Kauai, the “Garden Isle,” is the greenest and most laid-back of the main Hawaiian islands, with the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and long sandy beaches. Development is low-rise, so the choice is mostly resorts, condos and small inns spread around the island’s coastal towns.
Finding cheap rooms in Kauai is easier when you know where to look. We compare live hotel rates across the top booking sites and point you to the neighborhoods where hotels are cheap but the location is still great.
Kauai’s Nawiliwili Harbor, next to Lihue, is a regular port of call on Hawaiian Islands cruises.
The sunny south shore, with beaches, resorts and many condo rentals.
The east side, often the best value on the island, central for exploring north and south.
The island’s main town, near the airport and Nawiliwili Harbor.
The lush north shore, with dramatic scenery — beautiful but often pricier and rainier in winter.
Zoom and pan the map to compare hotel prices by neighborhood; rates come live from the booking sites.
Spring and fall bring the best mix of weather and hotel deals; winter is peak season and the north shore sees big surf and more rain.
The east side around Kapaa and Lihue usually has the best-value hotels and condos; Poipu and Princeville tend to cost more.
The south shore around Poipu is generally the sunniest; the north shore is greener and wetter, especially in winter.
Yes, for most visitors — public transit is limited and the sights are spread around the island.