Best Kauai Hotels

The Marriott is one of the older luxury hotels on Kauai, however it is still a star performer. It also holds the distinction of being one of the tallest buildings on Kauai at ten stories (all other buildings are limited by the “coconut tree” ordinance to four stories). This Kauai hotel began its life as the Kauai Surf Hotel and was remodeled by Chris Hemmeter into an opulent display of Greek marbles and Asian art surrounding towering fountains. When Marriott took over the property they toned it down a bit bringing a more relaxed Hawaiian serenity to the decor, including the replacing of the Greek horses galloping over sprays of water with a Hawaiian Garden with waterfall and koi pond. The colonnaded pool with marble animals spouting water remains.

The Kauai Beach Resort is a great value. The services at the hotel are excellent, including a fine restaurant and bar serving one of the islands best brunches and an excellent poolside happy hour. The hotel operates like a happy little enclave unto itself, with enough amenities and restaurants that you could get enough of a vacation hardly leaving the resort property. The coastline from the hotel is picturesque; however, the beach generates fierce currents and has a rocky bottom, in short: not a great swimming beach. If you’re seeking a nightlife or safe snorkeling or bodysurfing beaches, you’ll want to venture further east (in other words, the resort’s location is somewhat of a drawback). This property has changed management three times in the past ten years so don’t be surprised to arrive at a hotel of a different name. The prices, however, are among the lowest you will find for a resort of this level. 

One of the more authentic properties on Kauai, this resort is composed of refurbished plantation cottages arranged on lush central grounds. Though lower maintenance in appearance, these cottages are darling and capture the upscale bungalow quality that has come to be synonymous with Westside appeal. The resort provides every amenity you would expect at a traditional resort including a spa, restaurant and luxury suites, but does so in the relaxed manner so apropos to the Westside. Fall asleep on a waterfront hammock, rock in your porch rocking chair while watching the Westside ocean sunset. Cottages aren’t cheap but offer ways to save money, including full kitchens and BBQ grills. Sizes range from one- to six-bedrooms. The Manager’s House is a favorite for oceanfront weddings.