Kauai is renowned for its tranquility, a place to immerse yourself in nature with pristine beaches, emerald mountains, multicolored cliffs, soaring countless waterfalls, and lush gardens that contributed to its nickname, “The Garden Isle.” It has a rural ambiance as it’s not nearly as developed as the other islands, thanks to restrictions imposed on the construction of high-rise buildings.
In line with the island’s serene atmosphere that makes it ideal for travelers seeking nature and adventure, there are only a handful of five-star hotels. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, you’ll want to book one of these options that provide the best of the best for your visit to Kauai.
Grand Hyatt Kauai
Located in the popular Poipu Beach area, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is a luxury beachfront hotel that also appeals to golfers with the award-winning Poipu Bay Golf Course across the street. The grounds at this popular Kauai resort include three spectacular pools, a huge saltwater lagoon, and a highly acclaimed spa. The Anara Spa is the biggest and most feel the very best on the island, with lava rock outdoor showers, a sauna, steam room, whirlpools, and a 25-yard lap pool. A state-of-the-art fitness center sits adjacent and includes dozens of cardio and weight machines, free weights, and more. Guests can also enjoy yoga at the indoor/outdoor studio, while families can take advantage of Camp Hyatt, one of the best kids’ clubs in Kauai. Luaus are hosted twice a week, and there are multiple outstanding dining options as well. The spacious rooms all feature large lanais, minifridges, flat-screen TVs, and single-cup coffeemakers with Kauai coffee.
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club and Residences offers the chance to play a round or two on the Hawaiian Islands’ longest stretch of oceanfront golfing. Guests also enjoy access to Kalapaki Beach and nearly 20 miles of hiking trails, while the airport is only about a 10-minute drive away. The Farm at Hokuala provides field-to-table ingredients to Hualani’s Restaurant, ensuring delicious, fresh meals, while the spa provides pampering treatments based on ancient healing traditions using the bounty of island botanicals. The two-tiered infinity pool is a definite highlight while the one- to four-bedroom residences all take advantage of the breathtaking ocean and mountain views.
The Lodge at Kukuiʻula
The Lodge at Kukuiʻula offers accommodation in private bungalows, villas, and cottages, all of which include full kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms with free-standing soaking tubs, large lanais, and BBQ grills. You’ll have exclusive access to The Club at Kukui’ula, which hosts an excellent full-service service spa with indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, lava-rock saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, yoga and fitness facilities, and a lap pool. There are saltwater pools on the beautiful grounds, a private golf course, a kids’ club, and an on-site adventure guide and outfitter too.
The Villas at Poipu Kai
A five-star condo-style property within a 15-minute walk of Poipu and Brennecke beaches, The Villas at Poipu Kai offers more of a self-catering stay as there are no restaurants on-site, but you’ll be staying in a villa that’s more like a large home. They include three or four bedrooms along with a full plantation-style kitchen that has KitchenAid and Subzero appliances for making your meals and there are grills spread throughout the grounds for cookouts. The villas boast many luxurious features, including multiple flat-screen TVs, washer/dryers, and travertine bathrooms, some of which include separate soaking tubs. There is a beautiful pool and hot tub that sits at the center of the six buildings too.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay will be an exciting new addition to Kauai’s 5-star hotels on the North Shore, opening in mid-January 2023. A flagship sustainable sanctuary and wellness resort, guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the towering mountains, lush gardens, or dazzling Hanalei Bay. It will offer personalized programming for wellbeing, fitness, and nutrition, along with a spa featuring a selection of holistic treatments, classes, and services, along with multiple dining options. Menus at the five restaurants and bars will feature local and sustainably sourced farm-to-table fare utilizing ingredients from the property’s own garden and nearby farms.
