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KAUAI'S TOP RATED PLACES TO STAY

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If you're planning a trip to Kauai don't book until you see this. I’ve lived on Kauai for 3 years and broken down the best hotels and condos by region—North Shore, South Shore, west side and East Side—to help you find the perfect base for your island...
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North Shore Nests

Straight-out-of-a-postcard places to stay on the North Shore. Think emerald cliffs, hidden beaches, cozy luxury stays, and that slow island vibe everyone wants.
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
These villas have full kitchens and private whirlpool tubs, I loved the privacy. There are multiple outdoor pools, a 24-hour gym, and a children's pool, making it a great choice for families on Princeville!
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
An oceanfront resort providing a more remote vibe. The unit was really big and comfortable! They have a pool and some of the nicest views I've seen on the north shore! I really loved how private it felt!
Hanalei Colony Resort Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This resort feels really luxurious with breathtaking views of the bay and mountains, I love the free beach cabanas, and the yoga sessions. Perfect for a peaceful or romantic getaway in Hanalei bay!
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Princeville (updated prices 2026)
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This is an amazing gated property in Kilauea that has a beautiful courtyard that leads to the main residence. Inside it has granite counter-tops, comfy bed linens, air conditioning and ceiling fans. A washer and dryer are also included. It also has ...
Luxury Oceanfront Cottage, Panoramic Views & Spa - Kalihiwai
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
Plumeria is located at Anini Beach, oceanfront with a large reef for snorkeling. Plumeria has 3 bedrooms and a screened in lanai surrounds three sides of the home. We loved eating out there. It also has two bathrooms, plus an outdoor shower. Perfect...
Beautiful Plumeria Cottage-Anini Beach Plantation Style Home - Kalihiwai
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This cottage is not only secluded, but is a short walk to a gorgeous and private beach that tourists don't know about and what's really cool is it's where they filmed the pilot episode of Gilligans Island!
Gilligan's-secluded air-conditioned Cottage Near Gorgeous Beach
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This is a great hotel in princeville. Has some amazing pools and lagoons to swim in and there's a lot of activities to do in the area! We went horseback riding and had the best time!
Club Wyndham Ka Eo Kai from $166. Princeville Hotel Deals & Reviews

Excellent East Side Spots

East side Stays that have central, convenient locations, and full of local flavor. Great for first-timers who want easy access to the whole island, casual stays, and everyday Kauai life.
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This condo is a great spot to relax in the sun! Your literally on the beach! It has Air conditioning, a washer and dryer, and a deck we loved hanging out on after a long day of exploring the island!
Oceanfront, newly renovated. As low as $220/night. - Wailua
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This resort in Lihue has an outdoor swimming pool next to Kalapaki Bay and the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. The hotel has 4 restaurants and a spa. The rooms have cable, a coffee machine, and a refrigerator. You can get a view of the ocean or the gardens....
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This hotel is accross from Lydgate Beach Park, and we walked to Wailua Bay. Opaekaa Falls, Sleeping Giant Trail Head, and Fern Grotto are must sees nearby. Has on-site restaurants, a fitness center, two pools, and a poolside bar. This is a great fami...
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay | Kapaa, HI, United States
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This resort has beachfront rooms with Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, and private lanais. I love the infinity-edge pool you feel like your in the ocean and it has separate sides for children and adults, there's an oceanfront bar, lounge chairs, and fire pits. Th...
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, Kapaa (updated prices 2026)
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This affordable spot is surrounded by Kaua’i’s eastern coastline, Plantation Hale Suites in Kapa’a is a central location with large suites and great amenities, including three pools, and lush gardens. They are the perfect place for family stays, busi...
Plantation Hale Suites Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
Beautiful grounds, very relaxing. Close to stores and many restaurants Loved the balcony to listen to the birds and feel the cool ocean breeze and read. The pool and jacuzzi area was a little small but very well maintained and relaxing! There's also ...
Aston Islander on the Beach Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
The location was perfect, right on the beach with such a relaxed vibe. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the rooms were clean, comfortable, and modern. I also loved having Lava Lava Beach Club right there for great food, drinks and live music b...
Kauai Shores Hotel, Kapaa (updated prices 2026)
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
1 Kauai Dreams Escape 1 in Lihue is clean, comfortable, top-floor oceanfront unit with a pool and hot tub. I love seeing the stunning, sunrise views, close to airport, only negative is it's more like a hotel room so no kitchen.
Kauai Dreams Escape I, Lihue (updated prices 2026)

South Shore Stays you don't want to Miss

South Shore spots that have sunny days, calm beaches, and resort-style comfort. Perfect for beach lovers, families, and anyone who wants guaranteed sunshine with walkable dining.
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This condo is a great spot to relax in the sun since it's beachfront. The Air conditioning, housekeeping (on request), washer and dryer were comfortable and convenient. So much shopping, restaurant and activities in this area! 10/10
Best Oceanfront - Walls of windows on famous surf and sunset, 2BR/2BA, A/C
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
Located close to Poipu Bay Golf Course and Poipu Beach, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa has 2 poolside bars, and a terrace. This hotel is a great place to relax. I got a deep-tissue massage at the onsite spa. Their restaurant, Tidepools, has ocean v...
Kauai Beachfront Resort Hotel | Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
Located on Poipu Beach has a ton of amenities, like an oceanfront pool, poolside bungalows, fitness center, and two onsite restaurants The rooms are studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas, with a kitchenette, stacked washer/dryer, HDTV, and lanai...
Sheraton Kauai Resort Villas, Koloa (updated prices 2026)
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
Koloa landing is a first class experience . My fave is the lush gardens and amenities like the Three Lagoon Pools. The main pool was voted Best in America 2025. It also has a Day Spa, Holoholo Grill, 24-Hour Fitness Center, Volleyball Court, Putting ...
Koloa Landing Resort at Po'ipu, Autograph Collection
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This spot is perfect to unwind at home with a sunset cocktail or kick back in the livingroom and watch movies after a day of exploring. The kitchen is fully equipped for at-home meals. It has WiFi, Air Conditioning in the living room and bedroom, and...
Poipu Beach Cottage AC, 1 BR, Sleeps 4 - Koloa
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This Bungalow is steps away from a crescent-shaped white sand beach called Baby Beach and is located in a nice neighborhood. Perfect for private familes on one of the most beautiful beaches in Kauai!
BABY BEACH BUNGALOW 2-STEPS TO BEACH - OCEAN VIEW - AMAZING ...
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This hotel has spacious rooms, multiple pools and hot tubs, and easy beach access. I was amazed at all the sea turtles and monk seals sun bathing. It has a relaxing vibe, beautiful grounds, and good shopping. I also like the friendly and helpful staf...
Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club, Koloa (updated prices 2026)
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
It's so close to the water that we were watching whales from the breakfast table in our condo. The sunsets were breathtaking. The grounds and pool are excellent. The location was very convenient for activities and dinners on the south shore. We were ...
Whalers Cove Oceanfront Resort Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
Koa Ke'a Resort in Poipu is gorgeous! They have one of my favorite restaurants Redsalt! Foods great and the ocean views are amazing! Great snorkeling and plenty of sea turtles and Monk seals!
Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach

Local West Side Spots

The west side is quiet, rugged, and wildly underrated. Less crowds, dramatic sunsets, and the closest stays to Waimea Canyon—perfect for adventurers and solitude seekers who want a local Kauai experience.
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
These unique, historic cottages are so charming and have private lanais, full kitchens, wi-fi, TVs, and air conditioning. They have an oceanfront swimming pool, volleyball court, BBQ area, and bar and grill on site! We had the best time there and Wai...
Hotel Waimea Plantation Cottages, USA
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This home in Kekaha has the longest white sand beach in the Hawaiian Islands. I like that it's away from the tourist-filled beaches in other areas, but still has restaurants, farmers market, shops, and art galleries nearby. Your close to Waimea Canyo...
Hawaiian Charm..Just Steps From The Ocean..On Kauai's Sunny W Side * ...
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This vacation home is a great spot to relax in the sun with its beachfront location and beach chairs. It has air conditioning, a washer & dryer, and a deck to relax on. There's water activities like fishing, boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling....
Kai Nalu, Spacious, Beachfront Home - Waimea
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
The Cabins at Kokee are rustic, historic & simple. It's camping-in-a-cabin and feels like living in old times! I love the wood-burning stovebfor chilly nights. Has full kitchen & hot showers, but no Wi-Fi or cell service,has great hiking trai...
The Cabins at Kokee from $141. Waimea (Kauai) Hotel Deals & Reviews
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This is a simple budget friendly inn in the heart of waimea! Has a pool and basic room on a budget! Great walkability in quaint waimea town! I love the local shops in town!
Kauai Inn Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026
 
Nicole Anderson profile picture
This is for military families only. They are large and right on the beach. The setting is perfect for a quiet getaway and has great views of the beach and Niihau island! We also love Shenanigans bar and grill on the base!
Navy Getaways Barking Sands