In Kauai, your choice of where to stay depends on the experience you want, your budget, and the area of the island you prefer. Here are some top options by region:

North Shore

• 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay : A luxury, eco-friendly resort with stunning views, modern design, and a high rating (4.6/5)

• Westin Princeville : Spacious villas with full kitchens and whirlpool tubs, offering privacy and seclusion

• Vacation rentals like Hoku Lani Apartment and Mauna Kai 9 provide cozy and group-friendly options near Hanalei

South Shore (Poipu)

• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort : A luxurious oceanfront resort with large pools and lush gardens, ideal for a relaxing stay

• Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach : Boutique oceanfront resort with upscale dining and a spa, highly rated (4.6/5)

• Sheraton Kauai Resort : Beachside resort with pools, dining, and cultural activities, LGBTQ+ friendly

• Vacation rentals like Poipu Plantation Vacation Rentals offer more affordable Hawaiian-style stays

East Side (Kapaa and Lihue)

• Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay : Beachfront hotel with dining, pools, and gym, located near Wailua River and ocean

• The Kauai Inn : Plantation-style rooms with tropical pool and mountain views in Lihue.
• Wyndham Kaua'i Beach Villas : Timeshare condos near the beach with pools and tennis courts.
• Banyan Harbor Resort : Ocean-view condos with balconies and outdoor pool.
• Marriott Kauai Beach Club : Large oceanfront resort with pools and multiple dining options

• Sheraton Coconut Beach : Modern, updated hotel with a beautiful pool area

West Side

• Waimea Plantation Cottages : Cozy cottages with private porches and stunning views, great for a quieter, more rustic experience

• The West Inn : Simple motel-style accommodations with kitchenettes

• Camping options are also available but require permits

Summary Table of Notable Hotels

Hotel Name| Location| Highlights| Rating
---|---|---|---
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay| North Shore| Luxury, eco-friendly, views| 4.6
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort| Poipu (South)| Luxury, large pools, beach| $$$$
Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu| Poipu (South)| Boutique, spa, oceanfront| 4.6
Sheraton Kauai Resort| Poipu (South)| Beachside, pools, dining| 4.3
Hilton Garden Inn Wailua Bay| Kapaa (East)| Beachfront, pools, gym| 3.8
The Kauai Inn| Lihue (East)| Plantation style, tropical pool| 4.3
Wyndham Kaua'i Beach Villas| Lihue (East)| Beach condos, pools, tennis| 4.2
Banyan Harbor Resort| Lihue (East)| Ocean-view condos, pool| 4.3
Waimea Plantation Cottages| West Side| Cozy cottages, quiet, views| N/A

For a well-rounded stay, Poipu on the South Shore is often recommended for its convenient location and calm ocean swimming, while the North Shore offers luxury and scenic beauty. The East Side provides more budget-friendly and diverse lodging options near Lihue and Kapaa, and the West Side is quieter with fewer accommodations but unique charm

. Choose based on your preferences for luxury, location, and activities to make the most of your Kauai visit.