There's a good reason why Kauai is often referred to as the Garden Isle. This beautiful island is largely covered with lush greenery and tropical plants. As the oldest and arguably the most beautiful of the main Hawaii islands, Kauai offers something for everyone. Luxurious resorts with sparkling oceanfront pools line the eastern shores, while the more remote parts of the island offer jaw-dropping waterfalls, colorful coastal cliffs, and the stunning Waimea Canyon. Everyone should experience the unparalleled beauty of Kauai at least once in their lifetime, so here are the island's best beachfront hotels and resorts.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
Roughly 1 mile away from the Poipu Beach Park, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa is a 5-star hotel with more than 600 guest rooms. The resort offers activities such as lei making, ukulele lessons, and a traditional luau, and there is an excellent selection of on-site restaurants and tropically themed bars.
Guests can also get pampered in the 45,000-square-foot spa, enjoy a game of tennis on one of the resort's courts, take a dip in one of the indoor or outdoor pools, or break a sweat in the well-equipped fitness center, which is open 24/7.
1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, Phone: 808-742-1234, Map
Hanalei Bay Resort
Nestled on 22 lush acres, Hanalei Bay Resort prides itself on its friendly service and excellent views of spectacular Hanalei Bay. The beautiful beach is only a 5-minute walk away, and a complimentary golf cart shuttle service is offered to guests 24/7.
Surrounded by waterfalls and tropical gardens, the free-form lagoon pool is another great place to go for a swim; a second, smaller pool with a swim-up bar is available to adult guests. Both one and two-bedroom condos are available for rent, and larger, privately owned units can sometimes be rented directly from the owners.
Hanalei Bay Resort, 5380 Honoiki Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, Phone: 808-826-6522
Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort
Tucked away on the eastern shore of the island, Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort boasts 25 acres of oceanfront luxury. Everything you need for the perfect vacation can be found in the resort, including several excellent restaurants, live music and entertainment throughout the day, a fitness center, four swimming pools with waterfalls and a waterslide, and a spa offering massages and other beauty treatments.
The centrally located resort is also a great place to base yourself if you're interested in taking some day trips around the island; the forested northern mountains and the beautiful Waimea Canyon are within easy reach.
Kauai Beach Resort, 4331 Kauai Beach Dr, Lihue, HI 96766, Phone: 808-245-1955
Alii Kai Resort
Breathtaking views are the order of the day at the Alii Kai Resort , which is perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean. The resort offers weekly stays in its fully furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos, which can accommodate up to six people. A wide variety of activities are offered, including snorkeling and scuba diving, surfing, ukulele classes, traditional lei-making lessons, and yoga sessions. If you're more interested in relaxing, in-room massage services are offered as well. The resort staff are happy to help you plan your perfect vacation, and a complimentary breakfast and orientation session takes place every Sunday morning.
Alii Kai Resort, 3830 Edward Rd, Princeville, HI 96722, Phone: 808-826-9988
Aston Islander on the Beach
Encompassing six beautifully landscaped acres on the Coconut Coast, Aston Islander on the Beach is an intimate hotel located right on the waterfront amid the palm trees. The plantation-style thatched huts boast hand-carved furnishings, rattan furniture, well-equipped kitchenettes, and patios or balconies, while the beachfront common area offers guests a large pool, a hot tub, several barbecue areas, and a poolside bar with a daily happy hour and live music twice a week. Rooms come with either a garden view or an ocean view, and a free shuttle is offered to and from the airport.
Aston Islander on the Beach , 440 Aleka Pl, Kapaa, HI 96746, Phone: 808-822-7417
Banyan Harbor Resort
Located minutes away from the airport and only a block away from well-known Kalapaki Beach, the Banyan Harbor Resort offers one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom townhouses.
The tropically furnished condos all include living rooms, private balconies with stunning views, well-equipped kitchens, and dining areas, while the resort's outdoor amenities include a heated pool and barbecue areas. A wide variety of shops and restaurants can be found within a 2-mile radius, and guests can also head to the nearby Kalapaki Beach to swim, sunbathe, participate in water sports, or take advantage of the tennis and shuffleboard courts on the beach.
Banyan Harbor Resort, 3411 Wilcox Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, Phone: 808-245-7333
Hanalei Colony Resort
As the only resort on Kauai's remote north shore, the Hanalei Colony Resort offers the opportunity to truly escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The resort sits on 5 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens complete with water features, and it offers an on-site spa, three unique food and beverage outlets, and a luxurious pool area with a hot tub. A complimentary shuttle to nearby towns and some of the north shore's most magnificent attractions is available to guests, and free parking is offered at the resort for those who prefer to drive themselves.
Hanalei Colony Resort , 5 7130 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714, Phone: 808-826-6235
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Conveniently located right next to the family-friendly Lydgate Beach Park, the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay boasts a beautiful beach with a protected swimming lagoon. The resort is close to a number of waterfalls, parks, and cultural attractions, and 2-hour bike rentals are included in the resort fee. The on-site ocean view restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the resort also has a 24-hour market for guests who get hungry when the restaurant is closed. Free Wi-Fi is available in all public areas, and resort amenities include two pools, a hot tub, and a fitness center.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay, 3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, HI 96746, Phone: 808-823-6000
