Hotels & Rentals
Whether you're visiting Kauai for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous island experience, or a meaningful Shabbat or holiday in paradise, finding the right place to stay can make all the difference!
The Kauai Jewish Center is currently in a period of transition as we work toward establishing a permanent home on the island. As such, our location may change, and we are not presently within convenient walking distance of the island's main hotels and resort areas.
For visitors who are Shabbat observant or hoping to join us for Shabbat or holiday meals, we encourage you to explore our Shabbat & Holiday Information before finalizing your accommodations. Planning ahead will help you determine which arrangements may best suit your needs during your stay.
Get to know Kauai
Although Kauai is a relatively small island, its different regions can offer different experiences. Weather, accessibility, and overall atmosphere can vary significantly depending on where you stay.
North Shore: Lush, tropical, and breathtakingly green, with dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. This region generally receives more rainfall, contributing to its vibrant scenery.
East Side (Coconut Coast): Centrally located along the island's eastern coastline, offering convenient access to both the North and South Shores. A great option for visitors who plan to explore different parts of the island.
South Shore: Known for its sunnier, drier weather, beautiful beaches, and resort communities. Especially popular with visitors looking for beach days, relaxation, and family-friendly accommodations.
West Side: Quieter, more rural, and generally drier, with spectacular natural landscapes, small historic towns, and access to Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park. Ideal for those seeking a slower-paced, less resort-oriented experience.
Getting Around
Renting a car is highly recommended, as public transportation is limited for sightseeing and attractions are spread across the island. Kauai has one main road connecting most populated areas, and you cannot drive directly around the entire island.
Travel times: Although distances may look short on a map, traffic, winding roads, and weather conditions can make travel take longer than expected. The North and West Shores are particularly far apart.
Weather
Kauai's tropical climate means sunshine and passing rain showers can occur on the same day. Conditions can also differ dramatically between one side of the island and another.
Helpful Resources for Planning Your Stay
For additional information, accommodation comparisons, and travel planning, we recommend exploring the following resources:
Go Hawaii — Official Kauai Accommodations Guide — Explore hotels, resorts, condos, and vacation rentals throughout the island.
Hawaii Guide — Where to Stay on Kauai — Compare the island's different regions, attractions, and accommodation options.
Booking.com — Browse hotels, resorts, and vacation accommodations.
Airbnb — Search private homes, apartments, and vacation rentals.
Vrbo — Explore condos and vacation homes, especially for families and larger groups.
Hawaii Ocean Safety — Check beach conditions and safety information before heading out.
North (Princeville, Hanalei, Kilaeu, etc.)
The North Shore is known for its spectacular natural beauty, lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful tropical atmosphere. Home to the picturesque towns of Hanalei, Princeville, and Kilauea, this region offers some of Kauai's most breathtaking scenery, along with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and a relaxed island lifestyle.
The North Shore receives more rainfall than other parts of the island, particularly during the winter months, but the rain contributes to its vibrant, tropical landscape. Summer generally brings calmer ocean conditions, while winter can bring powerful surf and heavy rainfall.
Princeville offers upscale resorts, vacation condos, and private rentals, while Hanalei has a charming small-town atmosphere with more limited accommodations. This area is especially appealing to nature lovers, couples, and visitors seeking a scenic and tranquil getaway.
Hotels
Hanalei Bay Resort
The Cliffs at Princeville
Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
Vacation Rentals
Hostels & Budget Accommodations
Traditional hostels are extremely limited on the North Shore. Visitors seeking budget-friendly stays may wish to explore shared accommodations, guesthouses, and private room rentals.
Airbnb — North Shore Private Rooms
East (Kapa'a, Wailua, & Lihue)
Known as the Coconut Coast, Kauai's East Side offers a wonderful combination of convenience, beautiful scenery, and a lively local atmosphere. With its central location, it is an excellent choice for visitors who plan to explore multiple areas of the island without committing to one particular shore.
The East Side is home to Kapaa, Wailua, and Lihue, where visitors will find beaches, shopping, walking and biking paths, and attractions such as Wailua Falls and the Wailua River. Lihue is also home to Kauai's main airport, making this region particularly convenient for arrivals and departures.
Accommodations range from affordable hotels and oceanfront condos to comfortable vacation rentals and upscale resorts. The East Side is often one of the more budget-friendly areas of Kauai, making it a popular option for families, longer stays, and travelers looking for a convenient home base.
Hotels
Kauai Shores Hotel
Aston Islander on the Beach
Kauai Palms Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Timbers Kauai at Hokuala
Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Vacation Rentals
Hostels & Budget Accommodations
Kauai Beach House Hostel — historical hostel listing; verify whether it is currently operating.
South (Poipu, Kokoa, & Lawai)
Kauai's South Shore is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and welcoming resort communities. As one of the driest parts of the island, it is especially popular with visitors looking to enjoy warm beach days, swimming, snorkeling, and outdoor relaxation.
The Poipu and Koloa areas offer a wide selection of accommodations, including beachfront resorts, family-friendly condominiums, and private vacation homes. Visitors can enjoy nearby attractions such as Poipu Beach, Spouting Horn, Old Koloa Town, and scenic coastal walking trails.
With its combination of resort amenities, shopping, beaches, and generally favorable weather, the South Shore is a particularly popular choice for families, couples, and first-time visitors to Kauai. It can also be a good option during the winter months, when the North Shore tends to experience more rain and larger waves.
Hotels
Sheraton Kauai Resort
Marriott's Waiohai Beach Club
Hilton Vacation Club The Point at Poipu
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Ko'a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
Vacation Rentals
Hostels & Budget Accommodations
Traditional hostels are very limited in this area. Budget-conscious travelers may find more options in guesthouses, private room rentals, and condominium accommodations.
West (Waimea, Hanapepe, & Kekaha)
Kauai's West Side offers a quieter, more rural island experience, with wide-open landscapes, charming historic towns, and access to some of Kauai's most extraordinary natural attractions.
This region is home to Waimea Canyon, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, along with Kōkeʻe State Park, scenic mountain lookouts, and beautiful hiking trails. The coastal areas tend to be sunnier and drier, while the higher elevations can be cooler, misty, and rainy.
Unlike the North, East, and South Shores, the West Side has relatively few large hotels or resorts. Accommodations are generally smaller, including plantation-style cottages, inns, guesthouses, and limited vacation rentals.
The West Side is a wonderful choice for visitors seeking peace, nature, and a slower pace of life. However, those planning to explore the entire island should keep in mind that this area is farther from the North Shore and many major resort communities.
Hotels, Inns & Cottages
Waimea Plantation Cottages
The West Inn Kauai
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
There are no major luxury resort hotels on Kauai's West Side. Visitors seeking upscale accommodations may wish to consider private vacation homes or resorts on the South Shore.
Vacation Rentals
Hostels & Budget Accommodations
Traditional hostels are extremely limited on the West Side. Small inns, cottages, and guesthouses are generally the most practical alternatives.