5 Best Value Resorts or Hotels on Kauaʻi in 2024
These budget-friendly options mean you can splurge in other ways on the Garden Isle.
It’s no secret: Getting to Hawaiʻi isn’t cheap. Airfare—especially in the summer—is expensive, and then you need a hotel room and (we suggest) rental car. It adds up! So finding a hotel that fits your budget—but still offering all the must-have amenities (and beautiful views, too) helps. Here are the Top 5 value hotels on Kauaʻi, as voted by our readers in our HAWAIʻI Magazine 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
1. Waimea Plantation Cottages
Photo: Courtesy of Waimea Plantation Cottages
Located about 25 miles west of Līhuʻe Airport, this unique accommodations harkens back to the island’s plantation days. There are 59 one- to five-bedroom heritage plantation homes—they were built in the late 1880s to 1930s—on 43 oceanfront acres. The units are equipped with a full kitchen and private lānai, air conditioning and other essentials. Kids will love the pool and huge grassy area. The property is located just minutes from historic Waimea Town and Kōkeʻe State Park, with its miles of hiking trails and views of the Nāpali Coast. (It’s also great for destination weddings, as the grounds can accommodate large groups of people.) Although the oceanfront black sand beach is not ideal for swimming, it hosts incredible views of Niʻihau on clear days, and sunsets that rival anywhere else on the island. waimeaplantationcottages.com
2. Kaua‘i Shores Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of Kauaʻi Shores Hotel
Once an oceanfront inn and now an affordable boutique hotel, the Kauaʻi Shores Hotel is a no-frills option with updated rooms that have all the necessary comforts: air conditioning, high-speed WiFi (free!) and private open-air lānai. The property is adjacent to a coastal path—great for walking or biking—and a beach, where the hotel offers yoga. The popular Lava Lava Beach Club serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and its happy hour—3 to 4:30 p.m. daily—boasts small bites, drink discounts and island-inspired flatbreads. kauaishoreshotel.com
3. Marriott’s Kaua‘i Beach Club
Photo: Courtesy of Marriott’s Kaua‘i Beach Club
Located just a mile from Līhuʻe Airport, Marriott’s Kauaʻi Beach Club is steps from Kalapaki Beach and close to just about everything. (There’s even a complimentary airport shuttle to the hotel.) It offers a variety of accommodations, including parlors and condo-style villas with a gourmet center for preparing meals and ocean and garden views. There’s a 26,000-square-foot outdoor pool, a fitness center and a few dining options, including the popular Duke’s Kauaʻi. Free WiFi and no resort fees, too. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lihka-marriotts-kauai-beach-club/overview/
4. Hanalei Bay Resort
Photo: Courtesy of Hanalei Bay Resort
Located in Princeville on Kauaʻi’s north shore, Hanalei Bay Resort is a bit of a hidden treasure. This vacation rental condominium and timeshare resort has simple (and varying) room options depending on the owner. The property is stunning, with breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay past the tennis courts and a lively nightlife with live music and extra aloha at the scenic Happy Talk Lounge. The tropical landscaping, view, waterfall and mini “beach” add character to the already lovely pool experience, and the lava rock hot tub is just as relaxing as it is Instagram-worthy. The concierge staff is very welcoming, and the privacy and serenity of the location is unmatched. hanaleibayresort.com
Photo: Courtesy of Castle Kaha Lani Resort
This hidden gem is right on the ocean on Kauaʻi’s Coconut Coast in Līhuʻe. This condo resort boasts resort-style accommodations with all the comforts of home, including full kitchens, laundry facilities, private lānai, DVD rentals in the lobby, and free parking and WiFi. Its central location is ideal for exploring the island, as you’re close to beaches, museums, restaurants and attractions like Wailua River State Park and Lydgate Beach Park. Or cruise at the hotel’s heated swimming pool or barbecue as the sun goes down. That works, too. castleresorts.com/kauai/kaha-lani-resort
See all of the winners of our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in our latest issue, which you can buy here. Better yet, subscribe and get HAWAIʻI Magazine delivered to right to your mailbox.
Every experience is independently chosen by our editors. Bookings through our links may earn us a commission.
