Where to stay in Kauaʻi

Best area for each kind of trip

Kauaʻi neighbourhoods in detail

$$$$ · Best for first-timers, families, beach and luxury

Poʻipū and Kōloa

Poʻipū has the island's biggest cluster of resorts, condos and holiday rentals, set along a coast of small sandy coves, lava points and calm swimming areas. Old Kōloa Town, a few minutes inland, has wooden plantation-era storefronts with shops and restaurants. It is the driest, sunniest place to stay and about 30 minutes from Waimea Canyon's lower end.

Good

Most reliable sunshine; Good swimming and snorkelling beaches; Closer to Waimea Canyon

Watch out

Over an hour from Hanalei; Resort areas can feel suburban

Nearby

Poʻipū Beach Park, Spouting Horn, Old Kōloa Town, Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail

Hotels in Poʻipū and Kōloa

$$$$ · Best for luxury, couples and quiet stays

Princeville

Princeville is a planned resort on a bluff with golf courses, condos and large hotels overlooking Hanalei Bay and the mountains of the North Shore. It is wetter than the South Shore, especially in winter, but it is the closest base to Hanalei and Hāʻena.

Good

Spectacular views; Close to North Shore beaches and trails; Quiet

Watch out

More rain, especially November to March; Limited restaurants outside the resorts

Nearby

Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Valley Lookout, Queen's Bath

Hotels in Princeville

$$$$ · Best for beach, couples, solo travellers and quiet stays

Hanalei

Hanalei is a small, laid-back town reached across a one-lane bridge, surrounded by taro fields with mountains and waterfalls behind. It has surf shops, cafés, food trucks and the historic Waiʻoli Mission, and Hanalei Pier sits on the bay. Accommodation is mostly holiday rentals.

Good

Classic North Shore scenery; Walk to the beach; Relaxed atmosphere

Watch out

Expensive rentals with few hotels; Road can close after very heavy rain

Nearby

Hanalei Pier, Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church, Hāʻena State Park

Hotels in Hanalei

$$$ · Best for budget, families, food lovers and solo travellers

Kapaʻa and Wailua

The East Side between Wailua and Kapaʻa is the island's most local base, with mid-range hotels, condos, food trucks and shops along the Kūhiō Highway. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path runs north from Kapaʻa for biking, and the Wailua River is the starting point for kayak trips.

Good

Central location; Wider price range; Lots of casual food

Watch out

Traffic through Kapaʻa at peak hours; Fewer swimmable beaches

Nearby

Wailua River, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, Ke Ala Hele Makalae path, Nounou (Sleeping Giant)

Hotels in Kapaʻa and Wailua

$$$ · Best for budget and first-timers

Līhuʻe

Līhuʻe is the county seat and commercial centre, with the airport, Nāwiliwili cruise harbor, Kalapakī Beach and the Kauaʻi Museum. It is practical for short stays and access to the whole island, with local diners and supermarkets.

Good

Minutes from the airport; Central for day trips; Local food

Watch out

Less scenic than other bases; Few resort-style beaches

Nearby

Kauaʻi Museum, Kalapakī Beach, Wailua Falls

Hotels in Līhuʻe

$$ · Best for quiet stays, culture and budget

Waimea and Hanapēpē

The West Side is sunny, red-earthed and quiet. Waimea is where Captain Cook landed in 1778 and the start of the road up to Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe, while Hanapēpē has galleries, a swinging footbridge and a Friday-evening art walk. Nā Pali boat tours leave from nearby Port Allen and Kikiaola.

Good

Close to Waimea Canyon and Nā Pali boats; Lower prices; Local character

Watch out

Very limited accommodation; Far from the North Shore

Nearby

Waimea Canyon, Port Allen, Hanapēpē swinging bridge, Salt Pond Beach Park

Hotels in Waimea and Hanapēpē

Areas compared

Getting to your hotel

Līhuʻe Airport (LIH) is about 3 km from Līhuʻe town. Driving takes about 30 minutes to Poʻipū, 20 minutes to Kapaʻa and about 45–60 minutes to Princeville and Hanalei. Most visitors collect a hire car at the airport.

Getting around Kauaʻi · Typical costs.

Questions travellers ask