Where to stay in Kauai at a glance
State tourism information names five resort areas: Princeville on the North Shore, the Coconut Coast on the East Side, Līhuʻe and Kalapakī, Poʻipū on the South Shore, and Waimea on the West Side. The main roads reach the north and the west by way of Līhuʻe, and you cannot plan on a road through the Na Pali Coast. Pick the side of the island that matches what you want to do most, and expect to drive for the rest.
This page names no hotels and quotes no room prices, because those change by date. It explains the areas, so you can compare properties on a booking page with a clear idea of where you want to be. This is an independent guide, not a hotel or an agency.
Kauai hotels and resorts by area
Drive times are planning values from the airport. Traffic and road works can change them.
| Area | Coast | From the airport | Good base for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poʻipū | South Shore | about 30 minutes | Poipu Beach Park, Spouting Horn | Drier: 2.00 in of rain in an average May |
| Kapaʻa and Wailua | East Side, Coconut Coast | Wailua about 15 minutes | Wailua River, Wailua Falls, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, luaus | Fern Grotto and Secret Falls are restricted right now |
| Princeville and Hanalei | North Shore | about 1 hour | Hanalei Bay, Hāʻena and the Kalalau Trail | Wetter, one-lane bridge to Hanalei |
| Līhuʻe and Kalapakī | Southeast | – | Arrival and departure days | Not the same as the whole East Side |
| Waimea | West Side | – | Waimea Canyon, when it reopens | Canyon and Kōkeʻe are closed on 19 October 2026 |
Kauai tours and day trips
Boat tours, helicopter flights, kayak trips and more, with pickup details and live prices.
Poʻipū and the South Shore
Poʻipū is the resort zone of the South Shore. The Poʻipū Beach Park has parking, lifeguards daily, toilets, showers and picnic tables, according to state tourism information. Spouting Horn, where surf is forced through a lava tube, is a separate stop nearby. Neither is a feature of every hotel, so check how far a property is from them.
The south is drier than the north. In the May averages Poʻipū gets 2.00 in (50.8 mm) of rain, against 6.47 in (164.3 mm) in Hanalei. See Poipu for the beach, the monk seals and the viewing distances.
Kapaʻa, Wailua and the East Side
Kapaʻa and Wailua sit on the Coconut Coast, which state tourism information lists as an East Side resort area. It is about 15 minutes from the airport to Wailua. The East Side is a base for the river, the falls and luaus rather than for beaches alone, and a hotel here is not automatically within walking distance of the river.
Right now the Wailua River and its landing area are open, while hiking past the trailhead and Secret Falls stay closed, and individual kayakers cannot reach Fern Grotto. Read Wailua for fees and closures, and Luaus on Kauai for evening shows.
Princeville and Hanalei
Princeville is the North Shore resort zone, about 1 hour from the airport. Hanalei lies west of it and is reached over a one-lane bridge with alternating traffic. From here you can reach Hāʻena, which reopened on 15 October 2026, using the shuttle from Waipā Park and Ride near Hanalei. The North Shore is wetter than the south, and the Hāʻena operator expects rougher seas from October to April. Read Hanalei and Haena State Park before you choose it.
Līhuʻe and Waimea
Līhuʻe and Kalapakī form their own resort zone in the southeast, where the airport is. Do not treat it as the whole East Side. Waimea on the West Side is the gateway to Waimea Canyon. Earlier planning values from state tourism information give about 1 hour 15 minutes from the airport to the canyon and 1 hour 40 minutes to the Kalalau Lookout. The canyon and Kōkeʻe are closed for now, so a West Side stay makes less sense until they reopen. See Waimea Canyon.
Costs, tax and getting around from your base
- Hotel tax: The state rate has been 11 % since 1 January 2026, instead of 10.25 %. It is a percentage on the room, not a separate island fee. Which rate applies to a booking made earlier can depend on when payment was made. Other taxes, resort fees and parking differ by property, so look at the final price at checkout.
- Taxi: The airport authority lists rough guides from the airport: $42–52.50 to Poʻipū and $22–27.60 for Wailua and Waipouli. These are not fixed 2026 fares.
- Bus: Regular fares are back since 1 October 2026: $2 on the mainline, $0.50 on a local shuttle line and $5 for a day pass. Sunday service is listed as suspended until further notice.
- Check the property: After the storm, confirm that your hotel is operating on your dates.
Comparing islands for your stay? Maui and Oahu have their own guides: where to stay on Maui and where to stay on Oahu.
Explore from your base
Pages for each side of the island.
Where to stay in Kauai: frequently asked questions
Which area is best for a first visit?
It depends on what you want to do. The South Shore suits Poʻipū Beach Park and a drier climate, the East Side suits the river, the falls and luaus, and the North Shore suits Hanalei and Hāʻena. Expect to drive between sides of the island.
How far is each area from the airport?
According to state tourism information: Wailua about 15 minutes, Kōloa 25 minutes, Poʻipū about 30 minutes and Princeville about 1 hour. See the airport page.
Is there an extra fee for staying on Kauai?
The state hotel tax has been 11 % since 1 January 2026. It is a percentage on the room, not a flat island entry fee. Resort fees and parking depend on the property.
Where is it driest?
The south. In the May averages Poʻipū gets 2.00 in (50.8 mm) and Līhuʻe 2.18 in (55.4 mm), against 6.47 in (164.3 mm) in Hanalei. See Kauai weather.
Do I need a rental car?
A car gives the most freedom, because no road runs around the whole island. The county bus runs with regular fares again and no Sunday service is listed for now. Rental counters are across the street from baggage claim at the airport.