Kauai is one of those places where it’s virtually impossible to be bored. It’s an island where relaxation and adventure walk hand in hand, you’ll never run out of beaches to swim in, waterfalls to duck under, trails to hike, or luxury resorts to chill out in. And, if you’re on the hunt for the latter, you’re in luck. Kauai has a huge range of incredible resorts designed to suit all budgets. If you’re hoping to go all out, you’ll find 5-star resorts with multiple pools, romantic spas, and impressive excursions to keep you entertained. While Hawaii is known for being expensive, you’ll also find a large number of more affordable resorts in Kauai. Read on for all of our top picks.
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Set on 25 acres of beachfront land, it’s hard to beat Kauai Beach Resort & Spa if you’re looking for relaxation during your time in Hawaii. This picturesque resort is one of the most popular on the island, and it’s easy to see why. Known as a Hawaiian home away from home, it’s centrally located between Kauai’s North and South shores, so you’re free to explore both ends of the island without hesitation. All of the rooms here come with a background of pure paradise, whether that’s the ocean itself or the expansive resort with its four oversized swimming pools. And these pools offer more than just somewhere to relax: they also have waterfalls, a sandy bottom, a waterslide, and the infamous poolside bar, Driftwood Bar. Dig into dinner with a view at Naupaka Terrace, enjoy a poolside lunch at the Driftwood Bar or watch the lively evening at Shutters Lounge.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
The best thing about The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is how it fuses together all of the benefits of a resort with all of the privacy of a villa. A prestigious spot perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this top-rated resort in Hawaii is the epitome of a dreamy family vacation. Each of the villas here comes decked out with everything you need for a relaxing stay, like spacious bedrooms overlooking the water down below and kitchens fully stocked with everything required for cooking up a real feast. At the resort itself, you’ll find a spacious pool as well as the excellent Nanea Restaurant & Bar, the main poolside Wailele Bar and the Princeville Market, where you’ll be able to buy groceries to cook your own dishes. You also get a calendar with daily activities like paddle boarding, sand art, lei classes and more.
The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort sure is one of Kaui’s most beautiful resorts, situated on the east coast directly on Coconut Beach. With unparalleled views of both the mountains and the ocean, it’s a place where you’ll always be a little awe-inspired simply by looking around you. A four-star resort with a huge range of amenities for family travelers, the Sheraton is home to an infinity-edge pool and an oceanfront bar with lounge chairs and fire pits. Here, you’ll be able to soak up the sunshine during the day and admire the rainbow sunsets at night. Each room at this luxury resort comes with a private lanai for uninterrupted bliss, while rooms are stocked with refrigerators and coffee machines as well as brightly colored decor. Each night, dig into signature drinks at The Crooked Surf Bar, located right in the warm, aloha spirit of this gorgeous oceanfront resort.
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club is one of Kauai’s five-star resorts and is a place you’ll never forget. Somewhere you’ll likely dream of visiting before you finally book a villa here, Timbers Kauai Ocean Club is truly one of a kind. Taking luxury vacations to a whole new level, this incredible resort is part of the 450-acre Hōkūala resort community, which is home to not only the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course golf but also winding walking trails, multiple freshwater lagoons, and everything else you need during a Hawaiian getaway. Only 450 meters from Kalapaki Beach, you’ll probably spend most of your time here in the ocean, soaking up the views all around. When you’re not, you can spend your time digging into delicious dishes at the onsite restaurant, working out in the fitness center, wandering around the colorful gardens or cooking up a feast on the BBQ.
Banyan Harbor Resort
If you’re searching for convenience, then look no further than Banyan Harbor Resort. One of the easiest Kauai resorts to access, it’s only moments away from Lihue Airport and is filled to the brim with gorgeous views and comfortable surroundings. A tropical retreat designed for family vacations, group adventures, and romantic getaways with your other half, this beautiful hotel offers spacious one or two-bedroom condos, all of which come complete with tropical decor, a full kitchen and dining table, a living room, and a private lanai. Only five minutes away from Nawiliwili Park, you’ll never find yourself bored while staying here. There’s a large central pool surrounded by comfy sun loungers and a whole range of activities to keep you entertained. Check out the tennis courts and basketball courts or surf down at the picture-perfect Kalapaki Beach, just steps away.
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
A popular honeymoon resort in Hawaii, Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue is one of the best Kauai resorts if you’re looking for some unparalleled eating and drinking experiences. There are multiple restaurants at this hotel serving up a range of delicious cuisines from all across the world. On the hunt for Japanese, Italian, Hawaiian, or American food? You’ll find all of the above and more within easy reach of your room here. One of the coolest parts of this resort is its incredible swimming pool, with a unique shape and plenty of space for everyone to relax without having to get up early to grab a sun lounger. There’s a full-service spa if you’re looking to relax and switch off with a massage or facial and also the impressive 18-hole Kauai Lagoons Golf Club just next door. Wander down to Kalapaki Bay when the ocean calls your name.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Kauai is famed for its unbeatable sunsets, and there’s nowhere better to soak up the experience than from the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay resort’s swimming pool. A place where the pink and purple tones reflect on the calming water, you’ll check in here and never want to leave. The best thing about this prestigious hotel is its private beach access, where you’re free to relax in peace without any interruptions. When you’ve had your fill of the private beach, you can walk back up to the resort’s huge swimming pool and hot tub or simply lie back on one of the endless sun loungers and tan instead. Amenities come in the form of multiple on-site restaurants, a fitness center, two pools, and a poolside bar, while those looking to explore only have to travel a short distance to find Opaekaa Falls, Sleeping Giant Trail Head, and Fern Grotto.
Aston Islander On The Beach
Everything about Aston Islander On The Beach ensures you’ll never forget you’re on vacation. This is a place where every need is taken care of before you’ve even realized you needed it. There’s a free drink on arrival. And the live music set the tone for each exciting evening. Then there are the meticulously designed bedrooms, each with a gorgeous view over the ocean, and the overall layout of the hotel ensures beautiful views no matter where you’re heading. Known as one of the more budget-friendly resorts in Kauai set on stunning manicured grounds, Aston Islander On The Beach is, like its name suggests, set on the shores of the Coconut Coast and filled with laidback decor with a beachy theme. Expect rattan furniture in the rooms and a general air of relaxation in every corner, from the pool to the restaurant to the beach itself.
Kauai Coast Resort at the Beach Boy
The first thing you’ll spy at Kauai Coast Resort is its incredible hammocks laid out throughout the garden. Overlooking the peaceful water, it’s somewhere you’ll want to spend at least a few moments each day reading a book while listening to the sounds of the ocean. This picturesque resort is all about the island lifestyle, from its tranquil swimming pool surrounded by palm trees to its colorful bedrooms with wooden furniture and splashes of color. A four-star hotel with plenty of space, you’ll find eight acres of land across its entire resort with plenty to admire along the way. Nestled amongst swaying coconut palms, plumeria blossoms, and tropical landscaped grounds, this is one of the most affordable beach hotels in Hawaii. If you’re looking to experience Hawaii without breaking the bank, this is one of the best places to tick off the list.
The Castle Kaha Lani Resort
The Castle Kaha Lani Resort is a resort for those who want to experience all of the features of a resort without paying the sky-high prices that Hawaii resorts are sometimes associated with. This three-star spot brings together all of a resort’s coolest parts – like a pool and spacious grounds – but with individual apartments with cooking facilities. Stay here, and you’ve got the best of both: plenty of space to play during the daytime but the freedom to cook up your own meals at the end of each day. This popular spot is one of the best resorts in Kauai if you’re looking for affordable luxury: a hidden, oceanfront gem nestled on postcard-perfect Kauai’s eastern side. It’s well located for exploring everything else the island offers, only minutes to the heart of Lihue and Kapaa Town, and is the ideal gateway to the island’s premier beaches, hikes, golf courses, shops and restaurants.
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
Koloa Landing is absolutely beautiful, and there’s no doubt about it. This four-star spot has plenty to show off about, from its beautiful setting through to its unique scuba diving spot just off of the coast. A place designed just as much for those looking for relaxation as it is for those looking to adventure their way through Kauai, it’s a memorable resort that you’ll never get bored of. One of the largest resorts in the area, it’s framed around a central pool with depths suitable for all of the family and comfy sun loungers punctuating either end. There’s a second pool if the first gets a little too busy and, of course, the ocean just steps away if you’re looking to dive down a little deeper. Elsewhere at the resort, check out the state-of-the-art fitness center, landscaped ponds, and nearby shops and restaurants.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
A water slide, a huge spa, oceanfront bedrooms, and river pools: you won’t know where to start when you check into Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. This five-star resort is one of the best places to stay in Kauai if you’re traveling with a family, offering experiences for guests of all ages within close proximity. A picturesque spot set on the soothing white sands of Poipu on the island’s sunny south shore, it features brilliant snorkeling and swimming spots just moments from your bedroom. You’ll also find a 24-hour swimming pool complex with waterfalls, waterslides, and volleyball nets close by. There’s a championship golf course for any budding golfers in your group and peaceful gardens practically designed for sunbathing on. The bedrooms here are also pretty special, with private lanais, balconies, oversized beds with crisp bedding, and spacious bathrooms complete with free-standing baths.
Hilton Vacation Club at The Point
It’s hard to beat the location of the Hilton Vacation Club at The Point if you’re hoping to explore Kauai from top to bottom. Or, more likely, from bottom to top, thanks to this prestigious resort’s location at the southernmost tip of Kauai, only half a mile from the Makahuena Light, Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, and Shipwreck Beach. Spread across a huge 22 acres of land, this popular resort never seems too busy, thanks to the sheer amount of space you and all other guests are free to explore. Rooms here offer a little of everything, with their own kitchens if you’re looking to cook up a feast during your stay. You’re also well connected to many nearby bars and restaurants if you’re hoping to feast your way across the island. With top-rated golf courses and scenic horseback riding trails close by, you’ll never want to leave.
