Looking for the top hotels in Kauai? Finding the perfect stay among the top hotels in Kauai can be overwhelming. Whether you want luxury resorts with ocean views, family-friendly hotels with pools and beach access, or boutique stays for a romantic getaway, this guide will help.
Here’s the simple plan we’ll follow:
- Explore luxury and full-service resorts
- Highlight boutique and romantic hotels
- Cover family-friendly resorts
- Include budget-friendly options and vacation rentals
Follow this guide to choose the perfect Kauai resort and enjoy stunning beaches, comfort, and unforgettable memories.
Luxury & Full-Service Resorts in Kauai
1. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Located on Poipu Beach in Kauai’s South Shore, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is one of the premier hotels on the island. Guests enjoy a multi-level pool complex, spa, and on-site restaurants. Cultural activities and beach access make it an ideal destination for families and couples.
The resort also offers tennis courts, a lazy river, and stunning ocean views. Whether you want to relax by the main pool or explore Poipu Bay Golf, this Kauai resort delivers luxury and comfort for the entire family.
2. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay & Bamford Wellness Spa
On Kauai’s North Shore, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay—formerly the St. Regis Princeville Resort—combines luxury and wellness. The Bamford Wellness Spa offers transformative wellness experiences, with an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. Guests enjoy beach access and stunning ocean views of both mountains and sea.
With tropical resort amenities, this Kauai resort is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway or travelers looking to visit Kauai’s best beaches. Rooms are designed for comfort, and walking to nearby shops or sandy beaches is easy, making it one of the best resorts on Kauai.
3. Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
A premier resort on Kauai’s east coast, Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue offers elegant rooms, cascading waterfalls, and beach access. Guests enjoy proximity to Anini Beach, excellent dining, and water activities. The resort features spacious suites and is ideal for those with a rental car to explore the island, including Na Pali Coast adventures.
Perfect for families and couples, it is one of the top hotels in Kauai for convenience and luxury, combining oceanfront views with beautifully landscaped grounds and easy access to Lihue’s beaches and attractions.
4. Marriott Kauai Resort & Spa
Located on Kauai’s South Shore in Lihue, the Marriott Kauai Resort & Spa offers luxurious accommodations with ocean-view rooms featuring a rain shower and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy direct access to Anini Beach, multiple swimming pools, and on-site dining.
The resort is surrounded by charming landscapes and nearby charming towns, perfect for exploring local shops and culture.
With family-friendly activities, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and a championship golf course nearby, this resort is ideal for couples and families seeking a relaxing and memorable Kauai vacation.
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Boutique & Romantic Hotels in Kauai
5. Koa Kea Resort
Located on Poipu Beach in Kauai’s South Shore, the Koa Kea Resort is one of the top hotels on the island. This boutique Kauai Beach Resort offers an intimate beachfront experience with upscale dining and personalized service. Guests can relax on the golden-sand beach or enjoy the main pool, which offers stunning views of the ocean.
Ideal for couples or small families, the resort provides access to beautiful beaches and walking distance to local shops and restaurants. With reasonable resort fees, Koa Kea remains a top choice among the best Kauai resorts, perfect for a memorable Kauai getaway.
6. The Lodge at Kukui’ula
On Poipu Beach, The Lodge at Kukui’ula features private cottages for a luxurious stay. Guests enjoy golf and spa amenities, farm-to-table dining, and a secluded beachfront experience. This Kauai Beach Resort is perfect for travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and access to stunning beaches.
Walking distance to local shops, along with beautiful ocean views, makes it one of the top hotels in Kauai. Reasonable resort fees ensure a hassle-free stay, while the resort’s upscale amenities rival other luxury stays like Hanalei Colony Resort.
Whether relaxing by the pool overlooks or exploring the garden isle, The Lodge at Kukui’ula offers an unforgettable Kauai vacation.
7. Waimea Plantation Cottages
Escape to one of the top hotels in Kauai on the west coast. Waimea Plantation Cottages offer historic charm with cozy, fully furnished cottages near Waimea Canyon. Perfect for families or couples seeking a quiet retreat, these cottages provide easy access to scenic drives, hiking, and the beach.
A rental car is recommended to explore nearby attractions. Relax in the serene atmosphere, stroll along the gardens, and enjoy the authentic Hawaiian plantation experience away from the crowds.
8. Whalers Cove
Located in Poipu, Whalers Cove is a luxurious condo-style resort with spacious oceanfront villas. Ideal for couples or families, each unit features full kitchens, private lanais, and spectacular views.
Swim in the sparkling lagoon pool or walk to nearby Koloa Landing Resort and shops. This peaceful retreat is perfect for exploring the Na Pali Coast State Park or relaxing on Shipwreck Beach. With its prime location and upscale amenities, Whalers Cove is among the most centrally located and exclusive stays on Kauai’s south shore.
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Family-Friendly Resorts in Kauai
9. Hanalei Bay Resort
Located on Kauai’s North Shore in Princeville, Hanalei Bay Resort offers mountain-view condos with resort-style amenities. Guests can enjoy a zero-entry pool and easy walking distance of Hanalei Bay and beautiful beaches. The resort is ideal for families or couples seeking to stay on Kauai and explore the Garden Isle.
Nearby attractions include botanical gardens and scenic views reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. With comfortable hotel rooms and convenient access to local golf courses, Hanalei Bay Resort blends relaxation and adventure, making it one of the best Kauai resorts.
10. Waipouli Beach Resort
On Kauai’s East Coast in Kapaa, Waipouli Beach Resort features a 2-acre fantasy pool and beachfront access. Guests enjoy fully equipped condos, lush lawns, and walking distance to local attractions. This Kauai resort is perfect for families, offering beautiful beaches, a hot tub, and relaxing pool overlooks.
With convenient amenities and scenic surroundings, Waipouli Beach Resort is a top choice for those wanting to stay on Kauai and experience one of the best Kauai resorts.
11. Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
On Kauai’s East Coast in Kapaa, Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort offers beachfront access and a pool with waterslides for kids. Guests enjoy resort-style amenities, casual dining, and easy access to Kalapaki Beach and beautiful beaches. This Kauai resort is ideal for families seeking fun, comfort, and convenience.
Walking distance to local shops adds ease, while hotel rooms provide comfort for all. With a hot tub, activities for the entire family, and proximity to botanical gardens, the Sheraton Coconut Beach Resort is a standout among the best Kauai resorts.
12. Kiahuna Plantation
Located on Poipu Beach, Kiahuna Plantation Resort offers Kiahuna Plantation Condos with beachfront access and nearby saltwater lagoon features. Guests enjoy walking distance to shops and restaurants while exploring the Garden Isle. This Kauai resort is ideal for families or couples seeking beautiful beaches and comfortable accommodations.
Amenities include two pools, a hot tub, and lush grounds. With convenient access to Kiahuna Beach and attractions like Waimea Plantation Cottages, it ranks among the top hotels in Kauai for comfort and relaxation.
Top Hotels in Kauai: A Recap
Kauai has some of the best hotels in Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. They are great for families, couples, and solo travelers. You can stay in luxury at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort on the South Shore. Or visit the wellness-focused 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the North Shore. Boutique stays, like Koa Kea Resort and The Lodge at Kukui’ula, give a quiet beachfront experience.
Family-friendly resorts, such as Hanalei Bay Resort and Waipouli Beach Resort, have stunning beaches, pools, and useful amenities. Budget travelers can pick the Kauai Shores Hotel or Vrbo vacation rentals for comfort and flexibility.
If you want beach access, ocean-view terraces, or a romantic escape, the top hotels in Kauai make it easy to enjoy the Hawaiian Islands, Garden Island, and stunning ocean views.