Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Stay at these editor-loved properties and T+L award winners in sunny Hawaii.
Credit:The Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort
Expect to do some walking at this spread-out resort, as its situated on 50 acres.
(Fear not, child-free travelers: theres also a quiet adults-only pool.)
Additionally, theres a 1.5-acre saltwater lagoon that offers a sandy beach complete with swim-out islands.
Hyatt
Tidepools restaurant offers fine dining under thatched-roof bungalows perched above a koi-filled lagoon at the base of a waterfall.
Be prepared to splash out for rooms here, with starting rates in the four figures.
Streams and gardens dot the property, where there are 252 airy rooms, including 51 suites.
1Hotels
And the 10,000 square-foot Anatomy fitness center is an open-air oceanfront environment with indoor and outdoor yoga spaces.
When it comes to setting, this was one of the most stunning hotels I’ve stayed in.
It’s a wellness-focused hotel, and the spa, gym, and wellness programming are top notch.
The Meritage Collection
Still, I think it could be just as ideal for a girls' getaway.
The pool is on the smaller side, and the restaurant closes early.
Rooms and suites were renovated in 2022, and all feature balconies or private lanais.
Timbers Kauai at Hokuala
The resort offers direct beach access; its the closest resort to the beach on the island.
The property also features an expansive oceanfront lawn and fire pits.
In partnership with Envoy, you could reserve a private Tesla during your stay to explore the island.
Greogry Blore / The Lodge at Kukui’ula
Koa Kea earned a place on our Worlds Best Awards list in 2023.
A convenient location near the airport also means airplane noise under the flight path.
The two- to four-bedroom residences and townhomes each offer at least three private lanais as well as ocean views.
Marriott
Theres also a kids club available.
Timbers scored a spot in our Worlds Best Awards in 2022.
Services here are focused more on club members than hotel guests.
Marriott
Each spacious home has a gourmet kitchen, dining area, roomy lanai, and private outdoor garden showers.
Theyre all walking distance from the club and its services.
While colorful and cheerful, rooms may feel dated.
Marriott
This hotel offers a knockout beachfront location, offering guests direct access to the peaceful Royal Coconut Coast.
The large windows offer views of the lush tropical gardens, pool, mountains, and sea.
Complete the experience with beachside yoga and dining at Lava Lava Beach Club.
Marriott
Bike rentals are included with the resort fee.
The cliffside location means no direct beach access.
This family-friendly cliffside vacation ownership resort is near Anini Beach and a short drive from Hanalei Bay.
Dining options include the Princeville Bistro or Nanea Bar & Grill.
Theres a 24-hour fitness studio as well as outdoor pools overlooking the ocean.
The property offers spacious villa vacation rentals, just right for groups or multigenerational family travel.
Theres a two-level pool, whirlpool spa, and fitness center offering group fitness classes.
The rocky beach doesnt make for ideal swimming.
The property features an infinity pool with separate sides for children and adults.
Plus, theres on-site dining at The Crooked Surf, Moa Moa, and Luau Ka Hikina.
Rooms boast mini fridges and private lanais.
Hospitality and housekeeping services may be spotty.
Rooms feature views of the ocean, gardens, or pool.
It also has a great pool complex.
This is not a beachfront property.
Studios have kitchenettes and full-size washer/dryers and the villas have full kitchens and private bathrooms for every bedroom.
Theres also the Lagoon pool with an island, lagoon, basketball hoop, and fire pits.
A smaller pool with waterfalls is for adults only.
The hotel is just a short walk from the Shops at Kukuiula Village.
Rideshare and taxis work too, but they can be expensive and not as plentiful as on the mainland.
Some hotels run shuttles on a schedule, and there is also a public bus system.
Expect precipitation
Kauai is generally warm and tropical year round, with substantial rain.
December and January popular months for travel from the mainland see the most rain.
Several of these hotels have also been voted into their respective categories in the Worlds Best Awards byT+L readers.
All of our hotel recommendations also align with ourT+L Hotel Values.
