Whether you're looking for adventure (think kayaking or ziplining) or relaxation on the beach, there's plenty to do on this island. Museums, landmarks, and markets abound, and you'll also find where many TV shows and movies have been filmed.
The fourth largest of Hawaii's islands, Kauai is known as the "Garden Isle" — so if you're looking for picturesque settings, this is certainly the place to go. It's also the oldest, geologically speaking, of the main Hawaiian Islands. Whatever brings you to Kauai, finding the right hotel will make your stay here that much more memorable.
When are the best times to visit Kauai Island?
September to November and April to June mark the best periods to plan a trip to Kauai Island. Fall room rates start to decrease in September once the summer crowds have departed. Temperatures will be in the mid- to lower 80s, with lows dipping only to the mid-70s, so you'll still get in plenty of great beach time.
The gorgeous spring weather makes April to June another ideal time to book. High temperatures will reach the high 70s or low 80s, and you won't beat the hotel rates you get in these months. Just make sure you book before school finishes for the year to lock in the best rates.
Though most people book trips to Kauai between December and March — the better to flee from chilly winter elsewhere — it's actually when the island sees its worst weather. There's more rain, particularly in December, though it shouldn't ruin your plans, as showers are typically brief. If you do go then, try to book well in advance, since this is peak travel season in Kauai.
You'll see hotel rates spike in July and August too, so a summer trip calls for booking well in advance. Of course, you'll also get perfect beach weather if you go for a summer vacation: highs in the mid-80s translate to long days at the beach.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Kauai Island, HI:
Kauai Island, HI: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Kauai Island, HI. Browse these illustrations to calculate the least expensive months to book in Kauai Island for upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels around Kauai Island, HI?
4 Star Average Prices: $241.29
Luxury options abound on this picturesque island. The five-star St. Regis Princeville Resort offers the ultimate in luxury here. On the beach and close to Puu Poa Beach, Hideaways Beach, Princeville Golf Club's Prince Course, and Hanalei Pier, this resort hotel features amenities like a sauna, outdoor pool, and outdoor tennis courts. Guests can unwind at the full-service spa, where facials, body treatments, and massages keep you relaxed. Complete the experience with a drink at the poolside bar.
O'Luina offers a luxurious retreat when you're looking for a rural setting. This is a small accommodation — it only has eight rooms — and the intimate setting creates a unique atmosphere. It's ideal for a couple's getaway, so if you're looking for a honeymoon spot on Kauai Island, check out O'Luina. The beautiful property boasts rooms with private lanais and kitchens that come complete with microwaves and refrigerators.
Luxury and convenience make for an unparalleled Hawaiian experience at Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club. You'll be right on the beach (with views of spectacular sunsets) and close to Poipu Shopping Village, Poipu Beach, Kiahuna Golf Course, and Moir Gardens. Two outdoor pools and a 24-hour fitness center will keep you entertained while you're at your home base. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar — you can catch great views of the sunsets there.
Where are the most affordable hotels near Kauai Island, HI?
3 Star Average Prices: $138.36
It's easier than you may think to stay within your budget and still find a great place to stay on Kauai Island. Tip Top Motel Cafe & Bakery offers convenience at a price that can't be beat. The simple set-up of this small motel gets you great value while situating you close to Lihue Kauai Airport and just minutes from Kauai Museum. Enjoy a meal on-site — think delicious pancakes to start your day — before setting out to explore the nearby beaches. The homey setting is perfect when you need an affordable place as a home base for your trip.
If you're looking for a more traditional hotel experience, Kauai Shores Hotel is another option that will keep you within your budget. This beach hotel also offers guests two outdoor pools. Relax on your private lanai, then rent a bicycle to explore your surroundings. The hotel also boasts a beachfront restaurant, complete with a bar, so you can unwind close to home. You'll stay near sites like Lydgate Beach Park, Sleeping Giant Trailhead, and Kapaa Shopping Center. Choose a standard room for an affordable option, or upgrade to an inclusive resort experience.
Where are the best discount hotels in Kauai Island, Hawaii?
You can save money when you know where to look for discounts at hotels on Kauai Island. AAA members have a range of options for getting great value for rooms in the area. Wyndam Bali Hai Villas, situated next to a golf course, offers a discount for AAA members on some of their rooms, and the eco-friendly condos feature kitchens so you can save even more. This resort provides weekly housekeeping and has the amenities you want for a longer stay. When you're not in your room, enjoy outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, and spa tubs, as well as barbecue grills for guests.
Castle at Princeville also offers AAA discounts to members. A stay here puts you minutes from beaches and golf courses, with all the amenities of a home away from home. The 10 guestrooms have private balconies and kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators. Enjoy the outdoor pool and picnic area, which provides a great way to take in the spectacular surroundings while you relax and eat. If you're looking to enjoy private spaces with views of the island's scenery and ocean, this hotel will make it easy to stay within your budget.
What hotels have the best value around Kauai Island, HI?
Travelers looking for mid-range hotels offering great value for their money will find plenty of choices on Kauai Island. Here, you can stick to your budget while still enjoying all the wonders Hawaii has to offer. Plantation Hale Suites is perfect for longer stays that let you cook at home while exploring the surroundings. The kitchens feature stovetops and refrigerators, while private lanais give you that resort feel. There's also a full-service spa available.
Garden Island Inn is a boutique hotel with a friendly vibe and views of the ocean and gardens. You'll be minutes from Kalapaki Beach, and the hotel is close to Lydgate Beach Park and Wailua Falls as well. The individually decorated guestrooms have kitchenettes, while colorful artwork along with the stunning natural surroundings set the scene. The close proximity to the airport makes arrivals and departures simple. This is the place to be for travelers looking to get good value for their money.
Big groups and families will love the value offered at Waimea Plantation Cottages, A Coast Resort. Generous open space and quaint cottages make a great meeting point in this beautiful location. Full-sized refrigerators, freezers, and ovens mean the kitchens become another tool to stay on budget and revel in time together as a group. Enjoy the garden and pool before checking out nearby Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park, One Ali'i Fishpond, and Salt Ponds Beach.
Where are the can’t-miss attractions on Kauai Island, Hawaii?
Whatever brings you to Kauai Island, the various hotel options available for all budgets will put you close to countless breathtaking sights and places to visit. Famed for rainforests, canyons, and dramatic cliffs, Kauai also boasts some of the best beaches you'll find in Hawaii. White sand surrounds the island for 50 miles, creating some jaw-dropping views while also offering a laid-back atmosphere. You can surf, you can spot whales and sea turtles, and you can certainly relax.
The different sides of Kauai Island feature an array of beaches. On the North Shore, you'll find Anini Beach Park and Kee Beach. Lydgate Beach Park, Kalapaki Beach, and Kealia Beach make up the East Side beaches, while Salt Pond Beach Park and Kekaha Beach line the West Side. The South Shore hosts Poipu Beach Park, one of the most popular beaches in Kauai. Wherever you stay, make sure you build a day trip to Poipu Beach Park into your schedule.
Seeing all the natural wonders of Kauai Island keeps any vacation full, so find a hotel that lets you stay within your budget while exploring all of the wonders found here. Whether you're looking for a luxury resort or budget-friendly spot with perks like a kitchen, you can find a hotel that suits your needs on Kauai Island. Book your dream vacation, then get ready to relax surrounded by the pristine and picturesque nature of Hawaii.
'Hawaii has always been a very pivotal role in the Pacific. It is in the Pacific. It is a part of the United States that is an island that is right here.
Dan Quayle, the former Vice President of the United States, expressed his take on the importance of Hawaii in these no uncertain terms. And when it comes to Hawaii, no mention of Kauai can be out of the order, for it is an integral part of the most beautiful state in America.
Kauai, sometimes also spelt out as Kaua'i, is a small island in the Pacific, barely occupying 500 square miles of land. But when it comes to Hawaiian Islands, the beauty is not in numbers “ it is rather in the way one is able to perceive it.
As far as perceptions go, Kauai has got a full-scale ten on ten from most tourists who choose to go there. In a small expanse, it has managed to cram many sights that tourists crave for “ beaches and mountains, caves and jungles, resorts and holiday rentals. So, if you end up in Kauai by deliberate planning or by a stroke of luck, do be assured that it is not the worst place you would want to spend the rest of your life in.
The tourism in Kauai has improved leaps and bounds in the last three decades or so. What used to be a study field for researchers has now becomes a bustling tourism hub where thousands of travelers come to cut their ties from the rest of the world, in a hope to find some calm, tranquillity and composure that they dearly need to restore their sanity, sanity that has been tinkered with by today's fast paced professional life.
For those of our readers who think Kauai can play a big role in helping them rejuvenate, this write-up can be a perfect starting point to get to know Kauai hotels and where it is that you should looking for them!
Cheap Hotels in Kauai
Kauai, as we have mentioned in the passing in the introduction of this article, is one of the best known islands in Hawaii. And as it turns out, one of the best for cheap lodging, as well!
That would surely sound like music to those tourists who maintain a tight budget and lesser expectations from their lodging points of views. Cheap hotels can be found easily in Kauai if you are just a little bit flexible in your ideas of comfort and luxury. It would only be inappropriate to expect a hotel to be both cheap and luxurious. So, stick to basic amenities like safety, comfort and a good night's sleep, and you will be enjoying your Kauai trip in a way that's thrifty and memorable.
Among various cheap hotels here in Kauai that we are in the know of, Garden Island Hill is a definite winner of the top spot. Located in Lihue, it is one great deal that combines comfort, affordability and proximity to transport options of various kinds.
Hotel Coral Reef is a worthy competitor of Garden Island Inn. It is situated in Kapaa and can provide you easy access to beaches and sights in the area.
Back in Lihue again, Kauai Inn can also fulfil your requirements of a cheap hotel, provided you are fine with lodging that is not too spacious. Don't worry about hygiene or safety though “ it is one of the most popular tourist picks in the region, and not without solid reasons!
Luxury Stay in Kauai
It can't get better than this. The best and, in our humblest of opinions, the only way to enjoy an island like Kauai is to plan your stay at a posh, chic and luxury hotel. A luxury hotel can work wonders for your tour on many levels. It allows you to let your hair down in the finest manner imaginable, all the while making sure that you are presented with the best of services in terms of luxury, opulence and of course, food!
Although, we are aware that there are a handful of luxury hotels in Kauai that vie for the attention of tourists, we are going to play safe by picking Marriott Kauai as the top favorite in this segment.
In Princeville nearby, you can find St Regis and Westin properties, too.
Boutique Hotels and Rentals in Kauai
Kauai is not that big on rentals.
But if you happen to really looking for one, you wouldn't find it that difficult, either. There are a few holiday rental villas and boutique hotels in Kauai that might be well worth exploring, with many of them located along various beaches in Lihue.
If it works for you, you can also share rental villas with other tourists, in order to bring the overall expenses down a notch.
Things to Do/See in Kauai
Lydgate State Park is the hottest tourist spot in Kauai. Featuring local flora and fauna, as well as a swimming area, it can be a perfect day's outing, especially if you are travelling with children.
Old Koloa Town is another off-the-beaten-path place in Kauai, known for its rustic, native way of life that you will surely be fascinated by.
Opaekaa Fall and Kilauea Point can also be visited for a dose of natural serenity and majesty that will impress the nature lover inside you. Going further, Huleia National Wildlife Reserve can be explored for local animal and bird species sighting.
Travelling Locally in Kauai
The best way to travel around Kauai is by renting a car, as the public transport doesn't really exist here. You can rent cars directly from Lihue airport, for a small daily fee. If you miss that chance, worry not, because many Kauai hotels have car rental programs in collaboration with rental companies.
Kauai Bus operates in the major parts of the region, but it is both inconvenient and inefficient, if you wish to travel to rural areas. Private taxis operate in some parts of Lihue, too.