Source: travelandleisure.com
Stay at these editor-loved properties and T+L award winners in sunny Hawaiʻi.
Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kauaʻi is beloved for its 550 square miles of lush tropical vegetation and pristine beaches; its wild terrain made it an apt filming location for the likes of “Lord of the Flies,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and the Jurassic Park franchise. While still beautiful and rustic, more recently Kauaʻi has seen a rise in posh new hotels, including the stunning 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
Ready to plan your next trip to Kauaʻi? Read on to discover the best hotels and resorts in the region, from opulent five-star lodgings to budget-friendlier rooms, plus plenty of choices for residential-style stays with room for larger groups. As a travel journalist who has explored all over Hawaiʻi for work and leisure many times over the last 15 years, I curated this list with expert recommendations from Travel + Leisure editors, contributors, and readers, along with winners from our World’s Best Awards.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Opened in 2023 on the site of the former St. Regis Princeville, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is an ultra-posh new entry onto Kauaʻi’s hotel scene. The North Shore property situated on a legendary beach is all about biophilic design principles, with natural landscapes woven through low-impact structures that blend seamlessly into their cliffside environment. Streams and gardens dot the property, where there are 252 airy rooms, including 51 suites.
The 18,000-square-foot Bamford Wellness Spa includes cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers, infrared saunas with halotherapy, ice baths, a meditation pod, and a salt pod flotation chamber. And the 10,000 square-foot Anatomy fitness center is an open-air oceanfront environment with indoor and outdoor yoga spaces. Among the many dining options is the signature 1 Kitchen, with a plant-driven menu and one of the island’s largest wine lists.
Details
- Distance From Airport: 29 miles
- Accessibility: Accessible rooms, restaurants, bars, and restrooms, braille signage, plus an all-terrain beach wheelchair available for guests who need it.
- Loyalty Programs: Mission by 1 Hotels
- Parking: Valet with $50 charge plus tax per night
- Resort Fee: No
- Rates: From $1,200 per night
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
This family-friendly cliffside vacation ownership resort is near Anini Beach and a short drive from Hanalei Bay. Dining options include the Princeville Bistro or Nanea Bar & Grill. There’s a 24-hour fitness studio as well as outdoor pools overlooking the ocean. Each residential-style villa here includes a furnished lanai, living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and sofa bed, so they’re ideal for groups traveling together. Floorplans range from studio accommodations to two bedrooms up to 1,300-plus square feet, with room for as many as eight adults.
Details:
- Location: Princeville
- Distance From Airport: 25 miles
- Accessibility: Accessible guest rooms, on-site parking, elevators, and swimming pools. Service animals welcome.
- Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
- Parking: Yes, $25 per day
- Resort Fee: No
- Rates: From $438 per night
Know Before You Go
Consider renting a car
Kauaʻi is one of the more remote Hawaiian islands, so the easiest way to get around is with your own car. Rideshare and taxis work too, but they can be expensive and not as plentiful as on the mainland. Some hotels run shuttles on a schedule, and there is also a public bus system.
Understand the different regions of Kauaʻi before booking accommodations
Different regions of Kauaʻi offer different experiences, so take this into account before booking and consider splitting your time between several accommodations if you want a varied experience. The main regions with accommodations are the North Shore (Princeville, Hanalei), east coast (more densely populated), and South Shore (home to family-friendly beaches and more affordable vacation lodgings).
Expect precipitation
Kauaʻi is generally warm and tropical year round, with substantial rain. The dry season runs from April to October, and the months between November and March are considered the wet months. December and January — popular months for travel from the mainland — see the most rain.
