6 Best Hotels in Kauai, Hawaii

Set to open in late 2022 and not available for final viewing at the time of this writing, this swanky wellness resort—the newly renovated former St. Regis Princeville—offers expansive views of the sea and mountains, including Makana, the landmark peak immortalized as mysterious Bali Hai in the film South Pacific. The reopening follows a $250 million overhaul that includes five restaurants and bars, the Bamford Wellness Spa, a gym and fitness classes, on-site organic garden, a golf course, a spectacular pool, and kids' club. The spacious guest rooms, many with private lanai, range from garden rooms to lavish suites with ocean views; the neutral-hue decor uses textures and materials that evoke the natural world. 

The nicest feature of this three-story condominium resort overlooking Hanalei Bay is its upper-level pool with authentic lava-rock waterfalls, an open-air hot tub, and a kid-friendly sand beach. The buildings angle down the cliffs, making for some steep walking paths. Units are spacious, with high, sloping ceilings and large private lanai. Rattan furniture and island art add a casual feeling to rooms. Some units are managed by the resort and others by private owners. All units have kitchens, including the smaller studios. This is a good choice for tennis buffs, and the on-site Happy Talk Lounge is lively in the evening with music, bar food, and dining.

The only true beachfront resort on Kauai's North Shore, Hanalei Colony is a laid-back, go-barefoot kind of resort sandwiched between towering mountains and the sea. There's an emphasis on simplicity here, but Wi-Fi is available in every unit. Some units are 10 feet from the sand, and though it's a beautiful coastline, the ocean is normally too rough for swimming. Many of the units are individually owned and generally well maintained, with Hawaiian-style furnishings, full kitchens, and lanai. Amenities, such as cocktail receptions and cultural activities, vary from season to season. There's an art gallery, small spa, and restaurant on-site.

The road leading to this resort can occasionally be closed due to flooding, blocking access to the airport, so plan accordingly.

If you're looking for lodgings that won't break the bank and put you just a block from gorgeous Hanalei Bay, look no further, as this is literally the only choice among the town's pricey vacation rentals. The four attached studio cottages are bare-bones simple; the chief appeal here is price and location. Besides a private bath and queen-size bed, every room has HDTV and Wi-Fi, as well as a kitchen or kitchenette. Outside, you share a picnic table, hammocks, soda machine, and barbecue with other guests.

It isn't easy to find good budget lodgings on the southwest side of the island, but this old-fashioned neighborhood inn with studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites does an adequate job in cooler upcountry Kalaheo Town. Suites have kitchenettes, and some have full kitchens. There's a great little hilltop park and nine-hole golf course just up the road, and it's an easy drive to westside sights. The inn has loaner clubs and beach gear.

Spread out over 18½ acres on a bluff above Anini Beach, this Westin property marries the comforts of spacious condominium living with the top-notch service and amenities of a luxurious hotel resort. Studios and one- and two-bedroom units are offered—many of which have ocean views and lawn-facing lanai where nene, Hawaii's threatened state goose, amble by with their young—and there's a nice pool for children. The resort will even stock your fridge, for a fee. From the tapa-inspired art in each villa's living room to the wood cutouts of Hawaii's state plant, taro, the place has a relaxing ambience with Hawaiian elements and is one of the better values on the North Shore.