The Best Kauai Hotels: Where to Stay on the Garden Isle

The Westin Resort Princeville (Shutterstock)

There’s something about Kauaʻi that stays with you long after you leave. Maybe it’s the misty cliffs of the Nā Pali Coast, where waterfalls tumble into the sea. Or the way roosters strut through beach parks like they own the place. Perhaps it’s the deep green of the taro fields in Hanalei or the hush of a rainforest trail after the rain.

Kauaʻi is quieter than its sister islands, slower too. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak in that aloha magic on Kaua’i again, where you stay can shape your whole experience. The best hotels in Kauaʻi each offer a different window into the island’s heart.

And that’s exactly the point. Here are our recommendations for a memorable island retreat.

Hanalei Bay Resort in Kauai (Shutterstock)

Not to be confused with the Big Island’s volcano, Kīlauea town on Kauaʻi’s North Shore is small, sweet, and full of aloha. The Kīlauea Lodge offers a cozy alternative to coastal resorts which makes it one of the best Kauai hotels. This charming inn feels like a cross between a country bed-and-breakfast and a rainforest retreat. The rooms are simple yet warm with lush tropical gardens that enhance the ambiance, and the on-site restaurant serves fresh, hearty meals.

You’re near the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a favorite spot for seabird watching. And the beaches and trails of the North Shore are just a short drive away.

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Resort Hotel on Shipwreck Beach, Kauai (Shutterstock)