over spots on your seaside towel or making an attempt 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 perfect 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 influence your expertise. The longer, the higher.
Deciding on The place to Keep in Kauai
Deciding the place to remain in Kauai definitely includes numerous selections. Whether or not you select the south, east, west, or north shore of Kauai, you’ll have a implausible time. The island is ideal for individuals who wish to spend numerous time open air. 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 have now an entire information on the greatest issues to do on Kauai – from mountain climbing the Kalalalu Path to making an attempt shave ice. And, after all, if you happen to can go to multiple Hawaiian island, why wouldn’t you? Maui is one other fantastic island to go to in Hawaii, and we’ve compiled a information on the place to remain in Maui as effectively.
