Where to Stay on Kauai

When planning a trip to Kauai, one of the biggest questions travelers face is where to stay on the island. While Kauai is relatively small, it can still take well over an hour to drive from the resort town of Poipu in the South to the lush beaches of Hanalei Bay in the North.

We personally spent the first part of our trip in Kapaʻa, on the East side, using it as a central hub to explore the island, and then wrapped up our vacation with a few nights at a resort in Poʻipū. This balance gave us the best of both worlds—a home base for adventure and relaxation at some of the island's most popular beaches. We also saved a bit of money by staying at an Airbnb for the majority of our trip and only moving to a resort once we were ready to relax.

Here’s a breakdown of Kauai’s main regions to help you decide where is best for your stay.

North Shore: Hanalei, Princeville & Beyond

Vibe: Lush, tropical, and laid-back.

The North Shore of Kauai is known for its dramatic mountain backdrops, lush greenery, and some of the island’s most stunning beaches, like Hanalei Bay and Tunnels Beach. Staying here feels like stepping into a postcard.

• Hanalei: A charming surf town with boutique shops, food trucks, and a local vibe. Perfect if you want a small-town, community feel.

• Princeville: A planned resort area with condos, vacation rentals, and golf courses. Ideal for families or couples looking for amenities without being in the middle of town.

Best For: Nature lovers, those wanting a quieter stay, and travelers who don’t mind driving (the North Shore is farther from some of the island’s main attractions).

East Side (Coconut Coast): Kapaʻa & Wailua

Vibe: Central, convenient, and local.

We stayed in Kapaʻa, and it turned out to be the perfect home base for exploring. The East Side has a mix of affordable hotels, vacation rentals, and boutique stays. From here, you can easily reach the North Shore, South Shore, or even head toward Waimea Canyon on the West Side.

• Kapaʻa: A funky town with coffee shops, food trucks, bike rentals, and beach parks. It feels local but still tourist-friendly.

• Wailua: Known for the Wailua River, waterfalls, and more resorts than Kapaʻa.

Why We Loved It: Having a central location made it easy to drive around to different activities and beaches throughout the week. Plus, the food truck scene in Kapaʻa was a highlight!

Best For: First-time visitors, families, and those who want easy access to all corners of the island.

South Shore: Poʻipū

Vibe: Sunny, resort-style relaxation.

For the last few nights of our trip, we stayed in Poʻipū, and it was the perfect way to wind down. The South Shore is famous for its reliably sunny weather, sandy beaches, and luxury resorts. Poʻipū Beach is great for swimming and spotting sea turtles.

• Poʻipū Resorts: Ideal if you want the full vacation package with pools, beach access, and restaurants right on site.

Best For: Honeymooners, families, and travelers looking to relax in the sun with everything in one place.

West Side: Waimea & Hanapēpē

Vibe: Sleepy, rustic, and adventurous.

The West Side of Kauai is less touristy but worth considering if you want access to Waimea Canyon (the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) and Kōkeʻe State Park for hiking. Waimea is more local and historic, while Hanapēpē has an artsy, small-town vibe with galleries and the famous Friday Night Art Walk.

Best For: Hikers, off-the-beaten-path travelers, and those wanting fewer crowds.

So, Where Should You Stay?

For us, starting in Kapaʻa gave us a central spot to explore the island freely, and ending in Poʻipū was the perfect way to slow down, soak in the sun, and treat ourselves to a resort experience before heading home.