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Kauai, Hawaii’s “garden isle,” has accommodations for every travel style—from lavish resorts to basic inns. And while there’s often a lot of crossover between resort and hotel categories, the latter can often be overwhelming for people who want a laid-back vacation with super-personalized service. Hotels, on the other hand, offer some of the amenities of resorts but are more focused on your individual travel needs. These top spots offer customized service at the highest level.
Here are the best luxury, boutique and family-friendly hotels on the island of Kauai.
BEST LUXURY HOTELS
Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
This oceanfront Princeville property offers an ideal combination of resort amenities and residential living in villa-style accommodations up to 1,311 square feet. Place your grocery order before you arrive, then grill dinner overlooking the ocean or dine at its Nanea Restaurant & Bar, one of the best spots on the North Shore. A relaxing spa, pools, golf and hiking are also at your fingertips.
Kauai’s most luxurious hotel is this spot in Princeville, on the North Shore overlooking Hanalei Bay. The property’s 251 rooms and suites are designed for longer stays, with refrigerators in the rooms and ample space for unpacking. The concierge can arrange a day trip to Waimea Canyon or set off on a sailing adventure. And some of the best snorkeling on the island can be found here.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Severely damaged by the floods of 2018, Hanalei Colony Resort has been fully restored to its peaceful and inviting ambiance. Set on a remote area of the island’s North Shore, this resort is the only commercial property in this fragile ecosystem. Premium oceanfront suites allow unobstructed views of the coastline. But take note: There are no televisions, stereos or phones here—the idea is to relax without distraction.
Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach
This elegant property in the heart of Poipu has a relaxed, peaceful vibe. With just 121 rooms, Koa Kea has a tropical-themed pool set on the ocean, fire pits on the beach with Adirondack chairs, and the destination restaurant Red Salt that serves local fish and produce. Rent bicycles, beach chairs, umbrellas, snorkels and stand-up paddleboards right on the beach out front.
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
One of the best resorts on Kauai, the Grand Hyatt occupies a beachfront location in Poipu, the island’s most populated town and where many visitors begin their trip. The Grand Hyatt is designed for indoor-outdoor living, and the rooms and suites—perfect for families traveling with kids—are large and airy, and some have private lanais. There’s a restaurant with big ocean views, a championship golf course and pools galore. And the Anara Spa is one of the best places on the island to decompress.
Set on a curvaceous strip of sandy beach in Poipu, this low-rise hotel invites relaxation in its poolside bungalows or the water sport of your choice right off the shore. The rooms are crisp and comfortable, decorated in beachy whites and blues, many with prime ocean views. And there are five restaurants here, so you need never leave the resort.
