The “Garden Island” as Kauai is nicknamed, is arguably the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands. It’s home to tropical gardens, postcard-perfect beaches, and soaring emerald-covered peaks laced with cascading waterfalls. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature without high-rise buildings and plenty of spots to get away from the crowds. Whether you plan to relax, take advantage of all the opportunities for outdoor adventure, or a little of both, there’s sure to be the perfect vacation rental to base yourself on this list.
Hale La-Air Conditioned Luxury Ocean Home
Ideal for a large group, this beachfront home accommodates up to 11 guests in five bedrooms, all of which have their own en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy a luxurious space that’s just steps from white sandy beaches, hikes in Waimea Canyon, and boat excursions to the Na Pali coast. After a day of exploring, you’ll have a fabulous sunset view followed by some great stargazing. It includes all the usual modern essentials like a spacious kitchen, cable TV, and laundry facilities along with some beach supplies like snorkeling equipment, chairs, and an umbrella.
Fantastic Views and Walk to Beaches - Koloa
A five-bedroom villa accommodating up to 12 located near Poipu Beach in Poipu Kai Resort, this one is ideal for a group of friends or a large family bringing the cousins along. It offers spectacular mountain and ocean views steps from some of the best snorkeling on the island. It brings the outdoors in with features like a 40′ wall of glass-paneled mahogany doors leading to a private tropical garden that has a pond, lava rock sunken spa, lush greenery, and flowers. There’s a custom kitchen with high-end appliances, air-conditioning, cable TV, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and more.
Hawaiian-style Oceanfront Villa - Outrageous Views
Look forward to breathtaking views in almost every direction from this three-bedroom villa on the North Shore. It sits on an ocean bluff, showcasing the ocean to the north and the lush green valley backed by emerald mountains and cascading waterfalls to the south. You’ll want to spend plenty of time just gazing out from the scenic cliff overlooking, watching whales in the winter and sunsets anytime. It has a covered lanai, an open living space, 42″ HDTV with cable, Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer, and a full kitchen. Plus, snorkeling gear, boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach towels are all provided too.
Tropical Beach Get Away - Koloa
Located at Poipu Beach, this one-bedroom home sits in one of the best spots for snorkeling and watching for marine life like sea turtles and monk seals. Enjoy gorgeous sunrises and sunsets while surrounded by serene landscaping that includes an on-site waterfall and pond, along with a pro putting green and putting holes that light up after dark. Inside, you’ll have a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, Dish satellite TV with 200 channels, a washer/dryer, and a bathroom with a lavish Jacuzzi tub. Amenities for the beach are supplied, including snorkel gear, boogie boards, beach chairs, and an umbrella.
Breezy Oceanfront Walkout Pono Kai Condo for 4 - Kapaʻa
Located at the edge of Old Town Kapa’a, this oceanfront condo for four is just a short walk to shopping, dining, and the best shaved ice on the island. It offers magnificent sunrise and ocean views from inside or on the lanai. Just steps away you can take advantage of outstanding snorkeling and swimming. Guests have access to the resort amenities too, which include a pool and hot tub, tennis court, gym, and more. Beach chairs, towels, and snorkeling equipment are complimentary.
Oceanfront Air Conditioned Condo - Princeville
Located on the North Shore of Kauai just west of the Kilauea Lighthouse, this stunning condo boasts jaw-dropping ocean views and all the modern comforts. It includes two master bedrooms plus a sofa bed, sleeping up to six. Windows open to the sounds of the waves in every room and in the garage you’ll find all sorts of toys, including snorkeling gear and bikes. There are beaches within walking distance, while famous Hanalei is just a short drive away, along with plenty of shops and eateries.
Beach Bungalow with Ocean Views, 2 Steps to Beach - Koloa
Just two steps from the gorgeous crescent of white sands called Baby Beach, it’s all about the views and the ideal location at this bungalow. You’ll be able to gaze out at the ocean, beach sunsets, sea turtles, dolphins, and breaching whales during the season from the kitchen, living room, and covered lanai. Plus you’ll have a beachside swimming pool, hot tub, and a tiki pool bar along with all the other essentials.
Hale Lani, Luxury Ocean Front Cottage - Kilauea
Hale Lani, or “Heavenly Home” as it translates to, is aptly named, located on a private knoll boasting panoramic vistas of the sea and emerald-covered mountains. It sits on 34 private oceanfront acres along a road where A-list celebrities have homes. The lanai is a great place to be for sipping cocktails while watching the sun go down over the Pacific. Ideal for a couple, it sleeps up to two in one bedroom that has a Cal King bed and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with ocean views. You’ll have a gourmet kitchen, a marble bathroom with a dual-head shower, and glass doors leading to a private, outdoor sitting and dining area, an outdoor shower, and a hot tub too.
Romantic & Breathtaking Oceanfront Kauai Condo - Wailua
One of the most popular Vrbos in Kauai, this one-bedroom condo offers picture-perfect views. Located on the east side of Kauai, the oceanfront rental has a perfect setting for exploring the island. You can lounge on the secluded and private lanai and catch sight of the crashing waves, sunrises, and sparkling night skies, while inside you can take advantage of its upgraded furniture, well-equipped kitchen, ceiling fans, and air conditions for warmer nights.
Wailua Riverside Cottage - Kayaks, Paddle Boards - Wailua
Jam-packed with amenities, the Wailua Riverside Cottage is ideal for romance-seekers, accommodating up to two in one bedroom, just a block from Wailua Beach. You’ll enjoy fabulous views of the Wailua River along with complimentary paddle boards and kayaks. You can even paddle over to a “secret waterfall” and fern grotto. Afterward, come back and relax on the lanai which enjoys a wonderful tropical breeze. You’ll have air conditioning, a full kitchen, and free Wi-Fi too.
The Surf Shack with Breathtaking Ocean Views - Princeville
Enjoy an idyllic location on the north shore by booking The Surf Shack which features jaw-dropping panoramic ocean, sunset, and Bali Hali views. Done up in boho style, the two-bedroom condo accommodates up to five and includes many extras. You’ll have a fully stocked kitchen, TVs in the living room and both bedrooms with Roku for streaming, excellent Wi-Fi with charging ports in every room, and lots of items for your days on the sand, including beach towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkel sets, and a cooler.
Charming Anahola Studio Cabin - Anahola
This studio-size cabin is a cozy space for two located on the east side of the island on Mahinani’s Farm. You’ll enjoy a tranquil setting nestled between the mountains and the beach, about a 20-minute drive from Kilauea Lighthouse and within a 20-minute walk to the sand. It’s close enough that you can hear the waves and enjoy a spectacular view of King Kong Mountain. You’ll be immersed in nature, surrounded by tropical flowers, palm, and coconut trees, providing an escape from the chaos of the “real” world. There’s no TV, but Wi-Fi is included along with a kitchenette.
Romantic Garden Cottage with a View and a Pool - Hanalei
Perfect for honeymooners or any romance-seeking couples, this one-bedroom cottage for two is nestled on an acre along the Wainiha River. It sits on a bluff among flowers, fruit trees, and exotic birds that make it feel as if you’re in the middle of a garden while boasting a fabulous view that includes the entire river valley. You’ll have your own private pool and hot tub for soaking under the stars, 200 feet of private stream for refreshing dips, and a soundtrack of the water flowing and frogs croaking that’s sure to provide a tranquil night’s sleep.
Fabulous Location Near Shipwreck Beach - Koloa
This Poipu Sands condo is part of Poipu Kai Resort, located near famous Shipwreck Beach adjacent to the Kauai Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa where you can take advantage of its wide range of dining options, shopping, and entertainment. You’ll also have access to a large seasonally heated private swimming pool. It sleeps two, with a large master bedroom that has air-conditioning, a cable TV with a DVD player, and a full kitchen. The spacious furnished lanai for sipping your morning coffee or romantic dining is a definite highlight.
Hale Kolea 40' from Baby Beach with Gorgeous Views - Koloa
This two-bedroom cottage in the Poipu area is just steps from Baby Beach, a crescent-shaped beach in a protected cove with calm, shallow water that makes it ideal for snorkeling and for those with little ones who want to splash around. The cottage itself was inspired by the old Hawaiian plantation style and features a large wrap-around lanai with ocean views. LED lighting makes it great for hanging out after dark too. There’s an outdoor shower, a grill for cookouts, a kitchen with updated appliances, and a large flat-screen TV.
Tropical Cottage in Poipu Beach - Koloa
Enjoy an ideal Poipu Beach location, off-the-beaten-path on a quiet lane, yet just 300 feet from the Pacific by booking this romantic cottage. There are many shops and eateries within walking distance, while snorkeling with sea turtles, surfing, kayaking, and hiking are all nearby. It has a gorgeous queen-size bamboo canopy bed and decor that gives it a tropical Hawaiian feel, a cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and a grill. Plus, you’ll have a private front and back patio area too.
Family Friendly Home Walk to Beach Affordable - Haena
This three-bedroom home for up to six is located in an area that’s a true slice of heaven. You’ll be surrounded by lush tropical jungle that dips to white sandy beaches and aquamarine waters on one of the most stunning areas of Kauai’s North Shore. It’s just 200 feet from the beach, nestled among wild greenery. Wake up to the songs of the birds before walking to the sand to snorkel among the marine life and then return to a relaxing space with open-beamed living and dining areas and spectacular mountain views.
Air Conditioned Home Just a Short Walk From Tunnels Beach - Haena
Located two miles from the Na Pali coast and only a few hundred yards from world-famous Tunnels Beach, this three-bedroom home sleeps up to eight. You’ll be in a perfect spot for snorkeling or surfing, beachcombing, or just enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountains to the south. Among its notable features are a large covered lanai, a full kitchen, BBQ grill, big flat-screen TV, an outdoor slate-tiled shower and jetted tub.
Super Cute Cottage, Close to the Beach - Kilauea
This adorable cottage at Aliomanu Bay is just steps from the sand, a beach that’s protected by a coral reef ideal for snorkeling and swimming. It’s a 15-minute drive from Kilauea and Kapaa, offering a quiet, peaceful setting with all you need for a comfortable stay. You’ll have complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, beach towels, boogie boards, and a cooler. There’s also a gas grill for cookouts, a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and a fabulous backyard.
Direct Oceanfront Top Floor Studio - Kapaa
Guests enjoy resort-like amenities without the fees at this ocean and beachfront studio condo, located along the East Shore, a great base for exploring both the North and South Shores while the airport is just a 10-minute drive away. Located on the top floor, the space for up to two guests offers jaw-dropping views of the Pacific, sunrises, passing dolphins, and winter whale watching. Sip your morning coffee while relaxing on the balcony and enjoy it all. In the evening, the peaceful sounds of the waves are sure to provide you with a peaceful night’s sleep.
