11 Best Resorts in Kauai (Luxury Hotels and Condos)
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Are you trying to decide where you should stay on Kauai?
Hawaii’s “garden island” isn’t just about beautiful beaches – it’s a lush paradise with mountains, tropical landscapes and endless adventures like hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and surfing.
While it’s bloomed over the years, it’s thankfully kept its old Hawaii charm, and most accommodations reflect this. It’s one reason you might pick Kauai instead of Maui. (Kauai has a slower, more low-key vibe.)
We’ve visited the island several times (a winter favorite for West Coasters like us!), staying at many different places.
Here’s our guide to the best resorts in Kauai – from luxury lodgings and boutique couple’s spots to family-friendly (and more affordable) condo vacation rentals – complete with insider tips on the most desirable rooms.
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Contents: 11 Best luxury resorts in Kauai, Hawaii
Pssst! Check out the comments and questions from readers at the end of this post.The very best resorts in Kauai? 3 quick picks
Here are three personal recommendations, depending on your travel style:
- Lovely adults-only boutique gem: Koa Kea Hotel – In sunny Poipu, perfect for couples
- Our favorite condo-style resort: Kiahuna Plantation Resort – Family-friendly relaxation on Kiahuna Beach (South Shore)
- An elegant 5-star hotel: 1 Hotel Hanalei – Overlooking a gorgeous beach on the lush North Shore, with amazing views!
Kauai’s different regions
When planning your trip, you’ll see there are four main areas to stay, each offering a different experience:
- South Shore
- North Shore
- East Shore
- West Shore
Top South Shore resorts
On the sunny south side of the island, Poipu is the “it” spot for sunshine, especially in the winter months.
Along with sunny days, you’ll find restaurants, shops selling lovely authentic Hawaiian souvenirs and gifts, a farmer’s market and Poipu Beach (actually a series of golden sand crescents) – all nearby.
1) Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Yes, it’s a large, sprawling oceanfront property in the Poipu area, with 602 rooms and suites.
But it’s gorgeous! Think luxuriant grounds graced by koi ponds, waterfalls and tropical gardens.
There are also several freshwater pools, including one for adults only.
Tip
For a quieter stay, choose the Poipu Wing. It’s the wing closest to the ocean. Ask for a second-floor ocean-view room to fall asleep to the sound of waves.
The Shipwreck Wing is closer to the main pools, but that also means it’s busier. Try to avoid a room facing the upper pools, lazy river or adult pool, as it will be noisier from your balcony.
Ideal for
The Grand Hyatt has a well-deserved reputation as one of Kauai’s best luxury resorts. It attracts everyone – families, couples and multi-generational groups.
We stayed here when our son was young. We all loved floating down the lazy river, and he couldn’t get enough of the waterslide!
What we love
Treat yourself to a massage at the Anara Spa (the largest spa on the island), and you can lather up afterward underneath an outdoor lava rock shower.
Daily parrot talks are fun too – a wildlife handler takes a macaw from the lobby atrium for a daily show-and-tell by the beach.
And hiking the historic Maha’Ulepu Trail along soaring red cliffs, starting just beyond the property’s edge, is a great way to start the day.
We also like that the Grand Hyatt Kauai has gone to great lengths to be green. You’ll find complimentary water flasks in your room, which you can refill with chilled filtered water found throughout the property.
Much of its power comes from solar panels too. And swimming pools are heated with recaptured heat from the air-conditioning system.
Cons
The beach is too rough for swimming. But there’s a huge saltwater lagoon with a man-made beach to compensate (and it’s especially popular with wee ones).
Pesky irritant
After shelling out big dollars for accommodation here, you also have to pay an additional daily resort fee of $55 USD per room.
In exchange, you get self-parking, self-service washer and dryer use, plus activities like guided sunrise walks, fitness and yoga classes, and tennis and pickleball court time. (WiFi is included in your stay.)
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa: Check rates and availability
2) Koa Kea Hotel & Resort
This delightful luxury boutique hotel in Poipu has 121 guest rooms, all renovated in 2022.
They feature private lanais, in-room Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, marble showers with dual showerheads, deluxe bath amenities and free WiFi.
The new look also includes headboards with shell insets, Polynesian-inspired lounge chairs and Hawaiian art and tapestries.
Koa Kea has won a slew of awards over the years. Most recently, it was voted No. 7 in Travel+Leisure’s list of “20 Favorite Resorts in Hawaii” for 2024.
Ideal for
Kids are discouraged (we didn’t see any during our stay), making Koa Kea one of the best hotels in Kauai for couples.
Blissfully quiet, this is the place to book for a casually luxe adult or romantic getaway. Honeymoon, anniversary or special occasion coming up? Think Koa Kea.
What we love
The intimate feel is a big draw – it’s mere steps from your room to the pool and sandy swimming beach.
And the hotel’s acclaimed Red Salt restaurant serves delicious, fresh and locally-sourced seafood in a casually elegant setting. (For breakfast, try the Lobster Benedict. We ordered it every morning.)
And have we mentioned the beach?
Yes, we have, but it’s worth repeating. Koa Kea is wonderfully located right on Kiahuna Beach, one of the island’s most popular swimming beaches (next to Poipu Beach).
Cons
Garden-view rooms lack the dazzling ocean vistas of their ocean-facing counterparts, so you don’t get quite the same beachy vibe in these rooms.
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort: Check rates and availability
3) Koloa Landing Resort
Koloa Landing is an upscale condo-style resort development in Poipu. It offers a range of accommodations, from 500 sq. ft. studios and one-bedroom units (800 sq. ft.) to sprawling four-bedroom villas that are 3,600 sq. ft. in size.
Well-equipped kitchenettes (in the studios) and full kitchens (in the one-bedroom and larger units), with cupboards galore, will appeal to your inner chef. (Be sure to stock up on lots of Hawaiian fruit! The mangos, pineapples and lychees are so fresh, sweet and delicious.)
The grounds are lovely.
And the resort has three pools, including a quiet adults-only pool. In 2024, its main pool earned the title of “Best Hotel Pool in America” for the fifth straight year in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Ideal for
Families who enjoy eating in and travelers who want all the comforts of home will feel, well, right at home at Koloa Landing.
What we love
After a beach day, sometimes you just want to kick back and relax. The facilities at Koloa Landing make it easy to dine in.
It’s located next door to The Shops at Kukui’ula (about a 4 to 5-minute walk), where you’ll find several eateries and an upscale grocery store.
The resort also offers a free shuttle within Poipu to local restaurants and beaches.
Cons
Koloa Landing is not beachfront. You have to drive (a few minutes) or walk (15 minutes) to reach Poipu Beach.
Koloa Landing: Check rates and availability
4) Sheraton Kauai Resort
An oldie but goodie, the 4-star Sheraton has a distinct Hawaii (though slightly dated) feel. It offers 394 rooms with a soft blue-and-gray décor, plus handy amenities like in-room fridges and coffee makers.
Rates are more affordable here than at the more upscale Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (see #1).
Ideal for
The Sheraton Kauai is best-suited for families and couples who like a fun active vibe – and who want to stay right on a great beach.
What we love
The real draw is the Sheraton’s fabulous location on Kiahuna Beach.
You can swim, snorkel, do a little body surfing and sometimes see Hawaiian monk seals sleeping on the sandy beach. (And it’s all free too!)
Cons
The rooms could benefit from a facelift.
You also have to pay a daily resort fee of $40 USD (plus tax) on top of the room rate. The fee covers self-parking, standard WiFi (which should be free, right?), local telephone calls, use of the gym and access to activities like yoga and hula classes. We find these extra charges annoying.
The beachside pool can also get crowded in high season. (But you can splurge on renting one of the luxury poolside bungalows, complete with cushioned loungers, TVs, coolers and table service.)
Sheraton Kauai Resort: Check rates and availability
5) Kiahuna Plantation Resort
Once upon a time there was only one Kiahuna Plantation on Kauai’s south coast.
Now there are two resorts within one:
- Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows
- Kiahuna Plantation Resort by Outrigger
Castle Resorts and Outrigger manage privately owned condos on the Kiahuna Plantation property.
For layout and size, it doesn’t matter whether the accommodations are managed by Castle or Outrigger.
The same configurations are offered by both management companies – one-bedroom units are 880 sq. ft. in size and two-bedroom units (which are split-level) are almost 1,600 sq. ft.
All condos have full kitchens and large lanais. And they all share the same sprawling manicured grounds, which slope down to a dazzling stretch of Kiahuna Beach. Views range from garden to partial ocean to full-on ocean views.
They look similar on the outside, but because they’re privately owned, each condo is differently furnished and decorated.
So you could end up in a lovely renovated condo with hardwood floors and granite counters in the kitchen. Or… You could be dismayed to find you’re staying in a somewhat outdated Kauai vacation condo.
You should read reviews to get a better idea of Kiahuna Plantation. We’d hate for you to go and be disappointed!
See:
Note: Some units don’t have air conditioning. Ceiling fans and lots of windows keep them breezy and cool though. (The lack of air conditioning has never been a problem for us.)
Tip
When choosing a unit at Kiahuna Plantation, we recommend the top-floor options. They offer more privacy (no one walking by your lanai) and they’re quieter (no little feet stomping around above you). Plus, the higher-pitched ceilings add that extra feeling of space and keep things breezier.
If you can snag a top-floor end unit, even better! These have an extra side window for added ventilation and light.
On the flip side, some people prefer the ground-floor units for their convenience. You can step right from your lanai onto the lawns to walk down to the beach. And if you’re traveling with kids, they can easily run out and play on the grass.
Private rentals
You can also rent Kiahuna Plantation condos directly from the owner through Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner), which is similar to Airbnb. You’ll find a large selection on Vrbo.
Many are 5-star reviewed, fully renovated and owned by Premier Hosts.
The cleaning and management are typically handled by Castle Resorts.
Ideal for
Kiahuna Beach, with its expansive lawns leading to the sand, is a dream for families. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, Kiahuna Plantation is one of the best resorts in Kauai for families.
That said, it’s not just for families! Couples seeking a relaxed vibe and the convenience of a full kitchen will also find it appealing.
While Kiahuna Plantation is one of Kauai’s top beachfront resorts (and budget-friendly), it’s not the spot for guaranteed luxury, however. For that, the Grand Hyatt Kauai (#1 above) is a better choice – though you’ll trade the kitchen for upscale indulgence.
What we love
Kiahuna Plantation Resort is our favorite condo-style Poipu resort.
We’ve stayed here many times (starting with a babymoon) and we just love the “cottage” feeling, the old Hawaiian vibe, the lush lawns and, of course, the perfect location on Kiahuna Beach.
The last time we stayed, we accepted that the condo we were placed in was somewhat tired-looking. For us, the location trumped the actual décor.
We’ve since checked out several different condos through Vrbo for another planned visit.
We found ones that are totally renovated. They look awesome from the photos, and Vrbo reviews by other guests give them high marks. So you can book lovely high-end Kiahuna Plantation condos – and know in advance that you’ll be staying in one that’s been totally updated.
Tip
When searching on Vrbo, we always filter for the following to find properties we like::
- “Premier Hosts”
- “Highly rated for cleanliness”
- “Wonderful 9+”
Cons
The tennis courts, indoor/outdoor soccer courts, athletic club and pool area are located across Poipu Road, so you have to stretch your legs and go for a short walk to reach them.
It’s not too much of a hardship though… The change of scenery is always nice.
Castle Kiahuna Plantation: Check rates and availability
Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation: Check rates and availability
Kiahuna Plantation Resort on Vrbo: Check rates and availability
6) Whalers Cove
Whalers Cove is one of the best places to stay on Kauai if you’re looking for a small, upscale low-rise development of super spacious, oceanfront condos.
The one-, two- and three-bedroom Poipu accommodations are privately owned. They start at a whopping 1,400 sq. ft in size.
Bigger two-bedroom units are a very spacious 2,000 sq. ft. in size.
The condos come with full kitchens, and you get daily housekeeping.
All bedrooms and living rooms have ocean views – keep an eye out for pods of dolphins!
While there’s no restaurant onsite, you’re walking distance to the Kukui’ula Village with its shops and restaurants.
Ideal for
Families (with well-behaved children) and couples who want a quiet place to stay as a base for exploring Kauai will be the happiest here.
What we love
While we haven’t stayed at Whalers Cove yet, we’ve seen it (and done a lot of research on it).
The manicured gardens are very attractive. And the pool overlooks the ocean. (You can hear the waves crashing against the rocks while soaking up some Vitamin D by the pool.)
Best of all, we understand the property is well-managed.
Cons
The main downside to staying at Whalers Cove is that you don’t have a beach at your fingertips. You must drive a few minutes to the closest beach area, Poipu Beach Park.
You also don’t have air-conditioning at Whalers Cove. But unless it’s very hot, you shouldn’t need it, as breezes coming off the ocean keep the units cool.
Whalers Cove: Check rates and availability
7) Lodge at Kukui’ula
Ready to be blown away?
This exclusive luxury resort in Kauai has some 40 vacation villas, plantation-style cottages and bungalows on 1,010 acres of private land near the town of Koloa on the south coast.
The villas are four-bedroom homes with private ocean-view pools and outdoor kitchens. The two- and three-bedroom cottages offer 2,600 sq. ft. of living space, including covered lanais, gourmet kitchens and outdoor fire pits.
For couples, the spacious one-bedroom bungalows have vaulted ceilings, wood floors and teak cabinets (along with state-of-the-art kitchens).
As for activities, you can book everything from stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and outrigger canoeing to crossbow hunting.
Ideal for
Couples, families and groups of friends looking for serenity and a private oasis will find it here.
Since opening, the Lodge at Kukui’ula has gained a well-deserved reputation for being one of the finest luxury resorts in Kauai.
Needless to say, the property is not inexpensive.
What we love
The Lodge at Kukui’ula is part of a premier residential club.
So you get access to a host of fabulous amenities at the Plantation House, the community’s clubhouse.
Indulge in a massage at the 18,000 sq. ft. spa, dine at two superb restaurants, soak up the sun by the beautiful pool complex (complete with cascading waterfalls) and play a round of golf on the private 18-hole Kukui’ula Golf Course (designed by Tom Weiskopf and one of the top golf courses in Hawaii).
You can also walk, hike or bicycle to The Farm and pick your own fresh fruits, veggies and herbs for your kitchen.
The staff are gracious too, and the vibe is understated and relaxed.
Cons
You’re not right on the beach here. But you’re close to Kukui’ula Harbor Beach and just a very short drive to the beaches in Poipu.
Lodge at Kukui’ula: Check rates and availability
Best hotels in Kauai, North Shore
Kauai’s North Shore is known for its lush tropical landscapes, including the rugged Na Pali Coast. Hiking and surfing are popular activities here.
It also tends to get more rain than the South Shore, particularly in the winter months.
8) Hanalei Colony Resort
Set on secluded groomed grounds on the North Shore of the island of Kauai, Hanalei Colony Resort is a condo-style property.
It has 48 units – all with two bedrooms and 850 square feet of space – scattered among several low-rise buildings.
Don’t expect glitz and glamor in the décor and furnishings here; think more understated Hawaiian style.
Guests come for the laid-back Kauai vibe of old – to destress, enjoy the peace and quiet, connect with nature and their loved ones, and unplug.
(This is probably a good time to mention there are no TVs or phones. But you do get free WiFi!)
Oh, and we should add: Don’t expect turn-down service – units are cleaned every three days.
Ideal for
The resort suits easy-going, self-sufficient families perfectly.
What we love
The bright full kitchens and private lanais make it easy to vacation as a family.
All units have huge picture windows with great ocean views.
But if you manage to snag a Premium Oceanfront suite, you’ll have sweeping views of the beautiful blue Pacific rolling up on a golden sand beach, just a few feet away from your lanai. Priceless.
A complimentary guest shuttle can take you to Hanalei, Princeville and area beaches.
Cons
The bathrooms are a tad outdated and could be modernized.
And the bedrooms aren’t completely separate from the living area.
They’re divided by louvered pony walls rather than floor-to-ceiling walls – light sleepers may not get all their zzz’s if, for example, kids wake up early to play in the living room.
Hanalei Colony Resort: Check rates and availability
9) 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
It’s big, bold, beautiful and right at the top of the list of 5-star Kauai hotels. Say hello to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay!
It’s also new, opening under the 1 Hotels brand in early 2023 after a major $300 million USD transformation of the property.
We stayed here when it was the St. Regis Princeville Resort. It was fabulous then. From all accounts, it’s even more fabulous now.
Tip
Yes, an “Ocean View Terrace” room offers a lovely outdoors space to soak in the views. But you can save money by opting for an ocean-view room without the terrace. These rooms have huge sliding glass windows that open fully, giving you nearly the same open-air feeling at a lower cost.
Ideal for
This swank eco-conscious resort is wellness-oriented.
So if restorative yoga classes, Pranic healing and mindful meditation – along with healthy farm-forward dining options – are on your Hawaiian vacation wish list, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay will be your happy place.
It appeals to couples and families who appreciate sustainability. (Their children’s activities program includes a trash-to-treasure pickup and teaching kids about marine life.)
What we love
Zen-like rooms with beds that promise the deepest of sleeps?
A cutting edge spa? (And not just any spa. This one has 18 treatment rooms and a spa menu that includes floating in a sensory deprivation tank and massages on a quartz bed.)
An adult infinity pool with breathtaking ocean views and thatched palapas for shade?
Of course!
And have we mentioned the hotel’s gorgeous location in Princeville on Kauai’s North Shore? It’s snuggled up to picture-perfect Hanalei Bay, with a seductive slice of golden sand beach at its doorstep.
And there are no resort fees.
Cons
Hmmm… What’s not to love? Maybe the rates – it’s pricey.
Also, expect rain showers, especially in winter. Your spirits might be dampened by the wet weather, especially if you’re craving sunshine every day. (It doesn’t rain all the time, however.)
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: Check rates and availability
Other top resorts in Kauai
10) Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
This large, lusciously landscaped 356-room resort is found on the east coast of the island.
It’s very close to the airport. But don’t worry, you never hear planes take off or land.
Formerly the Kauai Marriott Resort, the hotel section is now managed by Sonesta.
The hotel’s interior spaces and rooms were all recently renovated in 2022. The exterior is now currently being updated and the work will continue through to 2024.
Sonesta shares the property with the Marriot Vacation Club, which has time-share units in the resort under the name of Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club. The Marriott accommodations range from rooms to one- and two-bedroom units with kitchenettes. They’re available to book too.
Back to the Sonesta… The hotel’s interior spaces and rooms have all recently been renovated. Work on the exterior should be complete by early 2025.
Their rooms are large, and all have balconies. They’re beautiful and feature custom hardwood finishes, Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges and pops of bright orange and burgundy colors in the fabrics.
Golfers love teeing off on the two adjacent courses designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Tip
Ask for an ocean view, as not all rooms have them. Also, you can request a microwave to warm up your restaurant leftovers.
Ideal for
Couples and families wanting five-star resort features for less find this and more at the Royal Sonesta.
What we love
The large hibiscus-shaped pool with fountains and no less than five whirlpools is a winner.
The complimentary airport shuttle is also a plus (the airport is just a five-minute drive away).
And let’s not forget that the Royal Sonesta fronts Kalapaki Beach, one of Kauai’s best swimming beaches!
Cons
Bathrooms are on the small side.
And you have to pay an additional resort fee (just under $50 USD) per room per night.
Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue: Check rates and availability
11) Waimea Plantation Cottages
Looking for Kauai accommodations away from the crowds? Want to stay in an authentic plantation cottage?
Then Waimea Plantation Cottages is for you.
Located on the west coast of the island near the town of Waimea, this Kauai resort has 61 cottages, ranging in size from one-bedroom to three-bedroom cottages.
Built originally in the late 1800s to 1930s, the cottages have been updated and restored. They’re not fancy though. Decorated in floral patterns, they’re more homey in feel.
We haven’t yet stayed at this Waimea resort. (One day!)
But we know sunsets on the west coast are incredible. And you’ll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves here.
Ideal for
Families and couples looking for the slower side of Kauai will be happiest here.
And because it’s quite close to Waimea Canyon, the resort also suits guests who love hiking.
Pssst! Here’s a cool Hawaii fact for your collection: Waimea Canyon is known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
What we love
The place has an authentic retro charm.
It’s peaceful and quiet (except for the roosters – but the silly birds squawk all over Kauai).
Roosters on Kauai? Yup, chickens run wild all over Kauai
The onsite restaurant – Chicken in a Barrell BBQ & Bar (quirky name!) – hands over all its profit to a free camp for Hawaii’s disadvantaged youth. Nice!
Cons
These Kauai cottages are not located on a swimming beach.
And the sand is black. (But the two-mile beach is beautiful for walking on.)
Waimea Cottages: Check rates and availability
Now you know the best luxury Kauai hotels and condo resorts!
One of these is sure to be right for your vacation.
And if you can’t decide, you can’t go wrong mixing it up. Split your stay – spend a few nights in a condo near Hanalei on the North Shore, then head to a hotel on the South Shore. We’ve done exactly this, and it’s a fantastic way to experience Kauai’s diverse vibes in one vacation.
Have thoughts to share? Drop us a note in the Comments section below. You can also check out what other readers are saying there too!
See our other Kauai travel guides
- What’s the Best Part of Kauai to Stay? Areas and Hotels
- Kauai’s Top 35 Experiences (Besides Beaching)
- 10 Best Swimming Beaches on Kauai
- 15 Things to Do in Kauai for Free
- You’ll Love Kauai’s Beautiful Botanical Gardens!
- 5 Great Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Kauai
- Maui or Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?
Pssst! Save this Kauai accommodation guide for later on Pinterest
Our top travel tips and resources
General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy! (You may prefer Expedia for booking hotels in the U.S. or Mexico.)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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We stayed at these luxury Kauai resorts as media guests for review purposes, except for three properties, which we paid for. (And we haven’t yet stayed at the Waimea Plantation Cottages or Whalers Cove.) The opinions here are our own; as professional travel writers, we always write what we want, as we see it.
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