Top Hotels in Kauai

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Nestled on the South Shore, this resort stretches across 50 acres, featuring lush gardens and pools that are a family’s paradise: one includes four waterslides — notably, the longest resort waterslide in Hawaii at 150 feet. (And for those without kids, there’s a serene adults-only pool as well.)

In addition, there's a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon featuring a sandy beach with swim-out islands. The resort boasts championship golf and the luxurious Anara Spa, an impressive 45,000-square-foot facility that includes a 24-hour fitness center, an open-air yoga studio, and both dry and steam saunas. Tidepools restaurant serves exquisite cuisine beneath thatched-roof bungalows overlooking a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall.

The Essentials: 

• Location: Koloa
• Distance From Airport: 16 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms, dining options, swimming pool
• Loyalty Programs: World of Hyatt
• Parking: Self-parking included in the resort fee; valet parking available for $40 per day
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting at $960 per night

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Launched in 2023 on the site of the former St. Regis Princeville, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is an exceptionally luxurious newcomer to Kauai’s hospitality landscape. Located on a renowned beach along the North Shore, the property embodies biophilic design principles, seamlessly integrating natural landscapes with low-impact structures that harmonize with the cliffside setting. With 252 spacious rooms, including 51 suites, the grounds are adorned with streams and gardens.

The 18,000-square-foot Bamford Wellness Spa features cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers, infrared saunas with halotherapy, ice baths, a meditation pod, and a flotation salt pod. Meanwhile, the 10,000-square-foot Anatomy fitness center offers an open-air oceanfront atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor yoga spaces. Among its many dining options is the signature 1 Kitchen, boasting a plant-based menu and one of the island’s most extensive wine selections.

Essential Information: 

• Distance From Airport: 29 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible accommodations, dining venues, bars, and restrooms, with braille signage and an all-terrain beach wheelchair available for guests in need.
• Loyalty Programs: Mission by 1 Hotels
• Parking: Valet service available for $50 plus tax per night
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting at $1,200 per night

Ko’a Kea Resort at Po’ipu Beach

Situated on the sunny South Shore, this boutique resort features 121 rooms with unobstructed views right on Poipu Beach, famous for its excellent snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Renovated in 2022, all rooms and suites come with balconies or private lanais. This resort offers direct access to the beach, making it the closest hotel to the sand on the island.

The on-site full-service restaurant, Red Salt, hosts the weekly Pa’ina dinner series, accommodating 14 guests for an unforgettable golden-hour meal crafted by chef Noelani Planas. Guests can also indulge in cabana dinners: six-course meals in an oceanfront cabana with stunning views of Poipu Beach. Additional amenities include a poolside bar and grill serving Hawaiian cuisine, a full-service spa with five treatment rooms, a couples suite, and two outdoor spa cabanas. The expansive oceanfront lawn and fire pits enhance the experience. In collaboration with Envoy, you can reserve a private Tesla during your stay to explore the island. Ko’a Kea made it onto our World’s Best Awards list in 2023.

Essential Information: 

• Location: Koloa
• Distance From Airport: 15 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible accommodations available.
• Loyalty Programs: Stay Golden
• Parking: Available at $35 per night plus tax per vehicle
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting at $494 per night

Timbers Kauai – Ocean Club & Residences

Set in a prime oceanfront spot within the expansive 450-acre Hōkūala resort, this property is encircled by scenic walking and biking paths. The residences and townhomes, ranging from two to four bedrooms, each feature a minimum of three private lanais along with ocean vistas. Amenities include the Jack Nicklaus Ocean Course, a two-tiered infinity pool, a fitness center offering group classes, lagoons, beach access, and oceanfront dining. A kids club is also available. Timbers earned recognition in our World’s Best Awards in 2022.

The Details: 

• Location: Lihue
• Distance From Airport: 3 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, rooms, and an elevator for upper floors.
• Parking: Complimentary valet parking
• Resort Fee: No
• Rates: Starting from $1,895 per night

The Lodge at Kukui’ula

Nestled on the sunny South Shore, this resort community provides exclusive access to The Club at Kukui'ula through its home rentals. Luxury residences at the club's entrance feature indoor-outdoor island living, with options for cottages, bungalows, and villas ranging from one to four bedrooms. Each spacious residence includes a gourmet kitchen, dining area, expansive lanai, and private outdoor garden showers. All accommodations are within walking distance of the club and its amenities.

Key Information:

• Location: Koloa
• Distance From Airport: 11 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms and communal areas
• Parking: Yes, included in the resort fee
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting at $1,200 per night

Kauai Shores

This hotel boasts an incredible beachfront setting, granting guests direct access to the serene Royal Coconut Coast. While it's more budget-friendly than many options on our list, the rooms are well-kept and feature charming retro-inspired touches along with modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and open-air lanais. Large windows showcase views of lush tropical gardens, the pool, mountains, and ocean. Enhance your stay with beachside yoga and dining at Lava Lava Beach Club. Bike rentals are part of the resort fee.

Key Information:

• Location: Kapa’a
• Distance From Airport: 7 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, common areas, signage, on-site parking, registration desk, and trained staff
• Parking: Yes, included in the resort fee
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting at $238 per night

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

This family-friendly vacation ownership resort perched on a cliff is close to Anini Beach and just a short drive from Hanalei Bay. Dining options include the Princeville Bistro and Nanea Bar & Grill. Guests can enjoy a 24-hour fitness center as well as outdoor pools with ocean views. Each villa features a furnished lanai, living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a sofa bed, making them perfect for groups. Floorplans range from studio accommodations to two-bedroom villas exceeding 1,300 square feet, accommodating up to eight adults.

Key Information:

• Location: Princeville
• Distance From Airport: 25 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms, on-site parking, elevators, and swimming pools. Service animals are welcomed.
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Parking: Yes, $25 per day
• Resort Fee: No
• Rates: Starting from $438 per night

Marriott Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu’u

Marriott's Kauai Lagoons boasts stunning views of the deep blue ocean, nestled among sparkling lagoons and beautiful coastlines on the east shore. This property features spacious villa rentals, perfect for groups or multigenerational family trips. Enjoy a two-level pool, a whirlpool spa, and a fitness center with group classes. The two- or three-bedroom vacation rentals include ocean views, separate living areas, sofa beds, and full kitchens, along with roomy balconies. The resort is conveniently located near island attractions like Fern Grotto, Huleia National Wildlife Refuge, and Opaeka'a Falls.

The Essentials:

• Location: Lihue
• Distance From Airport: Under one mile
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, elevators, and pools on-site. Service animals are welcome.
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Parking: Yes, for $25 per day
• Resort Fee: No
• Rates: Starting at $577 per night

Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Nestled on Kauai’s eastern coast, this family-friendly resort is found in the charming and eclectic town of Kapa'a, offering easy access to the airport and nearby attractions such as Smith's Tropical Paradise and Wailua Falls, with stunning 360-degree views of the island's natural splendor. The property features an infinity pool with designated areas for both children and adults. Dining options on-site include The Crooked Surf, Moa Moa, and Luau Ka Hikina. Rooms are equipped with mini fridges and private lanais.

Details Overview:

• Location: Kapa’a
• Distance From Airport: 7 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, elevators, and rooms; service animals are welcome
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Parking: Complimentary on-site parking or valet service available for $20 per day
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting at $382 per night

The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort

Nestled just two miles from Lihue Airport, this beachfront resort allows for quick arrival and immediate relaxation. Accommodations offer stunning views of the ocean, gardens, or pool. Amenities include four dining options, a spa, salon, and fitness center, along with Hawaii’s largest single-level pool—a grand circular oasis at the heart of the property, surrounded by hotel buildings. Guests enjoy direct access to Kalapaki Beach and are near natural attractions like Kalepa Mountain Forest Reserve and the Ahukini Recreation Pier State Park.

Details Overview: 

• Location: Lihue
• Distance From Airport: 2 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms, signage, spa, pool, and more available
• Loyalty Programs: Sonesta Travel Pass
• Parking: Yes, $30 for self-parking or $40 for valet each night
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting from $319 per night

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

Set on 25 acres of vibrant landscaping, this resort features studios, as well as one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom villas that range from 500 to 3,600 square feet. The studios come equipped with kitchenettes and full-size washer/dryers, while the villas offer full kitchens and private bathrooms for each bedroom. The main pool, one of Kauai's largest single-level pools, holds 350,000 gallons of water and includes waterslides, an infinity edge, swim-through waterfalls and grotto, a kids’ splash pad, dancing water fountains, and more.

Additionally, there is a Lagoon pool complete with an island, lagoon, basketball hoop, and fire pits. An adults-only pool features serene waterfalls. On-site, guests can enjoy the full-service Spa at Koloa Landing, which includes couples’ treatment rooms with private lanais, rainfall showerheads, and the island’s exclusive Japanese Ofuro soaking tub. The hotel is conveniently located just a short stroll from the Shops at Kukui’ula Village.

The Details:

• Location: Koloa
• Distance From Airport: 14 miles
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, elevators, pool, restaurants, rooms, and more. Service animals welcome.
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Parking: Yes, complimentary on-site self and valet parking.
• Resort Fee: Yes
• Rates: Starting from $634 per night

Important Information to Note

Consider renting a vehicle

Kauai is one of the more secluded Hawaiian islands, making it most convenient to explore with your own car. While rideshares and taxis are available, they can be costly and less frequent than on the mainland. Some hotels provide scheduled shuttle services, and a public bus system is also in place.

Familiarize yourself with Kauai's various regions before securing your stay

Different areas of Kauai present unique experiences, so keep this in mind when making your reservations. You might want to consider splitting your stay across several accommodations for a more diverse experience. Key regions include the North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei), the more populated east coast, and the South Shore, which features family-friendly beaches and budget-friendly lodging options.

Be prepared for rain

Kauai enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year, accompanied by significant rainfall. The dry season typically spans from April to October, while the wet months fall between November and March. December and January, popular for mainland travelers, experience the heaviest rainfall.

Our Selection Process for These Hotels

Alesandra Dubin is a seasoned travel and lifestyle journalist who has explored Hawaii for both work and leisure over the past 15 years, including a recent unexpected extended stay due to Alaska Airlines’ fleet issues in January. The hotels featured here were selected based on her extensive expertise and research, along with firsthand experiences shared by Dinogo editors and contributors. Many of these hotels have also earned recognition in their categories through the World’s Best Awards, as voted by T+L readers. All recommended hotels align with our T+L Hotel Values.