Where to Stay on Kaua‘i: A Guide to the Garden Isle’s Best Accommodations

Kaua‘i, the Garden Isle, is a stunning destination where lush rain forests meet pristine beaches, so where to stay on Kaua’i to explore the island best? Despite being a relatively small island, Kauai’s regions—North, East, South, and West—offer diverse experiences. One key detail to keep in mind is the island’s unique layout: a single main road runs along the perimeter, with no direct connection between the North and West coasts due to the rugged Napali Coast.

To fully enjoy Kauai’s variety, consider staying in multiple locations to minimize travel time between major attractions.

Disclaimer: During my trip, I partnered with Castle Resorts & Hotels, Hawaii’s only local hotel, condo resort, and vacation rental management company. Their properties are perfect for different types of travelers and provide an ideal base to explore every corner of the island. As everywhere on this blog, I only share things I absolutely recommend and think my readers will also love!

In this guide, I’ll share insights about four fantastic Castle Resorts properties and why they’re ideal for your Kaua‘i adventure.

Where to Stay on Kauai’s East Side and Explore the North Coast

The ISO Hotel by Castle Resorts

Location: Kapa‘a, 7 miles north of Līhu‘e Airport

Nestled on the Coconut Coast in the charming seaside town of Kapa‘a, The ISO (Island, Sky, Ocean) offers ocean-view accommodations with easy access to both the North Shore and East side of the island.

Key Features:

• 80 newly renovated guest rooms with private ocean-view lanais (covered porch)
• Beachfront property with pool (Waipouli Beach is just a short walk away)
• Daily morning yoga
• Complimentary beach cruisers
• Grab-and-go breakfast and water refill stations

Best For: Couples and solo travelers looking for a peaceful, scenic retreat with easy access to Kauai’s North Shore and nearby attractions.

What’s Nearby:

• Kapa‘a Town: Quaint shops and restaurants
• Hanalei Bay: Gateway to the Napali Coast
• Wailua River: Paddle to Secret Falls
• Opaeka‘a Falls: Easy to reach roadside stop
• Scenic Ka Ala Hele Make Beach bike path connecting beaches 5 mi north and 2 miles south from the property

Dining Tips: The Bull Shed, located on-property is known for its surf-and-turf dishes, Lemongrass Grill serves delicious Thai food, or stock up at the nearby Safeway for a picnic at the beach.

Castle Kaha Lani Resort (Oceanfront Condos)

Location: Coconut Coast, between Līhu‘e and Kapa‘a, only 5 miles from Lihue Airport

The oceanfront Kaha Lani Resort offers spacious suites surrounded by lush tropical gardens and direct beach access, making it an excellent choice for families or couples who value comfort and convenience.

Key Features:

• 74 casual oceanfront suites (1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms) with full kitchens and private lanais
• Heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, and BBQ grills
• Close proximity to Līhu‘e Airport, ideal for your first or last night on Kaua‘i

Best For: Couples and small families seeking a relaxed stay near beaches and East Coast activities.

What’s Nearby:

• Lydgate Beach Park: Great for snorkeling and family outings
• Wailua Falls: Stunning waterfalls just a short drive away
• Helicopter Tours: Depart from nearby Līhu‘e Airport

Dining Tip: Stop by Kaua‘i Bakery for local treats or grab fresh seafood at Konohiki Seafoods. The proximity to Lihue makes this resort a great hub to stock up for your time on Kauai in big grocery stores.

Where to Stay on Kauai’s South Side and Explore Waimea Canyon

Castle Po‘ipū Shores (Oceanfront Condos)

Location: Po‘ipū, 15 miles south of Līhu‘e Airport

Perched on a coastal cliff near the Spouting Horn, Castle Po‘ipū Shores combines breathtaking ocean views with spacious accommodations.

Key Features:

• 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites with private lanais
• Oceanfront pool and deck to watch crashing waves and sea turtled
• In-unit washers & dryers
• Close access to Po‘ipū Beach via a gated path

Best For: Families, small groups, and savvy travelers looking for stunning oceanfront views and proximity to Po‘ipū’s famous beaches.

What’s Nearby:

• Waimea Canyon: The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
• Po‘ipū Beach: Spot honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) at sunset
• Kōloa Town: Shops and galleries in historic plantation buildings, and Big Save Market for groceries

Dining Tip: Enjoy fresh poke at Kōloa Fish Market or shop at Po‘ipū Shopping Village for souvenirs and snacks.

Castle Kiahuna Plantation & Beach Bungalows

Location: Po‘ipū, directly on Kiahuna Beach

For a true beachfront experience, Castle Kiahuna Plantation offers charming plantation-style condos surrounded by 35 acres of lush tropical gardens.

Key Features:

• 333 condo suites (one or two bedrooms)
• Nestled in 35 acres of lush tropical gardens
• Fully equipped kitchens and private lanais
• Access to Po‘ipū Beach Athletic Club with pool, fitness center, and tennis courts
• Outdoor BBQs, perfect for grilling fresh local catch while enjoying the sunset

Best For: Couples and families seeking a tranquil beachside retreat with all the comforts of home.

What’s Nearby:

• Napali Coast Tours: Depart from Port Allen for a boat tour
• Waimea Canyon & Kōke‘e State Park: Hiking trails and scenic overlooks
• Snorkeling & Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world

Dining Tip: Don’t miss home-made dinner at Plantation Gardens or a sunset BBQ on your private lanai. Shops at Kukui’ula and Po’ipu like Whalers General Store, or Kukuiula Market provide local produce.

Why Stay at Castle Resorts Properties?

Castle Resorts & Hotels offer more than just a place to stay. With features like in-unit kitchens, washers and dryers, and a commitment to sustainable travel through their Mālama Hawai‘i program, these accommodations enhance your Kaua‘i experience while supporting local farmers and businesses.

Whether you’re exploring the rugged Napali Coast or soaking up the sun on Po‘ipū Beach, Castle Resorts has a property tailored to your needs.

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DISCLOSURE

We were invited by Castle Hotels & Resorts to stay and experience four different properties across Kaua’i . Like all articles on this blog, this review reflects my personal impressions and opinions.

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QUESTIONS & COMMENTS?

Which side of Kaua‘i will you stay on first? Let me know in the comments! Explore the blog for more adventures on Hawai’i and share this post with your friends and family!

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