Kaua’i is known as “The Garden Isle” due to its lush garden forests and pristine sandy beaches. It is one of the most stunning places on Earth, with lush rainforests, spectacular beaches and breathtaking mountain scenery. The island offers plenty of activities for all types of travelers — from snorkeling and surfing to hiking and kayaking. Kaua’i also has some of the best golf courses in Hawai’i, perfect for those who want to hit the links during vacation. The shopping and dining scene is vibrant and diverse, ranging from local farmers’ markets to fine dining restaurants offering gourmet cuisine. With its stunning beauty and wealth of activities, Kaua’i is a great place to visit no matter what type of vacation you’re planning. Here are some of the coolest hotels on Kaua’i to spend the night in between adventures.
Kaua'i's Coolest Hotels Offer a Truly Relaxing Beach Escape
- These Are the Best Hotels in Waikiki, Minutes From the Sand, for All Budgets
- Experience the Best of Honolulu at These Luxury Resort Hotels
- The coolest Airbnbs on O’ahu
- The best Airbnbs on Hawai’i’s Big Island
- 13 stunning yet affordable Airbnbs on Kaua’i
- These Hotels on Hawai’i’s Big Island Showcase the State’s Best Beaches
Traveling to Hawaiʻi? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay on every island:
We hope you agree that these are the coolest hotels on Kaua’i! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Kauai Shores Hotel
This hotel is set on Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast, boasting six beachfront acres complemented by six acres of lush green gardens for you to explore. The groovy decor and retro design make this property stand apart from other upscale resorts, showing off its authentic sense of character. Enjoy fresh fish and food at the on-site restaurant, lounge by one of the two property pools, hit the beach, or sign up for one of the free yoga classes hosted by the hotel. It’s exactly what you’re seeking if you’re a traveler on a budget who wants a genuine island experience at a safe, vibrant place to spend the night.
Kauai Shores Hotel: 420 Papaloa Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Bright, modern rooms, furnished balconies with ocean views, and amenities that go above and beyond the traditional resort offerings — including a large beach, several on-site eateries, multiple pools, a gym, and a sprawling lagoon — make this spot a tranquil and romantic place to set as home base. This property is located close to Lydgate Beach and Lae Nani Beach and is even in close proximity to the airport. It also offers more seclusion than many of the other island resorts (perfect for an intimate retreat). Be sure to schedule a beachfront massage at some point during your stay, and set aside some time to watch the magic of the sun rising over the sea in the morning (even if you’re not usually an early riser).
Kauai Beach Resort & Spa: 4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI 96766
Sheraton Kauai Resort
This property is located on an enormous stretch of sandy beach on Kaua’i’s south shore (perfect for starting your day with morning yoga on the sand or just soaking up the Hawaiian sun). If you want to get active, work up a sweat at the 24-hour gym, set a tee time at the nearby Kiahuna Golf Course 18-hole golf course, or play tennis at the on-site courts. If you want to relax, you can lounge at one of the two pools with beverage service or sign up for a relaxing beach massage. Then, dine al fresco at one of the on-site restaurants and cozy up for the night by one of the firepits. This property is a solid fit if you’re seeking somewhere that offers all the amenities of a traditional beach resort with a more spirited atmosphere.
Sheraton Kauai Resort: 2440 Hoonani Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach
Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach is set in an oceanfront location that feels hidden away from the bustle of the neighborhood’s main drag, making it a great place to spend time for couples seeking an intimate escape by the sea. Lounge at the poolside bar, indulge in a body treatment at the spectacular on-site spa, The Spa at Ko’a Kea, get active at the spacious fitness center, or dine at the on-site restaurant, Red Salt, which features fresh fish and ocean views. The property’s interior design feels contemporary and sophisticated, with an island twist (think: stylish leather couches and sparkling chandeliers with dark wooden accents). It’s a boutiquey, beach-y resort that’s so close to the shoreline you might even be able to spot some of the sea life below from up on your balcony.
Koʻa Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach: 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Aston at Poipu Kai
Aston at Poipu Kai is a condominium resort on Kaua’i’s sunny south shore. The resort has over 70 acres of land and comprises several separate condo communities. This part of the island offers easy access to popular south shore interests like Poipu Beach Park, Shipwreck Beach, Brennecke’s Beach, Spouting Horn blowhole, and various golf courses. Accommodation options range from one-bedroom to four-bedroom units. Each unit features a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a lanai. Five swimming pools are peppered throughout the complex, along with walking paths, tennis courts, and barbecue grills.
Aston at Poipu Kai: 1465 Pe’e Road, 1775 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
This high-end resort mirrors the relaxed and unstuffy nature of the island. It’s also one of just a few resorts on the northern shore. The eco-resort overlooks Hanalei Bay with views of Hihimanu, Nāmolokama, and Māmalahoa mountains. There’s a focus on wellness and sustainability here, with a full-service spa offering treatments that incorporate natural and organic products and a design that blends with its surroundings – some of the prettiest on Earth. The five-star falls onto the swimmable beach right out front, and there’s a stunning outdoor infinity pool with breathtaking ocean vistas. Rooms and suites have neutral tones — a calming ambiance that again reflects the vibes of Kaua’i.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
Aston Islander On The Beach
This beachfront resort is situated on Kaua’i’s Coconut Coast. The six-acre property has a beautiful setting with tropical gardens and direct access to a white-sand beach. Plantation-style architecture throughout the resort offers a relaxed and charming Hawaiian atmosphere. Rooms and suites come equipped with kitchenettes and balconies or patios where you can enjoy the Kauai surroundings. The resort’s location places you right next to the Coconut Marketplace, a convenient spot with over 60 boutiques and restaurants.
Aston Islander On The Beach: 440 Aleka Pl, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
The Lodge at Kukui’ula
This property is perched on Kaua’i’s south shore, offering guests accommodations set in spacious upscale villas with breathtaking ocean sights. Staying at this property means enjoying the amenities of The Club at Kukui’ula — including access to 18 holes of golf, a poolside bar, an on-site adventure guide and outfitter, a 10-acre farm, and more. Spend time at the spa getting a relaxing treatment, or dive into the local cuisine with ocean views and al fresco dining at one of the two property restaurants. Take a yoga class or pilates class at the on-site gym, play in the arcade room, or relax in the library. This hotel boasts five outdoor pools (and a children’s pool with a waterslide) and is an excellent spot for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to enjoy their own space with the larger accommodations of a villa (but don’t want to worry about the hassle of cooking, cleaning, or entertaining).
The Lodge at Kukui’ula: 2700 Ke Alaula St B, Koloa, HI 96756
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
This enormous property is surrounded by lush greenery and boasts many upscale amenities — including four on-site restaurants and the largest one-level pool in Hawai’i. You can set a tee time at The Ocean Course at Hokuala (less than a mile from the property), work up a sweat at the 24-hour gym, relax at the poolside bar, or retreat to one of the bright, clean rooms, which are decorated in shades of white, green and blue (which seemingly usher the outside seaside scenery inside). Enjoy a friendly volleyball game or take a relaxing stroll down Kalapaki Beach. This property even offers the bonus of a complimentary shuttle service between the resort and the Lihue Airport.
The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue: 3610 Rice St, Lihue, HI 96766
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
This 20-acre cliffside north shore resort features spacious, condo-style rooms separated between seven different low-rise buildings that feel more like deluxe apartments than hotel rooms. The property is large enough to feel quiet and private but offers the amenities you want at an upscale hotel. The lush landscaping is colorful, and the atmosphere is a balance of casual but elegant — feeling luxurious but not pretentious. Spend time at one of the four pools, or browse the monthly “activity calendar,” which hosts a unique set of activities for you to enjoy each week — from sand art to lei classes and nature walks.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas: 838 Wyllie Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
What is there to do on Kaua’i?
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor experiences in a relaxed setting on this quiet, romantic island. Embark on a zipline adventure or a kayaking excursion before laying low for a relaxing day at the beach. Visit a museum or educate yourself with a visit to a historical landmark. This island is truly a nature lovers’ paradise.
How many people live on Kaua’i?
Kaua’i has a population of just around 70,000 regular residents, with thousands more who live on the island part-time. More than 100,000 people visit the island each month.
How many days should I spend in Kaua’i?
If you want to fully experience Kaua’i’s culture and offerings, it’s best to plan for an absolute minimum of four days of exploring. If you do have more time to spare, you won’t run out of things to do even if you’re planning to stay a week to ten days on the island. 