Best Area to Stay In Kauai: Hotels & Tips For 2023

Looking for the best area to stay in Kauai? I’ll break it all down for you!

Kauai is an absolute dream. Whether you want beautiful beaches, a rainforest, cliffs, dramatic scenery, or complete relaxation, you’ll get it on Kauai. Buuuttt, with so much to do, what’s the best area to stay in?

Each region of the island is different. The best area to stay in Kauai for YOU depends on when what you want to do on your trip. I’ll go through each region, what it’s best for, and amazing hotels in each area too.

So if you’re looking for the best area to stay in Kauai for your first time, for families, to check out beautiful beaches, or budget options, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading!

And if you’re heading to Maui, check out my full guide for your trip there.

Best Hotels to Stay In Kauai: Overview

Short on time? Look at these amazing options for your stay in Kauai!

South Shore: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa

Rooms range from standard rooms, connecting rooms, or 1- or 2- bedroom suites. Water wonderland with numerous pools, a lazy river, water slide, and a lagoon. Six restaurants to choose from. On Poipu Beach with amazing views.

North Shore: Westin Princeville

Options of studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas. Three pools to choose from including a Children’s Pool with a small water slide and spouting turtles. Westin Family Kids Club. Two on-site restaurants plus a Market with a coffee shop inside. Near Anini Beach.

Best Area to Stay In Kauai: Overview 

Let’s start with an overview of each region of the island. They’re all SO different so this will help you in your decision on the best area to stay in Kauai for YOU.

The North Shore: Princeville, Hanalei, and Kilauea

The North Shore is hands down the most beautiful area of Kauai. It’s the greener, lusher, (but also wetter) more natural side of the island.

It’s a laid-back area to relax and enjoy the stunning beauty of the island. There are more beaches, better snorkeling, and more options for kayaking or paddle boarding.

In regard to staying on the North Shore, there are a few big resorts but the majority of accommodations are smaller, quieter hotels or secluded houses. There are also less restaurants and activities than the other regions, so you’ll need a car to get around. 

Cons:

• Wettest region of the island
• Ocean gets rough in the winter so not great for swimming
• Secluded so it’s a long drive to the tours in the other regions

The South Shore: Poipu, Koloa, Lawai

The South Shore is the popular, vibrant area on Kauai. It’s known for its beautiful, family-friendly beaches and amazing resorts.

It’s the driest region of the island and gets more sunshine—even when it’s raining in the other areas of the island.

In terms of staying on the South Shore, it has more options for full-service hotel/resorts and condos. It’s also closer to the big-ticket activities and has more choice in restaurants. But you’ll have to rush to book as everything fills up fast, and it’s more expensive than the other regions.

Cons:

• Very popular and touristy
• More expensive
• Everything books up fast

The East Side: Lihue, Kapaa, Wailua

 The East Side is in between the North and South Shores. It has a variety of restaurants and more affordable hotel accommodations.

The biggest perk of the East Side is that it’s centrally located. So, if you’re planning on exploring the whole island, this is the best place to stay to reduce the driving time.  But it’s also the commercial hub of the island, so it’s busy. You won’t get the same Hawaiian experience on this side. 

In terms of staying here, the East Side has a range of accommodations from resorts to boutique hotels so you can find more reasonable prices. You’ll also be near the big box stores like Costco and Walmart so you can stock up things you might need quickly.

Cons:

• Very busy, commercial hub
• Less tours/activities than other regions

The West Side: Waimea and Hanapepe

The West Side is the best area of Kauai for those who REALLY want to get away from it all.

It’s the most remote area and known for its gorgeous scenery like Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park.

It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want access to lots of hiking and immersing themselves in nature—without the tourists. 

The West side doesn’t have a lot of options for lodging and offers simple cottages and inns. There’s also no road connecting the West Side to the North Shore so visitors will have to travel around the whole island to visit the other side.  

Cons:

• Remote, almost isolated
• Less accommodations

Poipu / Koloa – Best Area to Stay In Kauai

For First Timers 

Because Poipu is the most vibrant area with more choices of accommodations and activities, this is where most people for their first time to the island (I did!)

It offers anything you would need for your first time to the island.

Pros of staying in Poipu / Koloa

• Great weather
• Amazing resorts to choose from
• Variety of dining and activities

Cons of staying in Poipu / Koloa

• Very popular and touristy so more crowds

• More expensive than other regions

• Everything books up fast

📍Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Rooms range from standard rooms, connecting rooms, or 1- or 2- bedroom suites. Water wonderland with numerous pools, a lazy river, water slide, and a lagoon.

Six restaurants to choose from. On Poipu Beach with amazing views. *It’s been said that the Hyatt is THE best resort on the whole island!*

Check it out or book here.

📍Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
You can choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom villas. Three gigantic pools including a lagoon pool with a children’s swimming area.

Fun extras around the property like volleyball nets, a putting green, a soccer area, poolside BBQs, and weekly activities like hula lessons and s’mores. On Poipu Beach.

Check it out or book here.

Koloa Landing image provided by booking.com

Princeville / Hanalei – Best Area to Stay In Kauai

For Beautiful Beaches

If you want to see beaches like you’ve never seen before, the North Shore is IT.

In the area you’ll find what may be the best beach area in Hawaii—Kee Beach, Haena Beach Park, Tunnels Beach, and Hanalei Bay Beach.  

They’re so beautiful that many movies have been filmed on these beaches! If you just want to beach hop the coast your whole vacation, this is your spot.  

Pros of staying in Princeville or Hanalei

• Gorgeous scenery (like, out of this world)
• Amazing beaches
• Laid-back, peaceful vibes

Cons of staying in Princeville or Hanalei

• Wettest region of the island
• Ocean gets rough in the winter so not great for swimming
• Secluded so it’s a long drive to the tours in the other regions

📍 The Westin Princeville
Options of studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas. Three pools to choose from including a Children’s Pool with a small water slide and spouting turtles. Plus, Westin Family Kids Club!

Two on-site restaurants plus a Market with a coffee shop inside. Near Anini Beach.

Check it out or book here.

📍 Hanalei Bay Resort
Offers 1- and 2-bedroom condos. Their main pool is a gigantic free-form lagoon pool with waterfalls, and they also offer a spa in a grotto setting, and a smaller adults pool. On Hanalei Bay.

Check it out or book here.

Hanalei Bay image provided by booking.com

Kapaa / Lihue – Best Area to Stay In Kauai

On A Budget

If you’re looking for a good deal, Lihue or Kapaa is your spot.

That area is more of a central hub than a vacation spot so it’s less expensive than the North and South Shores.

You’ll be centrally located and have your choice of many types of accommodations and restaurants though!

Pros of staying in Kapaa/Lihue:

• Centrally located
• Has more budget-friendly accommodations

Cons of staying in Kapaa/Lihue:

• Very busy, commercial hub
• Less tours/activities than other regions

📍Kauai Beach Resort and Spa

A beachfront resort with four swimming pools, a waterslide, two hot tubs, and 4 restaurants.

They offer standard rooms with a choice of 1 bed or 2 with garden, ocean, or pool views.

Check it out or book here.

📍Kauai Shores

An oceanfront hotel with a private beach, beachfront restaurant, and a 6-acre courtyard with two pools.

Their room choices are between standard rooms or deluxe rooms with a kitchenette. Convenient to two different outdoor shopping areas and many excursions.

Check it out or book here.

Kauai Shores image provided by booking.com

Poipu – Best Area to Stay in Kauai

For Families

Back to Poipu! If you’re heading to Kauai with the family, the best region is the South Shore. It’s by far the more family-friendly area.

It has a variety of resorts that have multiple rooms and amazing pools, condos, lots of dining options, multiple open air shopping centers, activities and tours, and beaches with calm waves. 

You’ll always have something to do for all ages on the South Shore.

Pros of staying in Poipu:

• Great weather
• Amazing resorts to choose from
• Variety of dining and activities

Cons of staying in Poipu:

• Very popular and touristy so more crowds
• More expensive than other regions
• Everything books up fast

📍Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Rooms range from standard rooms, connecting rooms, or 1- or 2- bedroom suites. Water wonderland with numerous pools, a lazy river, water slide, and a lagoon.

Six restaurants to choose from. On Poipu Beach with amazing views. *It’s been said that the Hyatt is THE best resort on the whole island!*

Check it out or book here.

📍Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
You can choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom villas. Three gigantic pools including a lagoon pool with a children’s swimming area.

Fun extras around the property like volleyball nets, a putting green, a soccer area, poolside BBQs, and weekly activities like hula lessons and s’mores. On Poipu Beach.

Check it out or book here.

Koloa Landing image provided by booking.com

FAQs: Best Area to Stay in Kauai  

What side of Kauai is the best to stay on? 

The best side of Kauai to stay on depends on your interests and preferences.

The North Shore is gorgeous with stunning beaches and a peaceful vibe. It’s also the wettest region of the island and can feel remote.

The South Shore is vibrant and popular with many beautiful resorts, dining, and activities. It’s more expensive though and can get very crowded. 

The East Side is conveniently located in between North and South Shore and has reasonably priced accommodations. It’s a central hub though and doesn’t offer the relaxing Hawaiian experience most expect.

The West Side is known for its stunning scenery and hiking but is remote and has few accommodations to choose from.

Is it better to stay in the North or South of Kauai?

Where you should stay depends on what you are looking to do on your vacation to Kauai.

The North Shore is better if you are looking for a peaceful, relaxing trip where you’ll be exploring the outdoors. 

The South Shore is better if you’re looking for a more vibrant atmosphere, with lots of family-friendly beaches, resorts, and activities. 

Which part of Kauai has the best beaches?

The North Shore, hands down. If you want to see beaches like you’ve never seen before, the North Shore is IT. 

In the area you’ll find what may be the best beach area in Hawaii—Kee Beach, Haena Beach Park, Tunnels Beach, and Hanalei Bay Beach.  

They’re so beautiful that many movies have been filmed on these beaches! If you just want to beach hop the coast your whole vacation, stay on the North Shore.

What is the most touristy area in Kauai?

The South Shore, specifically Poipu, is the most touristy area on Kauai. It has the most choices for accommodations, dining, and activities.

A few of the best resorts on the island are located on the South Shore.

Wrapping up:  Best Area to Stay In Kauai In 2023

Ultimately, the best area to stay in Kauai depends on your interests and preferences.

If you’re going for the first time or with the family, Poipu is your best option. If you are going just for beaches, Princeville is your spot. If you’re working with a budget, look in Lihue. 

There is a perfect spot for whatever you need, and I hope that I helped you find the best area to stay in Kauai for your vacation!