Where to stay on Kauaʻi for Beach Bums, Families, Adventure, and more (all 6 regions)

When visiting a place like Hawaiʻi, where the allure is being outside and enjoying the natural beauty of the islands, it’s easy to cut corners when it comes to finding a place to stay. Many people, thinking they won’t spend much time in the room, simply choose their accommodation based on whoever has the lowest price without giving it much thought.

But, we suggest a more involved approach. Because in our opinion, finding the right place to stay plays a large role in the overall success of your trip, regardless of how much time you plan to spend indoors. The right location is necessary to set you up for your adventures, and you’ll want to align the amenities and services with your unique wants and needs.

Even if you only plan to use your accommodation as a home base, remember that it is your home for the duration of the trip, and with some mindful planning, the right accommodation can greatly enhance your experience.

Where should you stay if you like…

These are the places we recommend to stay for families, beach bums, luxury seekers, backpackers, surfers, and active adventurers:

If you like this guide and are also visiting other islands we recommend the following accommodation overview:

• Accommodations on the Big Island
• Accommodations on Maui
• Accommodations on Oʻahu

How do we compare the places you could stay?

In this guide we run down the different regions of Kaua‘i to help you see the pros and cons of each. The main destinations and hubs we consider are Poʻipū, Hanalei, Princeville, Kapaʻa, Līhuʻe, and Waimea. Below we discuss the following points for each of these places:

• Why should you stay in [place]
• Why shouldn’t you stay in [place]
• Types of travelers [place] is a good fit for (families, beach bums, luxury seekers, backpackers, basecampers, adventure travelers, romance, and resort lovers)
• Nearby highlights.

Poʻipū

Poʻipū offers Kauaʻi’s best all-around combination of location, services, activities, and accommodations for families, beach bums, romance, and those in pursuit of relaxation.

Poʻipū is a popular beach with a shallow, protected swimming area, snorkel & surfboard rentals & a playground. Image: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Why should you stay in Poʻipū?

Poʻipū is the most well-rounded home base on the island.

1. Lots of lodging choices: You won’t find an area on Kauaʻi with more lodging options than Poʻipū. The coastline is riddled with resorts, hotels, condos, and vacation rentals.
2. Swimmable beaches: Lots of beaches on Kauaʻi are prone to rough conditions, especially in the winter months, and are not recommended for swimming. Poʻipū, however, offers some of the most stable and reliable waters on the island. Families with small children and groups who plan to stay put most days will appreciate that Poʻipū Beach is lifeguarded and usually swimmable. There is also easy access to other beaches of interest, like Shipwreck’s, Kiahuna, and Gillian’s.
3. Convenience. You don’t have to go far when you’re staying in Poʻipū, as there are lots of activities, restaurants, and points of interest nearby, including coastal hiking, beach combing, golf courses, cultural sites, blow holes, and the historic town of Kōloa.
4. Reliable weather. Located on the sunny south shore, Poʻipū enjoys sun most days of the year, moreso than other parts of the island, like Hanalei and Kapaʻa, which receive more rain.

Why shouldn’t you stay in Poʻipū?

Poʻipū is the largest resort area of Kauaʻi, and may be unappealing for some:

1. Developed Resort Area: Poʻipū provides quick access to many undeveloped areas of the coast, but the town of Poʻipū itself is lined with properties, creating a resort area feel.
2. Crowds. Poʻipū Beach and others in the area can get crowded due to the number of nearby resorts and its small stature. If you want to feel secluded and alone, the beaches directly in Poʻipū will not satisfy you.
3. Price. Resorts and hotels in this region of the island tend to be on the high end. You will be hard-pressed to find a room for less than $300 a night.

Accommodations in Poʻipū are good for:

Beach Bums: If you want to begin and end each day on the beach, Poʻipū is a good place for it. Many resorts and hotels in the area are within walking distance or just a few minutes drive of a beach, and there are several to choose from, so you can mix it up each day. Check out Poʻipū Beach, Kiahuna Beach, Shipwreck’s, Baby Beach, Brenneckeʻs Beach, and Lawa’i Beach, among others.

Families: Families, especially those with children, usually appreciate Poʻipū for all its conveniences, beach accessibility, and range of nearby activities and restaurants. Many resorts in Poʻipū offer activity centers and programming for kids. You can find many of the major international brands in Poʻipū, such as the Sheraton Kauaʻi Resort, Marriott Waiohai Beach Club, the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi, and many other local and smaller brands, like the Kiahuna Plantation and Beach Bungalows.

Romance: Couples seeking rest, relaxation, and romance while celebrating a wedding, anniversary, or simply life in general may find Poʻipū to be a good fit. One doesn’t have to work too hard to get what one needs in Poʻipū, and there are plenty of beaches and resort pools to unwind.

Resort lovers: If you enjoy the atmosphere and amenities of big resorts, you’ll find options here.

Nearby Highlights

There are many attractions in and around Poʻipū that are easily accessed. There are a variety of beaches, a coastal hiking trail (Mahaulepu Heritage Trail), a couple golf courses, the historic plantation town of Kōloa, Spouting Horn Blow Hole, snorkeling areas, the National Tropical Botanical Gardens, cultural sites, and much more.

Hanalei

Located on the north shore of Kauaʻi, Hanalei is a local community that serves as the gateway to the Nāpali Coast, great for beach bums, families, and adventure seekers.

View from the Hanalei Valley Lookout. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Why should you stay in Hanalei?

Hanalei’s scenic beauty, access to adventure, and small-town feel make it a wonderful place to stay.

1. Small beach community: Hanalei’s charm lies in its lack of over-development in terms of big hotels, resorts, and infrastructure. Here, you can stay in a vacation rental and feel like part of the community.
2. Nāpali Coast Access. Those with eyes on exploring the Nāpali Coast can’t ask for a better home base, as Hanalei is the gateway to all there is to see and do.
3. Gorgeous Scenery. The mountains. The waterfalls. The beach parks. Hanalei and Kauaʻi’s north shore offer tropical, stunning scenery.
4. Local life. Hanalei’s businesses are often geared towards tourists, but Hanalei is still a living, breathing local town. When staying here, you will get a feel for the local community as you integrate.

Why shouldn’t you stay in Hanalei?

Though beautiful, Hanalei may not be right for everyone:

1. Hanalei is sleepy: Hanalei is surrounded by farm land and provides quick access to the sparsely developed Nāpali Coast. There are a couple restaurants and one or two bars, but expect things to close down early.
2. Less days of sunshine. The north shore of Kauaʻi gets its fair share of rain and rough seas during the winter months, so a day or two of cloudy weather is to be expected.
3. Remote Location. If you plan to spend most of your time exploring the north shore, then Hanalei is a great hub. However, if you plan to be out and about most days exploring the island, you may find Hanalei a little out of the way. Kauaʻi only has one main road, so getting to places in the central and southern coasts will require a longer drive.
4. Lack of hotels/resorts. The only accommodations in Hanalei are vacation rentals, so if you want a traditional hotel, you won’t find it in Hanalei.

Accommodations in Hanalei are good for:

Beach Bums: Staying at a vacation rental in Hanalei is about as good as it gets for beach bums, within walking distance to Hanalei Bay and a laid-back, quiet atmosphere. There’s no hustle and bustle at Hanalei Bay, just a calm atmosphere and a beautiful mountain backdrop. If your plan is to go from your bed to your beach chair on repeat, Hanalei Bay is a wonderful place. Just be aware that, in winter, the weather is often unpredictable.

Families: Beach-focused families who don’t need a full-service hotels will enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere of Hanalei. The bay is scenic, quiet, and safe, and it’s a great place for surf lessons and other water activities, such as kayaking.

Adventure Seekers: The quick and easy access to the Nāpali coast makes Hanalei a great home base for adventure.

Hanalei has fantastic access to great beaches. Photo by Zane Persaud on Unsplash

Nearby Highlights

Hanalei is considered the gateway to Kauaʻi’s north shore and the Nāpali Coast. From here, you can drive or take the local shuttle to a variety of beaches along the north shore, ending at Keʻe Beach, where the famous Kalalau Trail begins. Hanalei Bay itself is a great place for beginner surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, sunbathing, and kayaking. It is also the hub for many boat tours along the Nāpali Coast, such as Holoholo Charters and Napali Kayak. A basecamp in Hanalei also offers easy access to attractions on the northeast coast, such as Kīlauea.

Princeville

The second-largest resort area on Kauaʻi, Princeville offers a combination of resort and condo lodging amid a beautiful location on the cliffs of northeast Kauaʻi, adjacent to Hanalei.

Aerial view of the Princeville coastline. Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

Why should you stay in Princeville?

If Poʻipū is the busy, general resort area of Kauaʻi, then consider Princeville a smaller, quiet alternative.

1. Developed Resort Area: Princeville is a resort area with beautifully manicured grounds and large, estate-like properties.
2. Variety of Accommodations: There are a mix of properties in Princeville, from condos to resorts, including the Hanalei Bay Resort, the Makai Club Resort, the Cliffs at Princeville, and the Westin Princeville, among others.
3. Golf: Princeville is home to the Princeville Makai Golf Club, and overall, Princeville looks and feels the golf lifestyle, with pristine landscaping, water features, and ocean views.

Why shouldn’t you stay in Princeville?

1. Less days of sun. Kauaʻi’s north shore will receive rain and experience rough ocean conditions during the winter months. Factor that into your expectations.
2. It’s a resort bubble. This could be a good thing, the fact that you’re secluded. But those who want to stay in an area that’s a hub for local life will be disappointed in Princeville.
3. Price. Rooms in Princeville are generally $300 or more a night.

Accommodations in Princeville are good for:

Resort lovers: If you’re looking to kick back in a resort area, Princeville is a great option.

Beach bums: Princeville has a variety of beaches within a short drive, making it a nice area to beach hop. Keep in mind that water conditions may be less reliable during the winter months.

Romance: Situated upon a bluff on the north coast, Princeville is quiet and tranquil, with a fine attention to detail when it comes to landscaping and scene setting. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to disappear with your lover, Princeville can accommodate.

Families: Resort areas offer a lot of convenience and security for families, and Princeville is no exception.

Nearby Highlights

Princeville and Hanalei sit adjacent to each other, so Princeville could also be considered a gateway to the north shore and the Nāpali Coast. Princeville also harbors a handful of other beach options, like Hideaways, Puʻu Poa, and Anini.

Kapaʻa

Centrally located on Kauaʻi’s windwardside, Kapaʻa is an old plantation town and one of the larger residential communities on the island, great for budget travelers and adventure seekers.

Why should you stay in Kapaʻa?

Kapaʻaʻs appeal comes from its blend of visitor conveniences, like hotels, shops, and restaurants, with local residential life.

• Residential feel. Sure, the main drag has its touristy moments, and there is a small strip of hotels in Kapaʻa. However, the area is much more integrated into local life than, say, Poʻipū and Princeville, so you can still feel like you’re visiting an authentic town as you bum around.
• Good local dining options. You’ll certainly eat well in Kapaʻa, with restaurants that range from local classics, like Pono Market, to more modern gastropubs, like Street Burger. Kapaʻa is also where you’ll find the island’s budding food truck scene.
• Central location. If you plan to rent a car and cruise around, Kapaʻa’s location midway up the windwardside makes it a good launching point.
• Variety of accommodations at good prices. Though the hotels in Kapaʻa are all in the same strip, there is a noticeable variety, and many can be had for somewhere around $200 a night, including the budget-friendly ISO Hotel, the Aston Islander, the Outrigger, and the more upscale Sheraton Coconut Beach, among others.

Why shouldn’t you stay in Kapaʻa?

Kapaʻa has many charms, but it might not be the right fit for everyone.

• Swimmability of beaches. This is not to say you can’t find a good beach in Kapaʻa – Lydgate and Kapaʻa Beach Park are two we recommend – but, generally speaking, the coastline here is usually not great for swimming due to rocky, shallow waters and rougher conditions.

Accommodations in Kapaʻa are good for:

Budget travelers: Those looking for a reasonably-priced hotel room should be able to find it in Kapaʻa, at least when compared to Poʻipū and Princeville.

Adventure travelers: Kapaʻa’s central location puts you in prime position for exploring other parts of the island.

Basecampers: If you’re plan is to be out and about all day exploring the island, Kapaʻa’s affordability and central location will suite you well.

Nearby Highlights

Though many of its beaches are not recommended for swimming, Kapaʻa does have a beautiful, 8-mile beach path that many locals use for walking, biking, and exercise. Nearby Wailua River State Park offers kayaking and waterfall opportunities, and Kapa’a is home to the infamous Sleeping Giant hiking trail.

Līhuʻe

Līhuʻe is the capital of Kauaʻi and the location of the airport, but it also has several resorts.

Why should you stay in Līhuʻe?

1. Local life. As the capital of the island, Līhuʻe is a hub for commerce, business, and local life. Its large residential population means you’ll get a good glimpse at local life.
2. Central Location. Downtown Līhuʻe is just minutes from the airport, making arrival and departure extremely easy. Its central location means you are essentially equidistant from all the island’s major attractions.
3. Services. You can find whatever you need in Līhuʻe, including large grocery stories and big box retailers.
4. Food options. There’s a wide range of local restaurants in Lihue, everything from dive bars and local noodle shops to vegetarian options.

Why shouldn’t you stay in Līhuʻe?

1. Not a tropical paradise. If you’re coming to Hawaiʻi looking for a tropical paradise, Līhuʻe isn’t the place to stay. Sure, there are beautiful spots to check out, but on a whole, it’s not as dramatic as, say, Hanalei.

Accommodations in Līhuʻe are good for:

Beach Bums: Staying at one of the hotels at Kalapaki Beach near Nāwiliwili Harbor, such as the Marriott Kauaʻi Beach Club, gives you easy access to a swimmable, relaxed beach.

Luxury Travelers: There are several high end hotels near Kalapaki Beach, including the Kauaʻi Beach Club, Timbers, and Marriott’s Kauaʻi Lagoons.

Basecampers: Līhuʻe’s central location makes it easy to go in any direction on the island and eliminates long travel times to and from the airport.

Nearby Highlights

Those interested in the history should spend an hour or two at the Kauaʻi Musuem, which will provide some perspective on the past, present, and future of the island. Wailua Falls, located just fifteen minutes from downtown Līhuʻe, is one of the island’s most brilliant drive-up waterfalls. Those interested in the local beer scene should check out Kauaʻi Beer Company in downtown Līhuʻe.

Waimea

Located at the far southern end of Kauaʻi, Waimea is an old plantation town that makes its living today as the gateway to Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

The easily accessible Waimea Canyon Lookout gives amazing views of Waimea Canyon. Image credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

Why should you stay in Waimea?

• Peace and Quiet. Waimea is busy with day trippers during the main daylight hours, but after dark, things close down early and there’s not much going on.
• Outdoor access. Staying in Waimea puts you at the gateway to Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park.

Why shouldn’t you stay in Waimea?

• No reliable swimmable beaches. There are plenty of good beach options within a short drive of Waimea, but those there in town are not great for swimming due to the runoff from Waimea Canyon.
• Limited services/nightlife. You won’t find the range of restaurants, stores, and other services you would in other areas, like Poʻipū, Līhuʻe, and Kapaʻa.
• Remote Location. Waimea’s position in the far southwest region of the island means travel times to other areas will be much longer.

Accommodations in Waimea are good for:

Adventure seekers: Its location near the entrance to Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park make Waimea the perfect hub for those looking to explore the rugged outdoors of Kauaʻi’s south shore. It also puts you in prime position to check out the far southwest of the island, including Polihale State Park and Barking Sands Beach.

Repeat visitors: If you’ve already been to Kauaʻi before, Waimea is a nice way to switch it up. Most people day trip through Waimea on their way to Waimea Canyon, and few make it their homebase.

Nearby Highlights

Waimea provides easy access to a number of outdoor activities, including Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park, where you might consider renting a cabin for the night. One of our favorite beach parks on Kauaʻi, Polihale State Park, is also nearby Waimea. The harbor in Waimea is where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaiʻi, honored today by the Captain Cook Monument.