what part of the island to stay in kauai

• Why Visit Kauai?
• Where to Stay in Kauai
• Where Should You Stay in Kauai?

Wondering where to stay in Kauai? Then read on. We've rounded upwards all the isle has to offering, including the best parts of town, hotels, things to practise, and much more than. Just don't blame the states if you book a ticket after reading!

Why Visit Kauai?

Kauai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago and is nicknamed "The Garden Isle" for the lush tropical rainforests roofing most of its land area. Nosotros'll bear witness you where to stay in Kauai, including the all-time towns and our favorite parts of the isle.

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People love to visit the island considering it perfectly combines Hawaii's nature with comfortable and welcoming towns and cities. When looking for a identify to stay, you'll want to find accommodations that give you like shooting fish in a barrel access to the scenic national parks.

Notwithstanding, you'll likewise want fun activities right outside your doorstep. There are several villages and towns along the outer rim of the island.

You'll want to make sure you choose the correct ane. It tin mean you'll have something more heady to do than just lay downward and sleep when yous return from the wilderness.

To help yous brand the most of your vacation, we rounded up our favorite destinations and hotels in Kauai. Effort booking accommodations in multiple locations to ensure you experience everything the isle has to offer.

Read Side by side: The Best Time to Go to Hawaii

Where to Stay in Kauai

While the island is adequately expansive, in that location are five main parts of Kauai:

• Princeville: Most Luxurious
• Kapa'a: Tourist-Friendly
• Lihue: Most User-friendly
• Poipu: Most Scenic
• Waimea: All-time for Hiking

Read on to learn about each of these in greater detail, including our hotel, dining, and activity recommendations.

1. Princeville

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If you desire a close human relationship with the ocean during your stay in Kauai, and then yous can't go wrong with Princeville , located on the northern coast. The city was built on tiptop of stunning seaside cliffs and overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean below. You tin can take a stroll downwards to the beach every morning!

Perhaps, midway through your stay, y'all might grow tired of the beach. Nothing to worry about! You can also relish the lovely attractions inside the city. There are tons of delicious restaurants in Princeville with outdoor patios and gardens, so you won't need to miss out on the atmospheric condition.

Nearby you lot'll find the Hanalei National Wild animals Refuge and Namalokama Mountain. The Wildlife Refuge is home to the diverse beast you tin find on Hawaiian islands. On Namalokama mount, yous can go for a hike and spot a couple of waterfalls.

This area is primarily for tourists with deep pockets. Princeville is full of stunning golf courses and multi-star resorts that cater to those with a massive budget. If yous want to relieve on accommodations, you might exist better off on a different part of the island.

Things to Do

Looking for something to do in Princeville, Kauai? Bank check our list beneath!

Pali Ke Kua Beach

If you wanted to stay in Princeville to get close to the ocean, y'all can't get much closer than this. Pali Ke Kua Beach  (Hideaways Embankment) is just twenty minutes from Princeville'due south center and has some fabulous snorkeling when the weather is at-home.

The beach isn't as famous every bit some of the other options on Kauai, so lay down your towel and enjoy some relaxation beneath the palms. You can get there past following Ka Haku road from Princeville. Only be careful at the head of the beach as it can get steep and glace.

Queen's Bathroom

Taking pictures in the ocean tin can get kind of generic. Why not post some images from one of Hawaii's nigh famous tide pools instead? Depending on water levels, Queen's bath fills with cute pools of crystal clear water. They're perfect for wading or observing tide pool ecosystems.

Hanalei Sentry and Hike

Going on a quick hike outside of Princeville will allow you lot to acquaint yourself with Hawaii's wilderness. This hike to a lookout is only two miles from Princeville'south middle. At the height, y'all'll see spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

Where to Eat

Here are our height places to eat in Princeville, Kauai.

Princeville Centre

Feel the finest food and products Hawaii has to offering at the Princeville Center. You'll find an countless supply of local styles and cosmetic products. Y'all tin can even take a yoga course to refresh your island zen.

The restaurants in the center are affordable and delicious. You tin can try some local delicacies at Tiki Iniki Restaurant and Bar. They besides accept a wide selection of delicious Asian Cuisine and some lovely coffee shops for a quick bite.

Lapperts Ice Foam

Lapperts is the perfect place to go after a hot Hawaiian day. You'll be able to find your favorite flavor. They have tons. Endeavor the caramel coconut macadamia for a rich taste of paradise.

Princeville Bar

How about a beverage, some sushi, and a view? You tin can go all of that at the Princeville bar. It overlooks the Hanalei Bay and has some of the best sushi on the island. They also have outset-course decorations and a responsive and courteous waitstaff.

ii. Kapa'a

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In the region of East Kauai, you'll detect the friendly town of Kapa'a. While it'due south habitation to simply x,000 people , it's still the largest town on the island. It gets thousands of tourists every year due to its accessibility and Tourist-friendly infrastructure.

It'due south one of the most popular accommodation destinations on Kauai. Across the many shops, restaurants, condos, and hotels, there'south too incredible scenery around this repose tourist boondocks.

The Nounou Mountain range, which hangs over it, resembles a "sleeping giant" and is an excellent place for hiking.

There are too some fabled beaches near Kapa'a, which are usually pretty spacious and not overflowing with tourists. However, you lot'll want to be conscientious in the waters around here considering of some wild currents, which can be challenging to navigate.

Kapa'a is a fantastic place to stay if you want a nice resort or a condo with everything y'all need to experience comfortable close to you. Yous won't accept whatsoever trouble meeting people here or finding group activities. If you lot don't similar places with lots of tourists, then y'all might not want to stay here.

Things to Do

Here'southward our list of the top things to do in Kapa'a, Kauai.

The Fern Grotto

You can detect some wet and wild fun inside the island of Kuai likewise. Information technology's not but express to the ocean. Try renting a kayak or a boat and taking it downwards the Wailua River. If you're non confident in your sailing skills, you can e'er hire a guide or accept a bout.

At the pinnacle of your trip downwardly the river, you'll reach the Fern Grotto, a gorgeous rock formation decorated with thousands of hanging ferns. As y'all walk up to the grotto, you'll besides pass through a tropical plants garden with some of Hawaii's almost cute plants and flowers.

Lydgate Beach

You won't have to worry nearly strong currents here. Lydgate Beach has several small tide pools that will go on weak swimmers and children safe from the dangerous undertow. There's always a lifeguard on duty, but exist conscientious when swimming out in the open ocean.

The Sleeping Giant Trail (NouNou East Trail)

Hiking enthusiasts looking to claiming themselves will feel at abode on this picturesque journey. You lot'll climb upward through Kauai'south canopy over one,000 feet to attain stunning views of the valley and bounding main below. We recommend starting early and so you can beat the sun.

Where to Eat

Try some of these restaurants in Kapa'a for a tasty seize with teeth.

Kauai Juice Co

Tasting some of Hawaii's natural juices is a must when visiting. Their fruits are unbelievably fresh, and Hawaii is i of the simply places in the United States to find some of them. We recommend starting with coconut water, a Hawaiian classic.

JO2

Kapa'a has some of the best seafood restaurants on Kauai, thanks to its booming tourist population. JO2 might just be the best of the bunch. It might not be in the most impressive location. However, it makes upward for information technology in attention to detail and culinary originality.

Monico'southward Taqueria

Who says yous can't find good tex mex in Hawaii? Monico's perfectly blends fresh local ingredients with delicious and innovative recipes to create a unique and personal feel. Attempt some of their seafood burritos and tacos for an interesting flavor combination.

3. Lihue

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Lihue became a prominent city on Kauai in the 1800s when it became a large office of the carbohydrate manufacture. Now it'south the second-largest town on Kauai. Lihue means "cold chill" in Hawaiian and perfectly represents the laid-back nature of the town and surrounding expanse.

Lihue has about 5.5 thousand people, and one of its biggest businesses is its local airport. Nearly all flights go to Kauai land here, so if you want accommodation near the airdrome, this is one of the best places to observe information technology.

This is as well an splendid identify to stay because you tin get all your errands done. If y'all need to finish at a Home Depot, K-Mart, or Walmart, they all have locations in Lihue. It's a good place for people who accept an extra solar day between flights or want to do some shopping for the adjacent leg of their vacation.

If yous want to experience more of the island'due south culture, so Lihue might non exist the best place for it. While Lihue has a rich history, at present it's mostly merely a small drome boondocks. At that place are ameliorate places to stay if y'all want to link yourself to Hawaiian civilisation.

Things to Do

If y'all're bored in Lihue and looking for something to exercise, try out some of these suggestions.

Uluwehi Falls (Underground Falls)

Hawaii is total of waterfalls, and none of them aren't very secret . Despite its name, Uluwehi, AKA Hugger-mugger Falls, is easy to admission and well known. However, it's nevertheless absolutely gorgeous and worth a quick visit.

You lot tin visit the falls on guided kayak tours upwards the nearby river. The kayak trip is about 45 minutes, followed past a twenty-minute hike up to the falls. Once you get there, you can become swimming in the falls and enjoy lunch.

Kalapaki Beach

The beach here is beautifully maintained and easily accessible to the public. You lot can practise surfing, pond, and body-surfing here. Unlike another swim spots on Due east Kauai, these waters are relatively calm and rubber for children to swim.

Kauai Museum

This is the best place to go if y'all want to learn more than almost local culture and history. They take several exhibits about Kauai, Lihue, and their fascinating stories. They also have a small brandish space for local artists to showcase their piece of work.

Where to Consume

If you're hungry in Lihue, Kauai, y'all should try one of these places!

The Fish Express

The Fish Express represents Lihue as 1 of their most popular restaurants. They accept an interesting blend of island and Asian-inspired dishes, which will get your gustatory modality buds roaring. They're perfect for any seafood lover. We recommend the fish tacos!

Gaylord'southward Restaurant

From Poke to pork chops, Gaylord'south has a little chip of something for anybody on the isle. Its atmosphere is unique equally well every bit the restaurant sits inside an quondam Kilohana plantation.

Pietro's Pizza Kauai

Don't be aback! Put a trivial pineapple on your pizza. It's customary in Hawaii. Or try some of the other flavors and meals they accept at Pietro's Pizza Kauai. They have other Italian food equally well similar pasta and bruschetta.

iv. Poipu

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Staying on the south side of Kauai has its benefits as well. You'll be incredibly shut to the Kahili Mountains, and the famous Jurassic Park falls. You lot could stay inland on Hawaii's commencement sugar plantation, Koloa, just nosotros recommend Poipu.

Poipu is right in the middle of the Southern coast and sits directly on the water. You won't take to bulldoze to get your feet in the sand if you stay here. It has some of the nearly cute white-sand beaches on the island and some volcanic rock formations for a dramatic aesthetic.

You'll have enough of fun in the nearby body of water with a plethora of body of water caverns and coral reefs to explore. This area is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, with tons of sheltered ponds and lifeguard services.

Since Poipu is a little bit further forth the coast, it's more than remote than large towns like Lihue and Kapa'a. If you adopt to stay in large resorts with all the civilities nearby, so this might not be the best town for you.

Things to Exercise

Read on to notice the best activities in Poipu, Kauai.

Poipu Beach Park

Poipu has i of the most unique and interesting beaches on the island. Nukomi Bespeak separates the beach into ii sandy bays with a narrow line betwixt them. Monk seals like to nap on the east side and make for nifty photographs.

You'll find a big sandbar and shallow waves on the west side, making the ideal climate for trunk surfing. In that location are as well tide pools and a lava rock surface area for small-scale children to swim.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve

This garden is a National Tropical Botanical Gardens member and has some wonderful native plants on display. You lot can reach information technology via a shuttle motorcoach from Poipu. Many of the plants and birds here are endangered and exclusive to Hawaii's unique biome.

Maha'ulepu Trail

The land you'll walk on this trail is protected by the Hawaiian government and relatively underdeveloped compared to the rest of the island. You'll pass famous sites like the Shipwreck Beach, sand-dune cliffs, and intricate limestone formations.

Where to Eat

When it's fourth dimension to sit down for a meal in Poipu, endeavor ane of our recommendations below.

Bubbas Burgers

If you've got a hankering for some classic American food, then there's no better place to fill it. Bubbas Burgers has been making burgers on Kauai since 1936. They serve freshly ground beefiness burgers along with chicken, fish, and vegan options.

Dondero's Restaurant

Dondero'south offers a classy Tuscan culinary feel in the middle of a tropical isle. They have stylish and formal decor and an exceptional menu with a wide selection of Tuscan specialties. They are but open up for dinner, so make a reservation!

Fresh Shave

After dinner, you can effort out something new. Fresh Shave'southward take on shaved ice is a healthier version of the sugary classic. They use all-natural organic ingredients and purchase them from local vendors.

v. Waimea

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Don't confuse this with Waimea on Hawaii's Big Island. Kauai has a Waimea of its own, and it has just every bit much appeal and popular. Situated on the west coast of Kauai, this erstwhile saccharide plantation has scenery unlike anywhere else on the island.

Mountains and volcanoes surround the minor town, matching the vibrant and dense green forests and patches of orangish and red. Take in the befuddling landscapes on the hundreds of hiking trails nearby.

Ascending the cute Waimea Coulee will reward you with one of the best views on all of Kauai. If you don't like to go for a trek, you might be improve off at a beach resort. This town is all near inland adventures.

Things to Do

Become audacious with these activities around Waimea, Kauai.

Waimea Coulee

Ever wondered what the grand canyon would look like if it was in Hawaii and not a desert? Welcome to Waimea Canyon. The ruby-red hues of the canyon'due south walls will amaze you as you lot explore information technology in search of waterfalls and fascinating rock formations.

Probably the best function of this hike is the views from the Pacific ocean equally well. At sure peaks, you can wait out onto the sea and down into the canyon at the same glance.

Polihale State Park

Polihale State Park  has some of the more tranquil beaches on Kauai. It's a groovy place to escape the hoard of tourists and enjoy some nature while you sunbathe. You can even rent a tent and stay the night in one of the nearby campsites.

Koke'e Mountains

Correct higher up Waimea Canyon you'll find the Koke'e Mountains. You won't detect many better views of the Kalalau Valley than the ane from these peaks. The trails here are crude and non for inexperienced hikers, but all that works pays off in the cease.

Where to Eat

All that hiking will work upwards an appetite! Try some of these fabulous restaurants in Waimea, Kauai.

Ishihara Market

This market place has a Japanese-manner deli counter full of fresh fish. You can become audacious with your diet and effort the kimchi body of water snails or iidako (baby octopus). They'll be happy to give you a gustatory modality before your purchase.

Taro Ko Fries Mill

Normal spud chips are so boring! Venture into the nearby town of Hanapepe to exam this erstwhile-schoolhouse fleck distributor'south succulent potato chips fabricated from Taro. They take garlic common salt seasoning and are the perfect crispy snack.

Porky's

Nada hits the spot afterward a long hike, quite like a good slab of meat. Effort the delicious and flavorful pulled pork from Porky's to rejuvenate yous. They serve their signature sandwiches on Hawaiian buns, over rice, and in a grilled cheese sandwich.

All-time Hotels in Kauai

Now that we've established the best places to stay in Kauai permit's learn about the island's all-time hotels.

Budget Hotels

Kauai Beach Business firm Hostel

For some people, it'due south enough to just be on the island and savor. You don't need a luxurious room with a view. Well, if you don't listen sharing, then this hostel can be perfect for you. They have a friendly and helpful staff and a great location in Kapa'a

Due south Shore Kauai Gem

On the Southern Tip of Kauai, you lot'll observe a cozy hotel near Poipu and Koloa. Information technology's less than two miles from Lawai Bay Beach and has free wifi, Air-conditioning, and an outdoor pond pool. For traveling on a budget, y'all tin't observe a better deal than this identify.

Mid-Range Hotels

Makai Gild Resort

Virtually Resorts on Kauai are way too expensive for a mid-range upkeep. The Makai Resort Club adds affordability to the appeals of resort vacations. They accept an outdoor puddle and hot tub, and the belongings overlooks a scenic ocean view.

Sandpiper 120A from HGTV's Hawaii Life

Who knows how to decorate a space better than HGTV? This fabulous bungalow was the star of HGTV's Hawaii Life and is right adjacent to the Princeville Shopping Eye. This is the perfect space to rent out with some friends as it has a pool, BBQ, and a hot tub.

Y'all'll learn what it'due south like to live on a Hawaiian Island as a local for a surprisingly affordable price.

Luxury Hotels

Society Wyndham Bali Hai Villas

Why settle for a hotel room when you lot can have a villa? This resort defines luxury with its two outdoor pools and stunning grounds with a playground for children and tropical gardens. Don't forget to try out the tennis courts and hot tub.

Your villa will have a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious living room. Y'all'll also have total laundry facilities.

Pono Kai

Pono Kai represents the pinnacle of resort potential on Kauai. It has all the features you'd expect of Paradise. This resort truly has everything from their apartments with balustrade access to stunning views of the surrounding mountain tops.

Y'all'll exist staying very shut to Waimea, so be certain to check out the "G Canyon of the Pacific" during your stay.

Where Should You lot Stay in Kauai?

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Now that you lot have all this information, where will you stay? Will y'all live it up with the effectively things in Princeville or get some mud on your boots in Waimea? Did the modest town entreatment of Poipu take hold of your eye, or were yous more intrigued by the big town of Kapa'a?

Any your favorite is, you have enough of data higher up to make the best pick. Remember to include your future travel plans, itinerary, and your fellow travelers in your decision. Anybody has a unlike preference and with the right plan, everyone can be satisfied.

We promise this guide was helpful. Enjoy your vacation!

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Source: https://travellersworldwide.com/north-america/where-to-stay-in-kauai.html

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