Best Kauai Resorts for 2026: Poipu to Princeville
Kauai resorts cluster in three areas: sunny Poipu on the south shore, the Coconut Coast around Kapaa on the east side, and green Princeville on the north shore. There are no true all-inclusive resorts on Kauai, but the best hotels bundle beaches, pools and dining into easy stays. Some are still repairing Hurricane Lowell damage, so confirm before booking.
Best Kauai resorts in Poipu (south shore)
Poipu gets the most sun and the best family beaches. The Grand Hyatt Kauai and Ko'a Kea anchor the area. The oceanfront Sheraton Kauai Resort was damaged by Hurricane Lowell and is closed for repairs as of October 2026, so confirm before booking.
Best resorts in Princeville and the north shore
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (formerly the St. Regis Princeville, originally the Princeville Hotel) and the Westin Princeville have big clifftop views over the north shore, the most scenic setting on the island.
Coconut Coast resorts near Kapaa
The Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort in Kapaa is the main Coconut Coast pick; it is closed for storm repairs and expected to reopen at the end of October 2026. Closer to Lihue Airport, the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue (the former Kauai Marriott on Kalapaki Beach) and the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort & Spa are often the best value.
Are there all-inclusive resorts on Kauai?
No Kauai resort is fully all-inclusive. The closest options are resorts with meal-credit packages and on-site dining; most visitors rent a car and eat around the island.
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Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Poipu
Poipu's flagship resort with saltwater lagoons, a lazy river, and the Anara Spa.
Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach
Poipu
A small boutique resort right on Poipu Beach, known for intimate service.
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Poipu
Beachfront in Poipu with oceanfront rooms and two pools; closed for repairs after Hurricane Lowell.
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Kapaa
A refreshed Coconut Coast resort in Kapaa with an oceanfront pool and luau; reopening after the storm.
The Royal Sonesta Kaua'i Resort Lihue
Lihue
The former Kauai Marriott on Kalapaki Beach, fresh off a multi-year renovation completed in late 2025.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Princeville
The former Princeville Resort reborn as a sustainable luxury flagship.
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Princeville
Spacious villa-style suites with kitchens on the Princeville plateau.
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences
Lihue
Residence-style luxury at Hokuala with an oceanfront golf course.
Hanalei Colony Resort
North Shore
The only beachfront resort past Hanalei in Haena; road and ocean conditions can affect access.
Waimea Plantation Cottages
West Side
Restored early-1900s plantation cottages under coconut palms on the west side.
Aston Islander on the Beach
Kapaa
A relaxed, low-rise Coconut Coast resort in Kapaa with tropical grounds.
Plantation Hale Suites
Kapaa
Affordable one-bedroom kitchenette suites in Kapaa.
Kauai Shores Hotel
Kapaa
A bright, budget-friendly beachfront hotel in Kapaa.
Poipu Kai Resort
Poipu
A sprawling condo resort in Poipu with multiple pools near the beaches.
Cliffs at Princeville
Princeville
Clifftop condos, open while Building 1 undergoes renovation through early 2027.
OUTRIGGER Kaua'i Beach Resort & Spa
Lihue
Four pools with waterfalls and sand-bottom lagoons minutes from Lihue Airport, the former Kauai Beach Resort & Spa.
Koloa Landing Resort at Po'ipu, Autograph Collection
Poipu
Villa-style resort with one of Hawaii's largest resort pools, steps from turtle-rich snorkeling at Koloa Landing.
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kaua'i by OUTRIGGER
Poipu
Beachfront plantation-style condos set in 35 acres of lawns and gardens on Kiahuna Beach.
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Kapaa
Oceanfront rooms at the mouth of the Wailua River between Lihue and Kapaa.
Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club
Poipu
Marriott vacation-club villas directly on Poipu Beach, bookable by the night.
Marriott's Kauai Beach Club
Lihue
Villa resort on Kalapaki Beach near Nawiliwili Harbor, next to the Royal Sonesta grounds.
Hanalei Bay Resort
Princeville
Condo resort on the Princeville bluffs with Hanalei Bay views, pool, and tennis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Poipu on the south shore has the most reliable sunshine and the widest choice of family resorts, while Princeville offers the most scenic north-shore luxury.
Useful links
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Poipu guide: the best things to do, Poipu Beach, top resorts and restaurants on Kauai's sunny south shore, plus where to stay.
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Princeville guide: things to do, best resorts including 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay and the Westin, Queen's Bath, golf, and nearby beaches.