Kauai Hotels

Hawaii's oldest island is known for its diverse landscapes and spectacular beaches. Many movies have been filmed here due to the island's plunging cliffs and multi-story waterfalls that look even better in person than they do on the screen. Wherever you go on the island, you'll find exotic flowers and birds, friendly locals who demonstrate the aloha spirit, and a view every which way you look. There are Kauai hotels on all the island's shores, but which side of the island you choose for your stay will influence the type of trip you have.

Getting Around the Island

If you want golf courses, a historic town, and golden beaches where you might be able to spy the endangered monk seal, then the South Shore is calling you, and many luxurious hotels in Kauai line the famed Poipu Beach. Moving to the East Shore, also known as the Coconut Coast, there are many of resorts tucked among the swaying palms. Activities on this side of the island include river kayaking, snorkeling, and shopping for jewelry in Kapaa. Across the island, the West Shore is perhaps the most off the beaten track, but worth a visit to see awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon.

Some of the island's most celebrated sights are located on the North Shore, where you'll find the famous Na Pali Cliffs, which you can only reach by sea, helicopter, or on foot. The nearest Kauai hotels and resorts sit in the area of Princeville, which offers mountain views and pristine coral reefs where you'll find fish of all colors and giant sea turtles. Finally, if you're looking for cheap Kauai hotels, then the area near the airport in Lihue is probably your best bet. You'll also find some finer hotels here, too, and this is where many of the island's cultural sites and museums tend to cluster, including a historic plantation.