Accommodations in Kauai

Accommodations are first in mind when tourists look for a tropical getaway. Most island resorts don't run short of accommodations for different types of guests, and Kauai is no exception. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, condos, and vacation properties are all available on the island at wide-range prices.

You have three options on where to stay on the island. You can choose to stay at the eastern shore, the tropical north shore, or the south shore. The eastern shore is also called the Coconut Coast. This is where guests will find Kapa'a and Lihu'e. Because of its central location, you will find the scenic locations of the southern shore or the taro fields of the north all within easy reach. The town is also near the island airport, with various accommodations in the form of hotels, condos, and apartments, all dotting the coastline.

The north shore is famous for its luxurious resorts. This is where you can get a glimpse of the famous Na Pali Coast and stay in one of the luxury resorts of Princeville and Hanalei, which come with tennis courts, golf courses, and fine dining restaurants. You can also head to Poipu, where guests can stay at one of the tropical plantation cottages for rent. Poipu Beach has been named as one of America’s best beaches by beach experts.

Kauai hotels

Kauai hotels are often the first option for first-time holiday-goers because of its many benefits. For one, guests can expect transportation service from the airport, daily maid service, and the full use of resort amenities. Kauai hotels are the perfect place for those who plan on staying for a short period of time. You can enjoy relaxing hours at the spa and enjoy full luxury in units that feature hardwood floors, Jacuzzis, lavish decor, four-poster beds, and complete amenities.

A few of the top hotels in Kauai include the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and Kauai Marriot Resort & Beach Club. The Kauai Marriot features lush tropical palm trees that stand over a blue swimming pool that overlooks the Kalapaki Beach and features 51 acres of lush tropical gardens. Another prime luxury hotel is Sheraton Kauai Resort, surrounded by one of the island's premiere beaches.

For cheaper accommodations, you can check in to the Kalaheo Inn, with easy reach to the island’s popular hiking and trekking destinations.

Kauai condos

Condos are the perfect accommodation option for those who plan on staying in the island for longer than a short vacation period. Guests have the option of choosing small, cozy units, or large, sprawling estates, perfect for large families and definitely more cost-effective than renting multiple hotel rooms. For those looking for condominium accommodations, the Kauai Resorts are also a good perfect option. Just a few steps from the beaches of Kauai, some resort in this island boasts of studios and bedroom accommodations styled in the latest architectural designs. Guests are also treated to calming garden and oceanfront views.

Renting a condo also allows guests more flexibility in hours and lengths of stay, unlike timeshares where guests are locked into specific check-in and check-out dates. However, some tourists may also stay away from condos because they are definitely more expensive than timeshare units and may also come with cleaning fees added to the rent. Cleaning fees are usually collected on a two-week basis, and for most condos, guests are expected to pay cleaning fees worth two weeks even if they are booked to stay for only a few days. To top it all off, condos do not have some of the amenities that guests look for in a hotel.

Kauai timeshare units

Kauai timeshare resorts allow guests to exchange into a resort in Kauai, made available by private owners and by management companies. Expert holiday-goers will tell you that renting a timeshare unit is one of the best ways to spend your days in Kauai. There are various sizes of timeshares to choose from, from two bedroom units to units that can accommodate up to six people. There is no cleaning fee for most timeshare units, but guests can expect to pay timeshare taxes for each week, depending on the size of the unit.

Curious holiday-goers can rent lodgings from owners’ villas, apartments, homes, and cottages by searching for matches online.

Bed and breakfasts

Although not as popular as the other three, bed and breakfasts also enjoy the reputation as one of the least expensive ways to stay on the island. Bed and breakfasts in the island include the Aloha Plantation Bread and Breakfast, Hale Luana Bed and Breakfast, and the River Estate Guest House. Bed and breakfasts are cozy, traditional, and come with home-cooked meals and the quaint, homey comforts not seen in plush hotels. Bed and breakfasts are also the perfect option for those who want to stay in a place of history, such as plantation era homes, and for those who prefer the quiet seclusion compared to the more crowded commercial establishments on the island.

Hostels

For students and those looking for a rugged holiday in the tropics, hostels are the perfect option, ranging from locations with four to six units each, some with shared baths. Prices range from $25 to $55 for each room, depending on the type of accommodation. You also have the option of camping with hostels that have available camping grounds and tents for rent. Some hostels allow children under five years old to stay for free.

There are quite a lot of options for accommodations in the island. For a quick run-through on the most popular cottages, resorts, condos, and villas, here's a shortlist:

Kauai Cove Cottages

This is a nice and quaint resort in Poipu that is known for being secluded and for being one of the best places for a honeymoon, or at best, a secluded getaway. The place features a tropical Hawaiian decor with a twin canopy bed, a private patio, and a full kitchen for each cottage. It also enjoys a prime spot between Poipu Beach and Shipwreck Beach.

Ka Hale O Luina

This is another establisment that offers the best in tropical island comfort. Located near Poipu, the Ka Hale O Luina is known for its classic fusion of Bali architecture and the modern island lifestyle. This is the perfect getaway for those who are looking for seclusion and romance with all the comforts of a luxury spa.

Bamboo Jungle House

The Bamboo Jungle House sits on the south side of the island where it benefits from prevailing trade winds. Guests like you are treated to panoramic views of the ocean and the island’s majestic mountains. The place is within easy reach from the Old Koloa Town. Those who love the ocean will enjoy the waters and pristine sands of Poipu Beach, known as one of the best beaches in the world. The place is only a short distance away from the Lihue Airport.

Aloha Kauai Villas

Located just a few miles from the Polihale Beach, the villas provide a place of relaxation amidst lush tropical vegetation. Each villa contains three or four bedrooms, all of which are beautifully furnished. Each villa has something that makes it unique. Villa I overlooks a hot spa and has a majestic view of the Pacific Ocean, while Villa II features a hot tub. Villa III is just a few steps from the water.

Outrigger At Lae Nani

This resort is perfect for golfers because of its championship golf course and relaxing oceanfront vistas. The resort is located on the island’s eastern shore with spacious one- and two-bedroom units, which come with the latest amenities. The resort also has an oceanfront swimming pool and tennis courts.

Banyan Harbor Resort

Guests can choose to stay in one of the many well appointed units, which have their own separate living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. These units are equipped with bath and showers, television sets, and full-sized kitchens, as well as dishwashers, ovens, cable TVs, air conditioning, and large bath tubs.

Garden Island Properties

Garden island Properties features a number of quaint vacation rentals, real estates, and prime honeymoon spots scattered all over the island, with their own unique view of the coastline and Kauai’s beaches. You can go rustic with a small cottage on the beach, or enjoy a slice of modern island life with a well appointed condo that comes with a whirlpool Jacuzzi and tub. Garden Island Properties also handles the selling or buying of real estate in the island.

Kauai Sands Hotel

Finally, the Kauai Sands Hotel is the perfect place for families, honeymooners, and groups of friends alike. Newly redone in contemporary architecture, Kauai Sands Hotel also has Internet access, a beachfront pool, and other services. Those looking for exercise in-between relaxing lounges by the pool can play tennis or golf at the resort's tennis courts and golf courses.

With a long list of accommodation options, almost any type of traveler is welcome to stay in the island of Kauai. To make the most of your vacation or travel adventure, it would be best to make reservations weeks in advance or at least make a list of possible choices that meet your budget requirements and personal preferences.