With breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, and majestic mountains, the Hawaiian island of Kauai feels like heaven on Earth. From all-inclusive to budget-friendly, discover the perfect accommodation for your trip to Hawaii’s Garden Isle with this list of the best resorts on Kauai.
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1. 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
For luxurious accommodations on the Garden Isle, check out 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay. Perched above Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore (where it’s nestled between Hideaway and Puu Poa Beaches), this luxury resort offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views in one of the most serene locations on the Hawaiian islands. The stunning resort boasts more than 250 spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, all designed with sustainability and the natural environment in mind.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is not just a place to relax but also a wellness retreat. It offers personalized fitness and nutrition programs by trained professionals, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and the Bamford Wellness Spa. Here, golfers can take advantage of the hotel’s Golf with a View package, which goes beyond rounds of golf at Makai Golf Course with a sunset tour for two and daily access to the Wellness Recovery Center.
The hotel’s sustainability and commitment to the environment and community are manifested in its farm-to-table cuisine. The hotel’s chefs source ingredients from the property’s organic garden and nearby farms, ensuring that guests enjoy natural and organic cuisine while minimizing their environmental impact.
2. Kauai Beach Resort & Spa
Located on the eastern shore of Kauai, the Kauai Beach Resort & Spa is a fantastic all-inclusive resort with access to everything you need for a memorable stay on the Garden Isle. With its prime location adjacent to Kauai Beach, you’re never far from an amazing day filled with sand and surf. And because it is midway between Kauai’s North and South Shores, it’s also a convenient option for travelers who want to explore the Wailua River and Secret Falls, Kauai lagoons, Hanamaulu Beach, Kalapaki Beach, Wailua Golf Course, and the island’s other attractions.
The resort is situated on 25 acres of lush gardens and offers stunning views of the ocean. The resort features four sparkling pools, hot tubs, a well-equipped gym, and several exclusive restaurants.
The resort boasts 350 modern rooms featuring elegant décor and state-of-the-art facilities. Kauai Beach Resort & Spa also offers several dining options, including Naupaka Terrace for a fine-dining experience. To relax with a cocktail or grab a quick bite, check out Driftwood Bar & Grill or Shutters Lounge. And if you want to widen your culinary options, the town of Lihue is nearby.
There are four lagoon-inspired swimming pools on site, including an oceanfront pool with hot tubs and cabanas, perfect for soaking up the Sun and taking in stunning ocean views. And, the full-service spa provides guests with an array of treatments and a relaxing atmosphere to unwind.
3. Hanalei Bay Resort
If you’re looking to stretch your Hawaii vacation budget as far as possible, the Hanalei Bay Resort is a budget-friendly option. This Princeville resort offers all of the perks of a vacation rental along with award-winning service from a team of friendly staff.
Overlooking Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s North Shore, offering guests stunning sunsets and mountain views, Hanalei Bay Resort captures the island’s beauty inside and out. Guests can choose from one- to three-bedroom villas with garden access, each featuring all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The resort offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, including horseback riding, kayaking, golfing, hiking, and surfing. For those who prefer to explore the island’s dining and shopping options, Hanalei town is just a short drive away.
Pro Tip: To protect its fragile coral reefs, Hawaii has enacted a sunscreen ban. Protect your skin and the natural beauty of Kauai by packing reef-safe skin protection like Stream2Sea.
4. Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai is a hidden gem in Kauai. Located just steps from the sacred site where the Wailua River meets the Pacific Ocean, Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay invites guests to unwind amid the swaying palms and easy serenity of island life. The beachfront resort offers 216 stylish and modern guest rooms, ocean-view suites, and charming beach cottages.
Guests at Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including outdoor pools, a fitness center, and beach chairs to relax and bask in the Sun. With direct access to the golden sands and saltwater lagoon, the hotel’s location is perfect for those who love to paddleboard, surf, or simply take leisurely walks along the pristine coastline.
Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise during a traditional Hi’uwai ceremony, savor authentic Hawaiian cuisine, craft a keepsake lei, and revel in the aloha spirit at the charming oceanfront hotel. As the Sun sets, enjoy the Ahi Uila Fire Show every Tuesday and Friday on Mamahune’s Lawn. Enjoy a thrilling journey through Hawaiian culture and history, complete with a buffet dinner, fire dancing, Polynesian drumming, and storytelling.
In addition to its prime location and luxurious amenities, Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay is ideally situated near some of Kauai’s most popular attractions like Waimea Canyon State Park and Poipu Beach.
5. Sheraton Kauai Resort
Situated on Kauai’s sunny South Shore, Sheraton Kauai Resort offers guests a modern and luxurious escape in an incredible oceanfront setting. The resort boasts not one but two beautiful pools — a lagoon pool and a garden pool — both providing the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sunshine.
Foodies will love the resort’s top-notch dining options. Head to RumFire Poipu Beach for tasting island-inspired cocktails and delicious local cuisine. Lava’s on Poipu Beach is another great option with a menu featuring fresh ingredients and authentic Hawaiian flavors. For a quick bite to eat, try Link Cafe or indulge in some traditional Hawaiian entertainment with an Aulii Luau.
Sheraton Kauai Resort’s prime location also means that guests have easy access to nearby attractions. Kiahuna Beach, just a short stroll away, is perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling, while Kiahuna Golf Club offers something for golf enthusiasts. Poipu Beach, Waimea Canyon State Park, and Koke’e State Park also provide incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures.
6. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Koloa is a luxurious retreat located near Poipu Beach. This resort is known for its beautiful tropical gardens, direct beach access, and stunning ocean views. Guests can immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture with activities like lei-making classes and hula-dancing lessons, or take a tour of the hydroponic garden. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s tennis courts and Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course.
Eleven onsite restaurants offer a range of cuisines to satisfy any palate, while the multi-level pool complex is the perfect place to cool off and relax. And, if you are visiting Kauai with children or grandchildren, you’ll love the Camp Hyatt Kids Club, which offers a range of fun activities for children.
7. Koloa Landing Resort At Poipu, Autograph Collection
Nestled on 25 acres of lush tropical foliage, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection is one of the most beautiful resorts in Kauai. It offers spacious accommodations equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Guests can indulge in a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, golfing, tennis, horseback riding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The resort features three stunning swimming pools that are perfect for relaxation. The Poipu Grill, helmed by celebrity Chef Sam Choy, serves mouth-watering dishes, while the gourmet market offers everything from snacks to sundries. The 24-hour fitness center is perfect for health enthusiasts, and sports enthusiasts can enjoy the resort’s putting green, volleyball court, and soccer field. Guests can also enjoy complimentary morning yoga. The resort is just a short distance away from popular attractions like Shipwreck Beach and the Poipu Bay Golf Course, making it an ideal base for exploring the island.
Kauai’s range of resorts allows you to pick the perfect option for your vacation style, whether you are seeking a luxurious wellness retreat, a family-friendly adventure, or a budget-conscious yet comfortable stay. The island’s resorts not only provide stunning accommodations and top-notch amenities but also offer immersive experiences that embody the essence of Hawaiian culture. So, pack your reef-friendly sunscreen and favorite swimsuit, and get ready to experience the vacation of a lifetime on Kauai.
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