Before making reservations on a lodging it's best to review a map of the island and plan ahead. Think about the activites and sightseeing you want to do. While it's true that you can drive to any part of the island within an hour or two you'll spend less time in the car if you book your lodging in a spot that's closest to the places you'll spend most of your time. The one main highway is only two lanes and tends to get fairly congested at times.
The "windward" side, especially the north coast can get up to twice rain than the sunny south coast. If you come from a cold and rainy region looking for a sunny Hawaiian vacation you could be disappointed if you stay on the lush, green, tropical - and wetter - north coast. Yes, it will still be warm but more with more cloud cover and showers.
Location and setting also affects lodging prices. There can be a sizable price difference between ocean view and non-ocean view units - the so-called 'garden' or 'mountain' view rooms - all within the same resort. Also, resorts or condo properties set inland - even a block or two - can sometimes be 10-20% cheaper than properties that front or connect directly with the beach. Yes, you'll have to walk a bit or bike or even make a short drive but if helps to fit Kauai into your budget it may be worth the walk.
Make your reservations early to get the best choices for unit type, location, and price. Larger condo resorts often have multiple owners so search the Web by resort name and compare prices. Note that "by owner" listings for condos ususally offer rates that a litte lower than what the big agencies will charge for the same complex - although selection will be narrower (e.g. one to four units). Get a complete written quote of all expense plus the cancellation and refund policy before sending a deposit.
Another option is camping. There are many county and a state park where camping is allowed. Permits are cheap but required.
Budget
Kapa'a Beach House, 1552 Kuhio Highway, Phone: +1 808 822-3313. Prices from $23 (Dormitory) to $50 (Double).
Kauai International Hostel, 4532 Lehua St, +1 808 823-6142. Prices from $20 (Dormitory) to $50 (Double).
Camp in Koke'e State Park at Waimea Canyon. State Parks Office, +1 808 274-3444. Rental cabins, +1 808 335-6061. Camping information, +1 808 274-3433.
Mid-range
A great way to stay is to rent a condo or house.
RE/MAX Kauai vacation rentals. Offers a variety of vacation rental homes and condos around the island. Price vary from $100/night condos to $650/night beachfront homes. 1-877-838-8149
Kiahuna Vacation. Kauai oceanfront condominiums by private owner in the Kiahuna Planatation at Poipu Beach. Nightly rates are $160 per night. Get one free night when you pay for 10 nights.
Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation. Beachfront condominiums on the world-renowned Poipu Beach.
Outrigger at Lae Nani. Outrigger at Lae Nani condominiums are set on the lush eastern shore of Kauai and offer a peaceful haven of comfort and relaxation.
Aloha Beach Resort, 3-5920 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa. (route 56 near Lydgate Beach Park just south of the bridge over the Wailua River). Provides family-friendly accommodations, with educational programs featuring various aspects of Native Hawaiian culture. Two pools. Enclosed ocean area at Lydgate Beach Park within walking distance, snorkel gear available for rent. Friendly front desk staff. (Tip: booking through their website provides the best rates.) Rooms about average size, some wear and tear on the furniture. $85-$259 double with garden and ocean views available. $220-359 cottages.
Kauai Vacation Homes. Browse Kauai vacation rentals in Princeville Resort. 3 bedroom homes starting at just $215/night.
Hanalei Vacation Rentals. A selection of Kauai accommodations in Anini Beach, Haena, Hanalei & Princeville Resort on the North Shore.
Princeville Vacation Rentals. Coldwell Banker Kauai accommodations and real estate in Hanalei Bay, Haena Beach, Princeville Resort & Anini Beach.
Hale Kipa Golf Course Home, Napookala Circle, Princeville. A Three Master Bedroom Vacation Rental where, for three couples, each has the privacy of their own master bedroom, with cable TV, and also the luxury of a large living area, looking out on golf course, mountains, ocean and waterfalls, to share with family or friends. For extended families, the house accommodates up to about ten. 1-800-686-6926
PoipuKai Resort. Located in Poipu on the south shore of Kauai between Shipwreck beach and Poipu beach this condo complex has a wide range of condos of different sizes and price ranges. The condos are well maintained and walking distance from the Poipu beaches. If you are travelling with the kids this is a great way to go because you get more space than you do in a hotel, for less money. Because each condo is fully equipped with kitchens and laundry facilities, you don't necessarily need to eat out for every meal. There are plenty of road side fruit stands in the area where you can pick up some fresh papayas, bananas, pineapples, etc. The condos are a favorite way to relax on the island. 1-800-367-8020
Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy. Spacious condominium accommodations with breathtaking views of the tropical gardens or Pacific Ocean become your own personal haven. Relax in comfort, enjoying the peace and tranquility of Kauai. Choose from 108 studios, one bedroom and two-bedroom condominium accommodations all decorated with red, gold, and green fabrics, carpeted floors, and island-style accents.
Hanalei Vacations Kauai Vacation Rental. Homes, Condos and Cottages on Kauai's North Shore with prices to fit all budgets . 1-800-487-9833
Emmalani's Kauai Cottages. Near Kilauea on the north shore. Beautiful small cottages in a garden setting. Beaches are only a short 10 minute drive away. The prices are very reasonable for your own home away from home.
Luxury
Kauai Vacation Rentals. Great selection of homes, condos and cottages on Kauai's North shore. (800) 487-9833
ZEN Tropical Kauai Hideaway. Property ID#2196 Located in Princeville.
Kauai Rentals. A selection of luxury home and condo vacation rentals on Kauai.
Kauai Vacation Rentals and Real Estate, + 1 800 367-5025, +1 808 245-8841. Vacation home rentals featuring a variety of lodging styles and locations.
Whaler's Cove. Pamper yourself in spacious luxury in private 1-2bedroom condos. The resort is located right on the ocean in Sunny Poipu. Each suite has a large spacious lanai that looks out over the coastline. This private resort will become your tropical home away from home. Tip: you can check the hotel web site for low season discounts. High season rates range from $369-$656.
Princeville Resort in the north at Hanalei Bay, 5520 Ka Haku Rd, +1 808 826-9644. For those who want to pay for something spectacular - the views are incredible, especially of sunset from the spectacular lobby lounge, although the hotel is old and the rooms are in desperate need of a makeover. Even if you do not have the budget to stay here, you can reach the beach through this hotel-- look for spots marked for public access in the parking lot. $405-$615 double, suites from $705.
Kauai Hyatt Resort. Another excellent destination on the southern tip of the island. Tip: you can get 50% off rack rates by using airline hotel vouchers—most airlines hand them out as a perk with award flight bookings. They often surface on eBay.
Makahuena. Located in Poipu on the Sunny South Shore, situated directly on the ocean between the Kauai Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Marriott Waiohai Hotel, you will find the Makahuena. The key beauty of Makahuena is that although it is practially next door to Hyatt, it sits right atop the beach, compared to the sometimes great distances from the ocean of the other hotels. Building number 5 of the Makahuena has two giant 2,400 square foot penthouse units that are directly on the waterfront. From this spectactular location, you can see both the sunset and sunrise over the water. This location is very private, hidden, and quiet, and you won't see anyone walking between you and the ocean.
Grand Hyatt Kauai, 1571 Poipu Road, Tel +1 808 742 1234 (fax: +1 808 742 1557).
Information on this page has been extracted http://wikitravel.org/en/Kauai from and is based on work by rentals@aloha.net, Evan Prodromou, Shallana, David, Amy Kammerman, Todd VerBeek, Paul Matsi, Stacy Hall and Sam, Wikitravel user(s) PatelRahul and Applegettwo, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.
